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Step 5:
Medical Exam and Vision Test

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This comprehensive physical examination checks your overall physical health.

It is conducted by licensed physicians contracted with CDCR.

It includes vision, color vision, hearing, blood work, a respiratory mask fit test, and a urinalysis drug screening.

Requirements

The exam is by appointment only.

Clinics in major metropolitan areas of California from Redding to San Diego conduct exams. If any additional information is requested and you do not provide it by the due date, your process may be delayed.

Vision Test

This test checks your vision and color vision.

It is important for correctional officers to clearly see activities and identify objects, including the color of objects, during incidents and investigations.

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  • If your vision is not 20/20 in each eye, you must get a written certification from an optometrist or ophthalmologist indicating that vision can be corrected to 20/20 in each eye.
  • If you wear or need to wear corrective lenses, your eye doctor must complete the Peace Officer Vision Verification form (OPOS 201) and you should bring the completed form to your Vision Test.
  • If your uncorrected vision is greater than 20/60 in each eye, you are still eligible to meet vision acuity standards with the use of contact lenses (soft, scleral, hybrid).
  • If your eyesight has been surgically corrected, the surgery must be completed at least one month before your CDCR vision examination.
  • Peace Officer Vision Requirements

Hearing Test

This test checks your hearing levels and your response to various sounds.

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Blood Work

A chemistry panel tests in part your blood plasma which can indicate any issues that exist with your kidneys, liver, and blood sugar levels.

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Respiratory Mask Fit Test

For this test, you will try on some respiratory masks to ensure they form a seal on your face so they can protect you from inhaling any harmful substances in the event of an emergency.

Note: You must appear clean shaven for your mask fit test.

Urinalysis Drug Screening

This test checks your urine for the presence of illicit drugs. You will provide a urine sample to the physician conducting your physical examination so they can test it for a variety of substances.

  • Amphetamines and Methamphetamines
  • Marijuana/Cannabinoids (THC)
  • Cocaine
  • Opiates (narcotics)
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)
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Tuberculosis Screening

Before reporting to the Basic Correctional Officer Academy, you must provide a negative tuberculosis screening test from your physician. 

The tuberculosis test is a skin test performed by injecting a small amount of fluid (tuberculin) into the skin on the lower part of your arm to see how your immune system reacts. You must return within 48 to 72 hours to have your physician evaluate the reaction on your arm.  This will indicate whether you have been exposed to tuberculosis or not.