Section 10A. The colonel may establish a cadet program within the department and may admit as a state police cadet, for a period of full-time on the job training, a citizen resident in the commonwealth who: (i) is not less than 19 years of age and not more than 25 years of age; (ii) would otherwise be found suitable for appointment for initial enlistment as a uniformed member of the state police pursuant to sections 10, 11 and 14, with the exception of the physical fitness standards therein; (iii) has passed a qualifying physical fitness examination, as determined by the colonel; and (iv) has passed a qualifying examination, as determined by the colonel.

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The qualifying examination shall be conducted under the direction of the colonel who shall, after consultation with the personnel administrator, determine its form, method and subject matter. The qualifying examination shall fairly test the applicant’s knowledge, skills and abilities that can be fairly and reliably measured and that are actually required to perform the primary or dominant duties of the position of state police cadet.

A person who has attained the age of 19 on or before the final date for the filing of applications for the state police cadet program shall be eligible to take the qualifying examination for the state police cadet program. A person who has attained the age of 26 on or before the final date for the filing of applications for the state police cadet program shall not be eligible to take the qualifying examination for the state police cadet program.

Admission as a state police cadet shall not be subject to the civil service law or rules and a state police cadet shall not be entitled to any benefits of such law or rules. The colonel shall immediately report, in writing, any admission as a state police cadet made pursuant to this section to the secretary of public safety and security and the personnel administrator. Admission shall be for a term of service of not less than 12 months as determined by the department and may be terminated at any time. A state police cadet’s term of service shall be terminated if the state police cadet fails to maintain a passing grade in any course of study required by the colonel. A state police cadet shall be required to meet the physical fitness standards required for appointment for initial enlistment as a uniformed member of the state police within 12 months of the state police cadet’s admission to the state police cadet program. A state police cadet shall be an at-will employee. A state police cadet shall receive such compensation and such leave with pay as the colonel shall determine in consultation with the personnel administrator. The colonel shall establish requirements for successful completion of the state police cadet program.

The colonel shall determine the duties and responsibilities of state police cadets. A state police cadet shall not carry arms and shall not have any power of arrest other than that of an ordinary citizen. A state police cadet shall be considered an employee of the commonwealth.