Testing Schedule:

Candidates must participate in a written and physical agility test to be considered. Below is a listing of our upcoming testing dates. Click a date to learn more about the position and apply to come to testing.

• February 17 - written exam only
• March 3
• April 14

*We will be accepting applications for these testing dates soon. Contact a Recruiter to stay in touch, or subscribe to be alerted.

The ability to apply for upcoming test dates will become available as the year goes on.

• 5/19/2023
• 6/16/2023
• 8/11/2023
• 9/15/2023
• 10/6/2023

Qualifications:

All candidates must possess high school diploma or GED.

Additionally, any of the following options fulfill the necessary qualifications to test with us:

• 30 semester hours from an accredited college or university;

OR

• Class A POST certified peace officer or currently enrolled in a Class A POST program with successful passing of POST exam within six months of application deadline; 

OR

• Two years of experience as a Police Services Representative;

OR

• Two years of active duty military service with an honorable discharge; 

OR 

• Four years of honorable military service in national guard or armed forces reserves; 

OR 

• Missouri Class B certification as a peace officer plus at least two years of full time law enforcement experience within the last 5 years; 

Additional requirements include the following:

• U.S. citizen;  
• 21 years of age at commission;
• Excellent physical condition;
• No felony convictions;
• No conviction for domestic assault;
• No DWI, DUI, or BAC conviction within the past three years;
• May not have been at fault in more than one traffic accident in the past twelve months;
• Meet vision and hearing standards;
• No objectionable tattoos and no head, face or neck tattoos.

See Police Recruit Job Description for more information.

See information on Police Lateral qualifications.

Our Academy prepares you for a successful career serving and protecting the Springfield community, and has been recognized as one of the best programs in the state. We are unique in that we run our own Police Academy; Recruits are paid employees of the City and receive benefits during the 6-month long academy. Upon graduation, you will become a Police Officer and automatically receive a pay raise. New Police Officers also receive 13 weeks of field training with experienced Field Training Officers. 

Our experienced and professional training staff will equip you with modern policing tactics, prepare you to obtain and maintain your POST certification, and provide an in-depth understanding of local and state law. Our Academy is both mentally and physically demanding, with a balance of hands-on training, classroom work, and physical fitness. 

Our Police Academy is recognized by several local colleges, and offers transferrable General Study credits to Officers who wish to pursue a degree during their career. 

Questions? Contact Officer Anderson.

The selection process includes the following elements:

• Written exam
• Physical agility test
• Interview
• Background investigation
• Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment must then complete post-offer testing including a polygraph examination, pre-employment drug testing, a medical examination and a psychological evaluation.

Written Exam

If you want to purchase resources to help you prepare for the written exam, you can purchase the Practice Test for $15 and the Study Guide for $5 here

If you have any questions regarding the testing and selection process for Police Officer, please contact the Recruiting Officer at 417-864-1796 or by e-mail at [email protected]

Interview

Review our interview advice here.

Physical Agility Test

Candidates will perform a series of linked exercises that simulate necessary job functions of the Police Officer position and shall include but not be limited to the following:

• 100 meter sprint 
• Pushing a vehicle 15 feet 
• Vertical jump 
• 6-foot wall climb 
• 3-foot wall climb 
• Window climb 
• Dummy drag 
• Subject resistance 
• Stair climb 
• Trigger pull

The above series of job simulated exercises will take place on a continuous 1/2-mile course where the candidate will run or continuously move throughout the course. Candidates must successfully engage all tasks associated with each exercise on the course. The 1/2-mile course must be completed in a maximum time of 7:05. 

Preparing for Testing

This test shall be considered physically demanding and it is vitally important for applicants to properly prepare for the test. Prepare both physically and mentally for the test. 

1. Come recovered, with at least 24-48 hours from any other physical activity prior to this testing.
2. Hydrate properly, at least 24 hours prior to participating in this testing.  
3. Consume a light meal 1-2 hours prior to the physical agility testing, so you have adequate energy levels to help facilitate a better performance.
4. Proper rest prior to testing is also recommended (7-8 hours of sleep).

Selection

Candidates who pass all phases of the selection process will be confirmed to start with the next scheduled SPD Academy. SPD typically runs two, six-month academies per year. 

SPD is unique in that we run our own academy; Recruits are paid employees of the City, and receive benefits during the academy. Upon graduation, Police Recruits move to Police Officers and receive an automatic pay raise. New Officers also receive 13 weeks of field training with a Field Training Officer.

We welcome candidates from near and far and strive to make the testing and relocation process easier. If you are considering relocating, click here to learn about our wonderful community.

Testing

To help with costs incurred from traveling to participate in entry testing, travel vouchers are provided.

Follow-up Testing and Post Offer

During the post-offer phase of the Officer selection process, on-site testing is required such as a polygraph and psychological examination. Testing is coordinated and accommodations are made so that the least amount of travel is required of our candidates. Additional assistance is available to help with costs incurred for both Police Recruits and Lateral Officer candidates.

Relocation

We love welcoming new Officers to our wonderful community. To make things easier, we offer relocation reimbursement. This benefit is offered to both new Recruits and Lateral Officer candidates.

View Police Officer benefits.

Police Recruits start at $44,720 during the 6-month Academy.

Upon graduation, Police Recruits become Police Officers and receive an automatic pay increase to $49,192.

Each year, with a satisfactory evaluation, Officers receive a pay increase. 

Below is each step in our pay scale.   

View Lateral Officer pay information.