Step 1: Apply online.

Go to the MTA jobs portal and search "police" to see current open positions. Next, select the MTA Police Officer position and complete the online application. If you pass the preliminary screening related to the relevant qualifications for the position, you will enter a selection pool. We randomly select applicants from the pool to take a written test for further consideration.

MTA Jobs Portal

Please note: The email account associated with your online application is how we will get in touch with you about the application process. You must keep your email address and application information updated. If your address, telephone number, name, or email address changes, update your application by logging into the site using your account information. Click on the Update Contact Information link on the application homepage.

Step 2: Take the written exam.

To qualify for the written exam, you must:

1. Be a U.S. citizen; and
2. Have a high school diploma or GED; and
3. Be at least 19, but no more than 35 years of age, as of the date of the examination. If you are older than 35 but have a period of active military duty or terminal leave, we subtract your time of service from your age. We will not subtract more than six years.

If you are randomly selected and verify that you still meet the requirements, you will receive instructions on how to provide the application fee. The fee is $40 and is non-refundable.

Getting your results

Exam results are normally provided within 8-10 weeks after the examination date and will be sent to the email address in your online application. If you did not receive an email from us, check your spam and junk mail folders. If you still can't find your results, send us an email with your name, address, daytime phone number, and a current email address.

Requests for information should be sent to bscservice@mtabsc.org. For questions, please contact the Business Service Center at 646-376-0123.

Step 3: Additional steps and requirements.

Applicants that pass the written examination test may be invited to the next stages of the recruitment process, which may include:

• A physical fitness test using the Cooper Standards for Physical Fitness;
• A panel interview;
• A background investigation;
• Medical examination;
• Polygraph examination;
• Psychological evaluation;
• Successful completion of the curriculum at the Police Academy, and
• A probationary period.

Please note: Passing the written examination or any other step does not guarantee selection for further steps. The hiring process can take anywhere from eight months to three years or more. The length of time depends on the number of applicants and the MTA's hiring needs.

Preparing for the physical fitness test

We recommend that you take immediate action to prepare for the physical fitness test. Refer to Cooper Standards for test requirements. Please note, Cooper Standards are subject to change.

Background check

All candidates will be required to complete a background investigation. Felony and some misdemeanor convictions will disqualify candidates. If we select you for a background check, you will be required to pay $75 for fingerprint screening.

Previous police academy experience

If you are currently a sworn police officer and have previously attended a police academy, you may not be required to attend the academy again. That will depend on which academy you attended. This will be confirmed during the background investigation.

Step 4: Getting appointed.

If you have passed the written exam and physical fitness test, the next step in the process is the panel interview. At the time of the panel interview, you will have to confirm the following:

• You possess a valid driver’s license;
• You also must have either:
  • A minimum of 60 credits with a 2.0 average from an accredited college at the time of the panel interview (The Emergency Management Institute is not an accredited college); or
  • Have 2 years satisfactory, full-time active service as a sworn police officer; or
  • Have 2 years active duty U.S. military experience with an honorable discharge.

In addition, on your date of hire, you must:

• Be at least 21 years of age at the date of appointment; and
• Live in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut at the date of appointment. The residency requirement will continue for your term of employment with the MTA Police Department.