Highway Patrol Careers

Want an exciting and rewarding career?

If you are looking for a rewarding, fast-paced and exciting career, then applying to one of South Carolina’s largest law enforcement agencies is your answer!

Only the most highly qualified candidates are accepted into our agency. A career with the South Carolina Highway Patrol is not easy, but the rewards, both professional and personal, are extremely satisfying.

Start your journey today. Apply here!

Why choose the SC Highway Patrol?

There are many reasons why you should choose the SC Highway Patrol:

SC Highway Patrol Overview

The mission of the South Carolina Highway Patrol is to provide equitable service and protection and uphold the laws of the constitutions of the United States and the State of South Carolina in order to promote a safe and secure environment for the public. The SC Highway Patrol consists of seven regional Troops, with several Posts per Troop, throughout the state of South Carolina. Each Troop is led by a Highway Patrol Captain, and each Post is led by a Highway Patrol First Sergeant. Read more about the South Carolina Highway Patrol here.

Special Operation Units

SC Highway Patrol has the following special operations units to help enhance highway safety across the state.

Area Coordinated Enforcement (ACE) Unit - The Area Coordinated Enforcement (ACE) Unit is a specialized unit of the South Carolina Highway Patrol that uses crash data to identify areas most in need of special enforcement to curb crashes caused by aggressive driving, speeding and other unsafe driving behaviors. The unit is comprised of three teams: Upstate (Troops 3 and 4); Midstate (Troops 1, 2 and 7); and Lowstate (Troops 5 and 6). The ACE Unit includes the K-9 Unit, Motor Unit, and the DEA/US Marshals Task Force officers.
Community Relations Officer (CRO) and Recruiter Unit - The CRO is a uniformed trooper located in one of seven regions around the state, dedicated to educating the public and media about the Highway Patrol and highway safety. They are also responsible for identifying and recruiting professional candidates to become SC State Troopers.
Civil Emergency Response Team (CERT) - CERT responds to civil emergencies using specialized training, tactics, and equipment.
Honor Guard Unit - The Honor Guard is a ceremonial unit whose members act as guardians of the colors when escorting or presenting the American, state, and organization flags at functions. These select troopers are well trained in military procedures of flag folding, presentation, and rifle salutes, and appear regularly at DPS events, ceremonies, law enforcement or state funerals, sporting events, and other civic engagements as requested. Prospective members must be recommended by their troop commander to try out and join.
Governor’s Security Detail - While working with the State Law Enforcement Division, the Governor's Security Detail provides protection for the South Carolina Governor and his or her family.
Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) - The Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) investigates complicated vehicle crashes, using state-of-the-art technology and analysis to reconstruct the scene.
Insurance Enforcement Unit - The Insurance Enforcement Unit works closely with the Department of Motor Vehicles to identify and prohibit uninsured drivers on the highways.
Regulatory Compliance Unit - The Regulatory Compliance Unit oversees the administrative and regulatory compliance matters for the Highway Patrol, specifically: Rotation wrecker regulation, records maintenance, CALEA standards, grants and assists with the daily operations of Patrol Headquarters.

Basic Requirements

At least 21 years of age before day one of Basic Training. Not 21 yet? Become a Telecommunications Operator for SCHP until you can enter the academy. Learn more about our Telecommunications Operator positions here.
A valid South Carolina Driver's License or a valid Driver's License from your current State
U.S. Citizen
High School Diploma or GED
20/20 vision OR no more than 20/200 corrected to 20/100 or below
NO CRIMINAL RECORD
Driving record should be clear of any suspension for the last 5 years as a result of alcoholic beverage or dangerous drug violation or leaving the scene of an accident. The overall driving record will be evaluated placing emphasis on the severity, date and age, time span, and number of violations accumulated.

Employment Disqualifiers

Please read the following information carefully before applying. The list below includes the automatic disqualifiers. If you meet any of these, you are disqualified from employment.

Under 21 years of age by the hire date
Not a United States Citizen
No High School Diploma or G.E.D.
Dishonorable Discharge from the military
Convicted of any crime punishable by imprisonment in a federal or a state prison
Convicted of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Drugs within the past 5 years
Driving record should be clear of any suspension for the last 5 years as a result of alcoholic beverage or dangerous drug violation, or leaving the scene of an accident. The overall driving record will be evaluated placing emphasis on the severity, date and age, time span, and number of violations accumulated.
Any conviction of Criminal Domestic Violence
Cannot meet minimum vision standards: (20/20 vision OR no more than 20/200, corrected to 20/100 or below)
Any felony conviction (whether convicted as a juvenile or an adult)

Body Piercings and Tattoo Policy

Body piercings which are visible anytime while on duty and/or in uniform are prohibited. This does not apply to piercing of the ear lobes on female troopers/officers.

