Cadet Qualifications

  • Age  - Cadet applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 19 years of age to process, and between 18 and 20 years of age to be hired.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen (for more information regarding qualifications of US citizenship, please visit http://www.uscis.gov/us-citizenship)
  • Residency - Applicants do not need to be a Maryland resident to process. However, they must become a Maryland resident on the date of appointment as cadet 
  • Must have a high school diploma or a G.E.D.
  • Must possess a valid Driver's License in any state and a satisfactory driving record, current driving record cannot exceed 3 points, in the event you exceed this requirement please wait to apply until you are at or below 3 points
  • Must have a satisfactory driving record
  • Must be in excellent physical condition
  • Binocular visual acuity must be 20/20 with or without correction
  • Have a good reputation and sound moral character
  • Not have any current court orders relating to domestic violence
  • Be truthful in every stage of the application process  

An individual is ineligible for initial certification as a trooper or cadet if the individual has:

Illegally used a controlled dangerous substance, narcotic drug, or marijuana for any purpose within the 3 years before application for certification.