The Maryland State Police has a unique, unclassified position available to young men and women - State Police Cadet. Cadet applicants must be 18 years of age and a high school graduate (or equivalent) to be considered for employment. The main purpose of this position is to expose young men and women to the various duties and responsibilities of Maryland State Troopers and to better prepare them to become Troopers when they reach the age of 21.

Cadets are assigned to perform duties that do not require police authority. They are generally assigned to the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division. Cadets will be assigned to work under the supervision of a Trooper at a truck inspection station or on patrol.