Missouri State Highway Patrol

Commercial Vehicle Officer Career FAQs

• How do I apply for the Missouri State Highway Patrol?
A: Please follow the link to the Public Login. https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HRIS/external/applicantHome.do. Once a user name and password is set up, you will need to complete the profile.
• I have applied before and did not make it. Will I be notified of the next testing?
A: No, you will not be notified. If you have completed a profile previously you will need to go in and reapply during the next selection process.
• I want to send in my resume and letters of recommendation. Where do I send them?
A: There is no need to submit a resume, letter of reference, or recommendation. If you reach the background investigation stage of the process, it may be beneficial to provide references and additional documentation to the officer completing the background investigation so it may be reviewed by the Oral Interview Board.
• How long is the academy?
A: The academy is approximately 21 weeks long.
• Where is the academy?
A: The Highway Patrol's Law Enforcement Academy is located in Jefferson City, Missouri, at the General Headquarters Complex.
• How much does the training cost?
A: If you are selected to attend the academy, you are hired as a full-time Patrol employee and the academy is at the expense of the Patrol.
• I am a police officer or currently certified in Missouri or another state. Can I transfer into the Highway Patrol as a Commercial Vehicle Officer?
A: As a Commercial Vehicle Officer one of the requirements is a Missouri Class A POST License. If you are an Out of State applicant you will need to contact Missouri Department of Public Safety Peace Officer Standards and Training Program at 573-751-3409 to see if you qualify to take the Missouri Class A POST Veteran Officer Exam. All current Missouri Class A POST certified officers who have received a final offer will attend an accelerated 7-week academy.
• What can I do to prepare myself for the Highway Patrol's testing?
A: The first phase of testing consists of reading comprehension and writing skills. The current test is multiple choice and explained in the Selection Process Description. You may visit your local library or adult learning center to obtain information or materials that may help you in this form of testing. Be sure you have adequate sleep and eat properly prior to taking the test. For the physical testing, refer to the Physical Agility Test. It will obviously benefit you to be in the best physical condition to complete the test and score well. A routine regimen of light aerobic activity, calisthenics, and stretching is recommended.
• I have a tattoo. Is that okay?
A: Highway Patrol General Order 26-07 requires the following: "Uniformed civilian employees will not have tattoos or brands that a reasonable person would find offensive, such as tattoos or brands depicting or supporting criminal behavior, drug usage, nudity, profanity, promiscuity, subversive groups, bigotry, etc. Uniformed civilian employees will not have tattoos or brands on the head, neck, wrists, or hands. Tattoos and/or brands on any other part of a uniformed civilian’s body, which would be visible during movements in the performance of their duties while wearing any official uniform or civilian attire, will be completely covered and not visible while on duty."