Montana Highway Patrol Trooper

The Montana Highway Patrol (MHP)maintains jurisdiction over the highways of the fourth largest state in the country. MHP Troopers perform a vast array of tasks from providing education and maintaining traffic safety, to intercepting the transit of illegal narcotics, contraband, and weapons, as well as detecting human trafficking and other criminal activity that takes place on our highways. Our goal is to serve Montana’s citizens fairly, professionally, and compassionately.

Montana Highway Patrol Troopers are responsible for the enforcement of criminal and motor vehicle and highway safety laws on highways according to state and federal statutes, as well as vehicular crash investigations.

Initial screening will take place on November 9, 2026.Candidates successful in the initial screening process will be eligible/invited to participate in National Police Officer Selection Testing . The testing will be administered virtually. Candidates eligible to continue in the process will be provided testing dates via email.

The dates for the virtual testing are November 16 - 19, 2026.

Candidates passing each phase may be eligible to proceed to the next phases in the selection process. The next phases include a One-on-One Interview and Row Test, Conditional Offer phase including Personal History Questionnaire and additional paperwork completion/supporting documents, Fingerprinting, Background Investigation and Psychological Testing, and Conditional Offer Testing.

The start date for selected Entry Level Trooper candidates is March 15, 2027, to begin the first portion of the MHP Advanced Academy. The Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) Law Enforcement Officer Basic Course will begin on April 7, 2027, in Helena, MT.

During the Basic Academy, all uniforms, weapons, gear, housing, and meals are provided (except for days off). After graduating from the MLEA Basic Academy on June 30, 2027, candidates will move on to the MHP Advanced Academy in Boulder, MT.

The start date for selected Lateral Level Trooper candidates is June 28 – July 2, 2027. All uniforms, weapons, gear, housing, and meals are provided (except for days off). Out of state laterals will be required to attend a Legal Equivalency (LEQ) course as well as Standard Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) April 26 – May 7, 2027. Lateral candidates will receive compensation for this training.

During the academies, candidates are considered a State of Montana employee and are eligible for State of Montana benefits and will receive compensation at $32.00 per hour for entry level candidates, and $34.25 per hour for lateral candidates.

After successfully completing the MHP Advanced Academy, candidates will be sworn in as Troopers. Upon being sworn in as a Trooper, the minimum starting pay is $34.25 per hour. After successful completion of a Trooper’s probationary year, the minimum pay is $35.71. The Troopers have a career ladder, and increases are based upon longevity.

For moredetailedinformation regarding the duties, working conditions, physical demands, and competencies, please view the MHP Homepage.

VETERANS! The Montana Highway Patrol participates in the VA Education Benefits Program which provides Veterans education benefits during the probationary period.

Per MCA 7-32-303 , at the time of application, the candidate must:

• Be 18 years of age.
• Be a United States citizen.
• Possess a high school diploma or have passed the general education development test and have been issued an equivalency certificate by an appropriate issuing agency.
• Possess a valid driver's license and meet the qualifications to operate a department vehicle, which is required by state and department policies.

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