The Vermont State Police, as a paramilitary organization, uses a formal rank structure to reflect the member's position and level of responsibility. The uniform and rank structure of the State Police is modeled after that of the United States Marine Corps. 

To be eligible to participate in the promotional process for any rank a member must have received a rating of “meets or exceeds” in overall performance on his/her two most recent performance evaluations; and must have achieved an overall average in the most recent physical fitness evaluation to the extent contractually required unless excused by a medical certificate.

All members begin their service with the state police as Troopers, Second Class. Listed below are the various ranks and the insignia that that rank wears.
 

Trooper Second Class	No rank insignia. This is the entry level rank of all members of the State Police.
Trooper First Class	Single chevron insignia. Troopers are promoted to the rank of Trooper First Class after one year of service with the Department.
Corporal	Double chevron insignia. Troopers first class are promoted to Corporal upon completion of fifteen years of service.
Sergeant	Triple chevron insignia. Troopers are eligible for consideration for promotion to sergeant after a minimum of five years with the Department. Sergeants in the State Police are the first line supervisors, typically referred to as Patrol Commanders. Many of the Department's detectives also hold the rank of Sergeant. All members hired after January 1, 1998, must possess an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university to be eligible for a promotion to Sergeant.
Lieutenant	Single bar insignia. Sergeants with four years of experience at that level may be considered for promotion to Lieutenant. Lieutenants are commissioned officers and the rank generally includes Station Commanders as well as Commanders of other specialized divisions within the State Police. All members hired after January 1, 1998, must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university to be eligible for a promotion to Lieutenant.
Captain	Double bar insignia. Lieutenants with two years of experience at that rank may be considered for promotion to Captain. Each troop area is overseen by a Captain. There are also a number of Captains in staff positions.
Major	Gold leaf insignia - Captains may be promoted to Major on a case by case basis when the need arises. Currently the State Police has three Majors, each overseeing one of the major divisions of the State Police i.e., Uniform, Support Services and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
Lieutenant Colonel	Silver oak leaf - The Director of the Vermont State Police is a Lieutenant Colonel. The Commissioner of Public Safety makes this appointment for a term of three years. The Director may be reappointed at the Commissioner's discretion.
Colonel	The Director of the Vermont State Police may be promoted to full Colonel at the discretion of the Commissioner.