Testing For Active Duty Military Applicants Stationed within California

The selection process for CHP Cadet candidates consists of seven phases, normally conducted over a period of 6 to 12 months. The Testing Schedule lists locations and corresponding dates which will assist you in making arrangements to attend (e.g., work schedule, child care, etc.).

The first step is the written examination. Once we receive your application, you will be scheduled to take the written exam at a location you have chosen.

NOTE: Written exams will be scheduled on a Saturday morning. The written exam consists of two parts - a multiple choice component and an essay. This test is designed to measure a candidate's ability to: 1) read and understand written communications; and, 2) write clearly, using correct grammar and spelling. Candidates will have two and one-half hours to complete the multiple choice portion and 40 minutes to complete the essay. Candidates will be notified of their results approximately four weeks later.

The second step of the selection process is the Physical Ability Test (PAT). Upon receiving notice you passed the written exam, you will be scheduled to participate in the next PAT scheduled in your area.

NOTE: The PAT will be scheduled on a Saturday morning. The PAT consists of a 500-yard run, upper body strength test, trunk strength flexion, side step, and 100-yard sprint. At the conclusion of the PAT, successful candidates will be scheduled for a Qualifications Appraisal Panel (QAP) oral interview.

The third phase of the selection process is your QAP interview. You will receive your interview date and time, which will be scheduled within the next six days of the PAT. Your oral interview will last approximately 45 minutes. During the interview, the QAP will evaluate your ability to: 1) learn rules and regulations; 2) think clearly and logically and apply general rules to specific situations; 3) observe and record events accurately and completely; 4) effectively communicate with supervisors and peers; 5) analyze situations accurately, think and act quickly in emergencies, and adopt an effective course of action; 6) follow directions; and, 7) write legibly, spell correctly, prepare understandable reports, and function effectively in a paramilitary setting.

Candidates will be notified of their QAP results approximately one to three months following their interview. The most qualified candidates who successfully pass the first three phases of the selection process will receive a Conditional Offer of Employment.

NOTE: Candidates who participate in the quarterly testing process are placed in the same candidate pool as those who participate in the Consolidated Military Testing process for out-of-state military personnel. Therefore, it is more convenient and cost effective for military personnel stationed in California to avail themselves of the CHP's normal quarterly testing process at a location near their duty assignment. However, if your current duty assignment or duty location prevents you from participating in the quarterly testing process, you may come to Sacramento and participate in the semi-annual consolidated two-day testing process at the CHP Academy.

The remaining phases of the selection process following the Conditional Offer of Employment are as follows:

PSYCHOLOGICAL WRITTEN TEST (PWT). The PWT is generally scheduled approximately three to four weeks after receiving the Conditional Offer of Employment. The PWT consists of objective written exercises and can take up to three to four hours to complete.

APPLICANT BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION (A/I). Several weeks following the PWT, a comprehensive background investigation will be initiated. Candidates will be required to complete a detailed Personal History Statement. All information, including driving records, arrest history, regardless of the nature of the offense or whether or not a conviction was sustained, personal references, employment and credit history, illegal use of drugs, and educational background, will be verified by the background Officer's investigation, as well as a truth verification examination. The purpose of the background investigation is to determine the candidate's suitability to become a Peace Officer. Candidates will meet two to three times with their assigned background investigator throughout this process, which takes approximately 90 days to complete.

*** IMPORTANT INFORMATION ***

IMPORTANT BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION INFORMATION. The CHP has strict guidelines relating to the personal characteristics required for employment as a law enforcement officer. During the QAP Oral Interview, and later during the Background Investigation, a candidate is evaluated relative to an established set of automatic disqualification criteria. Candidates are asked questions relating to the RECENCY AND FREQUENCY of traffic citations, at-fault automobile collisions, illegal drug usage, arrests and convictions.

If you have any concerns regarding whether you may have an issue in your background which may lead to disqualification, it is highly recommended that you contact the CHP Applicant Investigation Unit for assistance PRIOR TO beginning the selection process. While our investigators cannot divulge the CHP's specific disqualification criteria, through a candid dialogue with you they can provide guidance and assistance in helping you evaluate your personal characteristics as they relate to the CHP's automatic disqualification criteria. The Cadet Hiring Unit can be reached Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) at (916) 375-2180.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION. Concurrent with the background investigation, candidates will also be scheduled for a comprehensive medical examination by a licensed physician. This exam is paid for by the State of California.

PSYCHOLOGICAL SCREENING INTERVIEW. The last phase of the selection process is the Psychological Screening Interview by a licensed psychologist. The psychological evaluation ensures that candidates are free from any mental or emotional conditions, which would impair their job performance as a Peace Officer.

Candidates who are successful in all phases of the selection process will be notified approximately five weeks following the Psychological Screening Interview and will be invited to the next available Academy class.

Depending upon your enlistment status, you may have the option to either: 1) enter the next available Academy class; 2) defer entry for up to three years following your separation from military service; or 3) defer entry for up to eight years while you remain on non-interrupted active duty status. It is to your benefit to TEST NOW, and complete the selection process. If you are successful, you can have a career as a CHP Officer waiting for you upon your military separation. Take full advantage of this opportunity to plan for your future and submit your completed application NOW!

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