Entry-Level Public Safety Titles

Entry-Level Law Enforcement Examination (LEE)

The LEE (Law Enforcement Examination) refers to the method by which residents interested in an entry-level law enforcement position with a New Jersey civil service jurisdiction can become eligible for employment.  “Announcements” are posted on the N.J. Civil Service Commission (CSC) website, alerting the public that applications are being accepted for certain job titles for certain jurisdictions.  These announcements inform the public of which particular job titles (such as Police Officer, Parole Officer, etc.) in which particular jurisdictions (a specific county, local municipality, or State agency) a person may apply for.  By clicking on an individual announcement, interested persons can learn of the applicant requirements (such as age or education), the application deadline, and other helpful information.  To be considered for employment, a person must first apply for an announcement by completing the online application, submitting any required payment, and receiving confirmation that the application was submitted.  Everyone who is determined to have fulfilled all requirements to take the exam will be scheduled to take the written multiple-choice exam administered at various test centers throughout the State on particular dates.  Those who pass the exam are placed on the eligibility list corresponding to the announcement for which they applied.  Candidates receive a score and a rank on each list and may then be hired by the agency for which they applied after going through the certification process.

 

Information for the Law Enforcement Examination (LEE)

• The 2025 LEE application filing period took place March 1-31, 2025.  No additional applications can be accepted until the next LEE announcement, which is expected to be Spring 2026.  The 2025 LEE is expected to be administered in Summer 2025.

• How to Apply for New Jersey Law Enforcement: 7 Key Steps – This video provides an overview of the LEE application process.

•  2025 LEE FAQ - This page contains answers to several frequently asked questions pertaining to the LEE.

•  2025 LEE Fact Sheet - This sheet contains information about the 2025 LEE examination process.

•  2025 LEE Administration Guide - This guide helps candidates prepare for what to expect on the day of the exam.

•  Address Change Sheet - This sheet explains the steps necessary for a candidate to change their address and includes a link to the CSC Change of Candidate Information Form.

•  Municipal Police Officer Maximum Hiring Age Information Sheet - This sheet explains the exceptions for candidates over 35 years of age who are applying for Municipal Police Officer.

•  Veteran's Information - This page explains Veteran's Preference rules as well as information about how to ensure credit for veteran status.

 

Information for the Entry-Level Firefighter Examination

The 2024 Entry-level Firefighter announced on July 1, 2024.

The sign-up period for the Entry-level Firefighter was July 1 - September 3.  The exam is expected to be administered in the Winter 2025.  Applicants interested in becoming a Firefighter needed to apply for and take the entry-level firefighter written examination and at-time-of-certification physical performance test (PPT).