Selection Process

Thank you for considering a career opportunity as a Peace Officer with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). To be eligible for appointment, candidates must be successful in each of the following selection components:

Scoring Category Worksheet

Written Examination

Vision Test

Physical Abilities Test

Fingerprinting

Background Investigation

Written Peace Officer Psychological Evaluation

Oral Peace Officer Psychological Evaluation

Pre-Employment Medical Examination

Tuberculosis Screening

Appointment Process

Institution Assignment

Scoring Category Worksheet (Weighted 100%)
To start the process, submit an application with the State Personnel Board at www.spb.ca.gov. Applicants who achieve a passing score on the Scoring Category Worksheet (70% or higher) will be scheduled for the written examination. California Government Code (19057.3) requires that we offer appointments to candidates on the eligible list according to their score. Candidates with SCW scores 85 and above will be scheduled to participate in the written peace officer exam, and allowed to participate in the remaining components of the selection process. Those whose SCW score is below 85 and pass the written test will have their names added to the eligible list, but will not be allowed to participate in the remainder of the selection process until their scores become reachable.

Written Examination (Pass/Fail)
This exam is designed to evaluate an applicant's skills in the area of grammar, spelling, punctuation, reading comprehension, and basic mathematics. Study guides for governmental examinations are available at libraries and bookstores. To be successful, candidates must possess strong reading and writing skills equivalent to the 12th grade level. Suggestions:

• Study materials that review reading skills, reading comprehension, English grammar, punctuation, spelling, and composition.
• Enroll in college courses or adult school classes to review or improve English, reading comprehension and writing skills.
• Take our Sample Test to learn more about the types of questions asked on the exam.

Vision Test (Pass/Fail)
This test checks an applicant's ability to see. If the applicant does not have 20/20 vision in each eye, a written certification is required from an optometrist or ophthalmologist indicating that vision is correctable to 20/20 in each eye. For further detail please see our Vision Requirements Fact Sheet on our Documents page.

Physical Abilities Test (PAT) (Pass/Fail)
PAT tests use a stationary bike and exercise equipment to determine an applicant’s ability to sprint 100 yards in less than 19 seconds, complete a 500-yard run in two minutes and twenty seconds, drag an unconscious person weighing approximately 165 pounds 20 feet in 20 seconds or less after running 500 yards, and pick up and carry a stretcher containing a person weighing approximately 185 pounds with the assistance of one other person. To learn more, read our PAT brochure by clicking this link .

Fingerprinting
Applicants will be fingerprinted after they pass the PAT. Each finger is scanned into a computer database and checked against criminal records nationwide.

Background Investigation (Pass/Fail)
The background investigation begins with a Background Investigator reviewing an applicant's Personal History Statement (PHS) with the applicant to ensure information is complete and accurate and to identify any issues that may lead to a disqualification. It takes approximately 90 days to complete the background investigation. A complex background investigation, or a background investigation with serious issues, may exceed this timeframe. For further detail please see the PHS on our Documents page.

Written Peace Officer Psychological Evaluation (POPE)
This evaluation consists of a series of questions applicants respond to based upon their personal preferences. The information will be used in the Oral POPE.

Oral Peace Officer Psychological Evaluation (POPE) (Pass/Fail)
Once an applicant's background investigation has been cleared, the information is sent to the State Personnel Board (SPB), where the applicant will be contacted by a member of the Psychological Screening Unit, to schedule an oral POPE interview.

Pre-Employment Medical Examination (PEM) (Pass/Fail)
This is a complete physical exam conducted by medical doctors under contract with the CDCR to evaluate an applicant's overall physical health.

Tuberculosis Screening
Prior to reporting to the Training Academy, applicants are tested to ensure they do not have tuberculosis.

Appointment Process
After successfully completing all of the aforementioned selection components, candidates are placed on a certification list, which gives them eligibility to be appointed to the next 16-week Training Academy.

Institution Assignment
Institution assignment is based on departmental need; whenever possible, candidates are assigned to an institution close to their home.