The CHP offers military personnel a unique working environment which utilizes the skills, self-discipline,
and life experiences you have developed during military service. Former military personnel easily fit into
the CHP's workforce and adapt well to our paramilitary work environment. You can use your former military
skills and self-initiative to help you promote through the CHP's ranks.
The CHP's salary, medical benefits, and retirement plans are extremely attractive. They include a salary
competitive with other California law enforcement agencies; medical, dental, and vision benefits for the
entire family; and up to 90 percent retirement based on years of service and age.
The California Highway Patrol has a lot to offer those with
military experience. For example:
Veteran's Preference Points
If you are a veteran, you may qualify for veteran's preference points. To find out more information and obtain
the Application for the Veteran's Preference Points go to the California Department of Human Resources web page:
http://www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/Pages/military-leave-veterans-preference.aspx
Active Military - Up to eight years of list eligibility for active military
In order to start our process you must not be older than 35 years 364 days old on the final filing date for
applications in the most current application/exam cycle. As an active military person, you have to go through
the first three steps (written exam, physical ability test, and qualifications appraisal panel) and get a
qualifying score on the QAP to be put on a certification list. You must at that point ask to waive the
remainder of the process until you are close to completing your active service. You must communicate to us
your discharge date. When you ask for a waiver, you have up to eight (8) years before you have to be
employed by the Department before your waiver runs out. If you go with the whole eight years, you
will have to re-start our process one year out from the deadline so that the final steps (background check,
psychological evaluation and medical evaluation) can be completed before possible employment.
You are Paid as a Cadet and Can Apply for Additional G.I. Benefits
We provide the training, room and board, AND pay you a salary while you attend the CHP Academy.
Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits may be claimed by eligible veterans for time spent training at our Academy.
For more information, go to: http://www.gibill.va.gov, to see education benefits.
National Guard and Military Reserves Friendly
CHP policy allows you to take the necessary time to fulfill your military obligations.
All testing takes place in California and is done in each of our eight geographical divisions:
Northern (Redding), Valley (Sacramento), Golden Gate (San Francisco Bay Area), Central (Fresno),
Southern (Los Angeles Area), Border Division (San Diego), Coastal Division (San Luis Obispo), and
Inland (San Bernardino).
Because our minimum requirements are written into state law, all applicants, military or otherwise,
must meet the requirements before applying. Please read the Minimum Requirements page of our web
site. If you have any questions, please call our Recruitment Unit at the number below, or use the
e-mail link.
Officer Recruiting Home Page
For additional information, contact the CHP at: 1-888-4A CHP JOB
(1-888-422-4756) TT/TDD 1-800-735-2929 EOE/ADA or by e-mail
