Frequently Asked Questions

To apply for a position with UHP, you must meet the following criteria:

• Age: 21 years or older.
• Education: High School Diploma or GED.
• Citizenship: United States citizen OR a lawful resident who has been in the U.S. legally for at least five (5) years with legal authorization to work.

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To apply, you must possess a valid Class D Driver License from your current state of residence. If hired, you will be required to obtain a valid Utah Driver License.

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No. We do not have a maximum age limit for applicants.

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Certain legal or behavioral history may disqualify you from service. Please review our detailed list of potential disqualifying factors before applying.

View Disqualifying Factors
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UHP maintains a strict professional appearance standard. Please read the following carefully:

• Visibility: Troopers cannot have any visible tattoos while wearing the Class “C” short-sleeve uniform.
• Coverings: Sleeves, makeup, or masking materials are not authorized to cover tattoos while in short-sleeve uniform.
• Removal: If you have a visible tattoo, you may still apply if you are willing to remove it. If hired, you have 18 months from your hire date to complete the removal.
• Waivers: There are no waivers for the tattoo policy.

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Yes. We require a passing score of 70% in each category (Math, Reading, Writing, and Grammar).

• Deadline: You must complete the NPOST by the time you finish the Physical Assessment Test.
• Location: Offered at most College or University Testing Centers.
• Cost: Approximately $40.

Get NPOST Information
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The process typically takes 4–6 months. It is comprehensive to ensure we select the best candidates. Steps include:

1. Physical Assessment
2. Frontline Testing
3. Captain’s Interview
4. Background Investigation
5. Major’s Interview
6. Polygraph Examination
7. Psychological Evaluation
8. Medical Examination

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Yes! We welcome out-of-state applicants. Please plan for travel: you will be required to travel to Utah on two separate occasions over a period of 6 months during the hiring process.

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1. Utah POST Academy (Certification): Located in Sandy, Utah. It is 16 weeks long.

2. UHP Trooper Academy (Specifics): After POST, you will attend a 5-week academy tailored specifically to UHP policy and standards.

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It depends on where you live:

• Commuters: If you live within 50 miles of the academy, you will commute Monday through Friday.
• Dorms: If you live further than 50 miles (or are from out of state), you are eligible for a dorm room Sunday night through Friday.

Note: Dorm eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. Cadets return home on weekends.

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Yes. If UHP hires and sponsors you, you are a full-time employee receiving a salary while attending POST.

Self-Sponsor Reimbursement: If you recently self-sponsored through a Utah POST satellite academy, UHP offers a $5,000 training reimbursement upon hiring.

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We strive for transparency in assignments. During the hiring process, you will submit a ranked list of your preferred work locations.

While assignments are based on department needs, we attempt to place new Troopers in one of their preferred areas. Your specific assignment will be included with your job offer, so you can make an informed decision.

Note: After completing one year in your initial area, you are eligible to apply for transfers.

View Residency Map & Requirements
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Yes. UHP values your experience and will match your years of service up to 13 years for pay purposes.

• In-State Laterals: Apply during any open recruitment period.
• Out-of-State Laterals: Apply during any open recruitment period. You must contact POST to take the LEO Waiver Test.

Lateral Academy: All lateral hires attend a 6-week UHP-specific academy. If an out-of-state lateral does not pass the LEO Waiver Test by the time of the job offer, they may attend the full academy.

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