Frequently Asked Questions
- Must I reside in New York or New Jersey to be eligible to participate in the written examination process?
No.
- Do I need to possess a valid New York State or New Jersey State driver's license to participate in the written examination process?
You must possess a valid driver's license from your state of residence at least 14 days prior to appointment to the police academy training program. This does not need to be a NY/NJ license.
- Must I have prior police experience to apply for the Port Authority Police Officer Position?
No. Prior police experience is not a requirement to become a Port Authority Police Officer.
- Am I able to be a PAPD Police Officer if I was convicted of a felony?
No. A felony conviction makes you ineligible.
- What do I need to do if I previously applied to the Police Officer position but have not been randomly selected to take the written test?
If you applied to the Police Officer recruitment in 2022 and were not randomly selected, you will have an opportunity to re-apply during a future application period. Please continue to monitor the PAPDrecruit website and your email inbox for updates.
- How often will the Port Authority open up applications to test for the Port Authority Police Officer position?
Application periods are open based on the hiring needs of the Port Authority Police Department.
- What will I do if I am claiming a fee exemption and what documentation do I need to provide if I am claiming a fee exemption?
If you are claiming a fee exemption, you will be asked to provide documentation of your situation, which should include one of the following:
- General Assistance - Please provide a copy of your ID card and documentation on letterhead from the social service agency in your state, dated within the past month.
- Public Assistance in the form of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)/Family Assistance or Safety Net Assistance - Please provide a copy of your ID card and documentation on letterhead from the social service agency in your state, dated within the past month.
- Eligible for Medicaid, or receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - Please provide a copy of your latest annual awards letter and a copy of your ID card that shows your Medicaid number.
- Certified Job Training Partnership Act/Workforce Investment Act/WorkFirst NJ Act eligible through a state or local social service agency - Please provide a copy of your ID card and documentation on letterhead from the social service agency in your state, dated within the past month.
- Veteran / Military - Please provide a copy of your DD214, which must show an honorable discharge.
- Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran - Please provide a copy of your spouses DD214, showing an honorable discharge and a disablility code (if applicable), Marriage License, Death Certificate (if applicable)
- When and where will The Port Authority Police Officer Written Examination be administered?
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has partnered with Performance Assessment Network (PAN), a leader in computer-based test administration, to administer the PAPD Police Officer examination. You will be able to select from available PAN testing center in New York or New Jersey in which you wish to take the examination.
- I am having problems with the application/registration system.
Contact PSI at [email protected] and you should get a response within 24 hours.
- Why does the Port Authority do a random selection vs. a rank ordered List?
Rather than test all applicants for a limited number of Academy openings, we randomly select a smaller number of candidates to participate in the evaluation process. Those who qualify on the process will have a chance at placement into the next Police Academy. Those not randomly selected who continue to meet eligibility requirements can reapply in subsequent recruitments.
- What are my chances of getting randomly selected?
You would have as good a chance as any other applicant given the process is truly a random selection.
- If I am not randomly selected to proceed in the process, do I get my Application fee refunded?
No. All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- How many people will be randomly selected?
This is subject to change based upon the required class size.
- How/when will I be notified if I am randomly selected?
You will receive an email shortly after the end of the application period.
- I received an email/letter inviting me to participate in the next Police Academy Process. However, I am over the age of 35?
If you are over 35, and are not a U.S. military veteran, or the spouse of a disabled or deceased U.S. military veteran, then you are not eligible.
- Are current law enforcement officers over the age of 35 eligible?
No. We only offer age credit for U.S. military service.
- By when do I need to have the 60 credits, 2 years active U.S. military veteran, or proof of spouse of disabled or deceased U.S. military veteran?
After you pass the PPT, you will be invited to the Background Event Process. Candidates would have up to 3months typically to gather required documentation.
- Is there a fee waiver for Veterans?
Yes – For those who follow the payment waiver procedures and submit the required documentation (DD214) within the required timeframe.
- I am unavailable during the written testing period. Can I get a make-up?
Only those on military duty are eligible for a written test make-up with accompanying documentation (DD214)
- What is the pass point for the written test?
The pass point will be determined after the test period has been concluded and the test data analyzed.
- How/when will I be notified of the written test results?
You will receive an email shortly after the testing period ends.
- I did not receive my written test results
Check your email - including junk and spam.
- I cannot produce an official transcript because I have a balance owed to my school – what should I do?
You will need to pay your bill with your school and fix your status. You will need to show us proof that you applied for your transcript so that we know we will be receiving it.
- Can I be deferred because I am still in school?
No, we do not offer school deferrals. If you choose to opt out, your name will be removed from the list and you would be required to re-apply.
- If I'm deferred to the next Police Academy class will I be starting the entire process over?
No. The step you reached last (e.g., medical/psychological) is where you will pick up.
- If I pass all phases of this process, am I guaranteed a spot in the Police Academy class?
No. There is a limit on the number of recruits who can enter the the Police Academy class. If this limit is reached, you will be deferred to the next Police Academy class.
- If hired, where can I be assigned to work? Can I choose my location?
While your location preference will be taken into consideration, rank based on Academy performance and Agency need, primarily determine Command Assignment.
- I took the written psychological examination, when will I be contacted to schedule my oral psychological interview?
If successful at the Background Event, your applicant investigative report file is forwarded for review to the Candidate Review Board. Upon recommendation, you will be contacted to proceed to the next step being the psychological interview.
- How will I be contacted during the psychological and medical process?
You must actively check your e-mail and please ensure that your phone’s voicemail inbox is clear to accept messages.
- How will I be contacted of my psychological/medical results?
Upon final review of your psychological/medical folder, candidates will receive email correspondence of their status in the process.
- What if I am not medically cleared in time to start the Police Academy?
Candidates will be medically deferred (1 time only) to the next Police Academy process and will be required to undergo a follow-up medical for final clearance.
