NYPD Cadet

Police Cadet · NYPD

Get paid $19.51 an hour at the NYPD while you're in college, with up to $20,000 in tuition help.

$19.51 an hour, per the Cadet page on NYPD Recruit (read September 30, 2026). Part time while school is in session, full time in summer.

Pay

$19.51/hr

The work

Screenings, a fitness test, then a short academy

Exam

No exam. Apply directly

Residency

Required to apply: you must live in NYC

Timeline

The Cadet page doesn't say how long processing takes.

Check yourself

Do you meet the requirements?

Check every box that's true for you. Your answers stay on this device.

I'm between 18 and 33 The Cadet page: "no younger than 18 years of age, and no older than 33." I'm enrolled in an associate's or bachelor's program at a college in NYC, Nassau or Westchester The Cadet FAQ also says you must be a full-time student. I live in New York City The Cadet page: "Be a New York City resident." I have fewer than 100 college credits You can start with 0 credits. 100 is the most you can have to enter. I'm a U.S. citizen, or will be within two years of being hired or graduating Whichever of those comes first.

The process

6 steps. That's the whole process.

0 of 6 steps

Done: Go to a Cadet orientation

NYPD Recruit lists upcoming Cadet orientations on its Cadet page, with the date, time and place. Wear business attire. Questions: 212-RECRUIT, or the Cadet Corps at 718-670-9722.

Cadet orientations and how to apply (NYPD Recruit)

Done: Apply

Apply through NYPD Recruit. There's no civil service exam to become a Cadet.

NYPD Recruit Cadet page (official)

Done: Pass the screenings

A character and background investigation, a drug screening, and the Job Standard Test, a timed obstacle course you finish in 4 minutes 28 seconds without stopping. You must be free of any felony convictions. Be honest and complete on every form.

Done: Train at the Police Academy

3 to 4 weeks at the Police Academy before your job assignment. After that, monthly training on the third Saturday of each month.

Done: Work around your classes

$19.51 an hour. At least 21 hours a month and no more than 34 a week while school is in session, usually 4 to 8 hours a day. Full time in summer. Keep a 2.0 GPA and at least 12 credits a semester. Tuition help: up to $20,000 ($2,500 to $5,000 a semester, for up to four semesters). It comes as a check paid to you, not to your school (Police sources, on background), and you don't pay it back after two years as a New York City Police Officer.

Done: Take the Police Officer exam as a Cadet

Take the first Police Officer exam available while you're a Cadet. For you it counts as a promotional exam, and 70 passes. To be appointed a Police Officer you still need to meet that title's requirements, including age 20 and a half and 24 college credits with a 2.0 GPA.

The Police Officer guide

NYPD Cadet

Do you meet the requirements?

6 steps. That's the whole process.

New jobs that need no experience, by email.

Straight from the city.