Join Our Team

COVID-19 UPDATE: Starting in May, in-person testing components will resume in small groups, with the exception of the physical fitness test.  Online alternatives are being offered for the written exam and oral psychological screening interviews.  The Background Investigation Unit will continue to process candidates. The Basic Correctional Officer Academy previously scheduled for March 24, 2020, started on May 5, 2020.  The health and safety of our staff, cadets, and candidates is our top priority.  We will continue to explore alternatives to safely administer the other components of our selection process and will have more information to share soon. Please check back regularly for updates.

Apply for a Correctional Officer position today!

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is committed to building an inclusive and culturally diverse workplace. We are determined to attract and hire more candidates from diverse communities and empower all employees from a variety of cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts to increase representation at all levels of the Department.

Becoming a peace officer with CDCR means you are joining a family of dedicated, hardworking men and women responsible for ensuring public safety throughout California. Once you join CDCR, there are many career options you can take as a peace officer including Parole, Internal Affairs, Correctional Safety as well as specialized team assignments including Investigative Services Unit, Crisis Response Team, Gang Task Force, and Fugitive Apprehension Team.

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Female and male CDCR in uniform.

Military Physical Fitness Test Waiver for Military Candidates

Effective March 1, 2020, CDCR will begin waiving the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) for qualified United States military and veteran candidates who provide certification of meeting military physical fitness standards. For more information please review the PFT Waiver for Military Candidates web page.

Request the Personal History Statement Form (PHS)

Please visit our Background Investigation web page to request the PHS Form (CDCR 1902).