N.J. Stat. § 40A:9-117.14
In any county, except a county of the first class, any person who on the effective date of this act is employed in the position of sheriff's officer as a provisional employee, who has at least five years as a sworn police officer or has at least two years' experience as a provisional sheriff's officer, and who, prior to July, 1982, is enrolled in or who has successfully completed a certified Police Academy Training Course in the State of New Jersey, shall be eligible for permanent appointment by the sheriff, at his discretion, to the position of sheriff's officer without having to take the civil service open competitive examination, upon passage of a qualifying examination for the position administered by the Department of Civil Service.
N.J.S. § 40A:9-117.14