The display of any offensive image, phrase, or other expression contained within a Visible Tattoo/Body Art shall be prohibited. Offensive images, phrases, or other expressions shall include but not be limited to:.

Depictions of nudity, violence, or criminal activity;
Sexually explicit/vulgar art, words, or profane language;
Symbols likely to incite a strong negative reaction in any group; or
Initials, symbolism, or acronyms that represent criminal or historically oppressive organizations, gangs, or activities.

Visible Tattoos/Body Art may not contain any unapproved reference to SCDPS or any of its divisions or any political affiliation or message.

Tattoo Location:

Tattoos/Body Art are not permitted on the neck, face, head, or the area of the chest that would be visible while an SCDPS officer is wearing official attire or in uniform wearing a properly-fitting crew neck t-shirt.
Tattoos/Body Art are not permitted on the hands with the exception of a single band tattoo on one finger of either the right or left hand that cannot exceed 3/8 of an inch in width.

Appearance While in Uniform:

Except as specified in Section (IV)( B)(2)(b), under no circumstances shall a Tattoo/Body Art be seen by another while the officer is in any SCDPS uniform or off duty in a position to be recognized as an SCDPS officer (i.e., working special assignments or off duty assignments while considered to be representing the department in uniform or approved civilian attire).

Officers with approved and previously-defined Visible Tattoos have the following options to cover the Tattoo(s)/Body Art:

The Tattoo(s)/Body Art shall be covered by a Tattoo/Body Art cover-up sleeve without any design or logo that most closely matches the skin tone of the officer and completely covers the Tattoo(s)/Body Art. Cover-up sleeves shall be approved by the appropriate Division Director or his/her designee and provided by the officer. The officer shall ensure the cover-up sleeve remains clean, in good working condition, and professionally presentable to the public at all times.

Rejection Criteria

If you are not selected you may generally be able to re-apply within six months of your rejection letter, unless your rejection was based on one of the following factors:

ANY falsification of application discovered during process: Applicants will be ineligible to re-apply for 2 years from date on rejection letter.
Two (2) Physical Agility Test (PAT) failures within a twelve (12) month period: Applicants will be ineligible to re-apply for 1 year from date on rejection letter.
Two (2) Written Examination test failures within a twelve (12) month period: Applicants will be ineligible to re-apply for 1 year from date on rejection letter.
Non-selection by the Oral Interview Board: Applicants who fail to get the minimum required score during their interview will be ineligible to re-apply for 1 year from date on rejection letter.

How to Become a State Trooper

There are several steps to join the SC Highway Patrol, including completing Law Enforcement Basic training and a passing rigorous selection process. Find out more below:

SC Highway Patrol employment process

New - Lowcountry Regional Training Pilot Program

Beginning in the Spring of 2026, the Highway Patrol will offer a Regional Training Pilot Program for certified law enforcement applications for the following counties: Charleston, Berkeley, Colleton, Dorchester, Beaufort, Jasper, Orangeburg, and Calhoun.

Please note that this Regional Training Program is for pre-certified law enforcement applicants only. Recruits will enjoy a program with the same level of professionalism and training that every Highway Patrol Trooper receives.

Regional Training Pilot Program Frequently Asked Questions

Is this regional training just for certified police officers?: Yes, you must be a current certified Class 1 law enforcement officer.

Can I be assigned anywhere in the state?: No, this regional training will be for troopers that will be assigned to Troop 6 (Charleston, Berkeley, Colleton, Dorchester, Beaufort, Jasper) and Troop 7 Post B (Orangeburg, Calhoun).

How long is the training?: Training will last 8 weeks in St. George.

Will I be able to go home every night?: Yes, you will attend training Monday- Friday and return home each evening. The average training day will be from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. with some exceptions for low light training later in the evening.

Will I receive a patrol car to drive to training each day?: Yes, trainees will be issued a patrol car, uniforms and equipment during orientation.

When will this training begin?: Orientation is scheduled for April 27-29, 2026, in Blythewood, S.C. The local training will begin Thursday April 30, 2026. Completion of the trooper training in scheduled for June 19, 2026.

When should I apply for one of these positions in the regional training academy?: Applications must be received by February 1, 2026. You can find and submit the application here.

Ready to join the SC Highway Patrol?

We are ready to hear from you! Apply here today.