You must first take and pass the Massachusetts Civil Service Exam and you must reside in the City of Springfield for one full year prior to the date of the exam.

Do not contact the Springfield Police Academy directly, please contact Civil Service at (617) 878-9700 or civilservice@mass.gov.

The test is administered by the state every two years.

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/civil-service-examination-schedule

As early as possible based on the schedule provided in the link in previous FAQ.  In 2021, the test was administered in June and signups began in January.

The 2021 exam was $100.

You must be 21 years old at the time of appointment.

You cannot be older than 65, as Massachusetts law requires Police Officers to retire at 65.

You must be a high school graduate or have received your G.E.D.

It is not required that you attended college.

It is approximately a 6-month process.

No, you cannot have any other outside employment. Recruits in the Police Academy do get paid and receive benefits.

No, but you need to have the ability to obtain a License to Carry (LTC).

The Civil Service Exam is open to the public. To be accepted into the Springfield Police Academy; A) you need the ability to obtain a License to Carry in Massachusetts, B) you need the ability to obtain a Massachusetts Driver's License and C) you must successfully complete a background investigation.

You need to establish residency in the city for one year prior to taking the Civil Service Exam. You can move after you take the exam, but must return to live in the city if you are hired. You do not need to maintain residency between when you take the Exam and you are hired.

It is a personal decision, but recommended that you do retake the exam for various reasons that you may lead you to not complete the Academy.

Approximately two years, or until the next list is certified. Once a new list is certified the old list is no longer considered.

Civil Service, which is run by the Commonwealth, will notify you of your score.

You will be notified if the Springfield Police Department has reached your name on the eligibility entry list. At this point you will be asked to officially sign the certified list and then fill out an application packet. You will have seven days to return the packet and follow all instructions completely. If all paperwork is completed successfully an investigation will begin your background check. Once successfully completed you will have a formal interview before the Command Staff and the Police Commissioner. If you pass the interview you will be asked to complete a medical examination and then a physical assessment. After successful completion of all the assessments you will be offered conditional seating in the Police Academy Recruit Class. Orientation begins approximately 3-4 weeks before the next Academy. Passing the Exam does not guarantee you a spot in the Police Academy. Applicants are accepted by score and needs. The Springfield Police Department will contact you if you are accepted, please don’t call us.

No, you do not live at the Springfield Police Academy during the approximately 6 months of training. You are responsible for arriving before the day begins and carpooling is encouraged.

You will work during all shifts throughout your training, including but not limited to overnights, weekends, holidays and in inclement weather.

This varies widely as it is based on need. From the 2017 exam, Springfield selected approximately 55 recruits. Not all recruits in every class are seeking entry in the Springfield Police Department. Some recruits are from other municipalities in Massachusetts.

You must pay for the written examination, which is $100. There is a $150 Physical Abilities Test Fee. Then you must have your required gear by day one of the Academy. This could cost in excess of $1,000. The Springfield Police Department does not require all of the items on the Municipal Police Training Committee’s list, but see the link for an idea of what may be required.

2017 Equipment List

There is no tuition fee for Springfield Police Recruits to take part in the Academy, as you are paid by the city of Springfield.

You are expected to be in excellent physical condition when you begin the Academy. In July 2019, an entrance physical exam will be implemented before beginning the Academy. It will consist of a time run, push-ups, sit-ups and 300-meter dash.

Disabled Veterans, Veterans, Police Cadets, Firefighters and children of Police Officers killed in the line of duty will move to the top of the Certified List.

If you are a police officer in another municipality, you will need to take the Civil Service Exam and go through the Springfield Police Academy.  Transfers are based on the discretion of the Police Commissioner and at this time, the current Commissioner does not accept transfers.  Please refer to Civil Service and the Municipal Police Training Committee for questions about waivers.