Some Frequently Asked Questions from Recruiting

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How many officers is the CHP hiring?

The California Highway Patrol is currently hiring on a continual basis.

How long does the process take?

In the past the entire application process took one to two years, however changes have been made to lessen that time. Expect the entire hiring process, from the date of your written test to Academy appointment, to last approximately 6-12 months. This is general timeline and individual cases may vary considerably.

How should I prepare for the QAP interview?

Having an idea about what the Department does is a good start… Learn everything you can - history, duties, benefits, and job requirements. If possible, go on a ride-along and attend workshops and seminars. Read the Applicant Study Guide and be prepared to sell yourself. What makes you more qualified than the other people applying each year. Check with the recruiter from your Division for seminar dedicated to learning about the Department and our hiring process.

Where will I be assigned?

Most new officers are assigned to Metropolitan Areas. Some may go to other regions of the state, but the vast majority goes to the San Francisco Bay area and the Los Angeles vicinity. Ultimately, needs of the Department may cause you to be assigned anywhere in the State.

Is the CHP going to start accepting laterals?

A study is currently underway to determine the feasibility of accepting lateral transfers.

How should I prepare physically for the Academy?

www.chp.ca.gov/cadet/cadetlife.html

Where can I get an application?

Applications are available at your local CHP Office or you may request one on-line, but please note that as of 12/24/2009, the department will only be accepting online applications for the Cadet, CHP, classification from the CHP's Recruiting Website. The department will no longer accept scannable applications.

Can I submit my application online?

Yes. As of 12/24/2009, the department will only accept applications submitted online from the CHP's Recruiting Website.

When is the next test?

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis and you will be scheduled for the next available examination in your area. A list of testing dates can be found at here.

Can I take the tests in a location other than my home area?

You may specify any region to take the written test and will be scheduled accordingly. Be prepared to test in the same geographical location for the written test, physical ability test, written phychological test weekend, and the QAP interview.

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What if I already passed the written test?

After submitting your application you will receive notification that the written test is waived and you will be invited to the next portion of the application process - the physical ability test.

Does CHP accept T-scores from other agencies?

Yes. Before applying for a Cadet examination, persons who have taken the POST test with another agency, but want to waive our written test, should call a recruiter at 1-888-4A-CHP-JOB. The recruiter will help to determine whether the applicant's t-score is within the Department's passing range of acceptable scores.

After my t-score has been confirmed to be within the Departments acceptable score range, where do I send my copy of my t-score?

Applicants shall mail a copy of their t-score letter to:

California Highway Patrol
Human Resources Section (077 t-score)
P.O. Box 942898
Sacramento, CA, 94298-0001

The letter must include the applicant's name and t-score on letterhead supplied by the testing agency or by POST; if the applicant does not have a t-score letter, s/he must contact the agency with whom s/he tested and get an official copy of the letter to mail to the above address. Note: The applicant must mail the t-score letter at least one week prior to the Stop Date for Accepting Applications.

Can I submit my application while I wait for a copy of my t-score from another agency?

Yes you can apply, but please keep in mind that the t-score letter has to be received in CHP headquarters before the application submission deadline (ASD). If it is not received before the ASD you will be scheduled to take the written test.

Where can I find information on salary and benefits?

Read about Salary and Benefit information here!

What are the minimum qualifications to become an officer?

Read about the Minimum Qualifications here!

What if I recently got a speeding ticket?

All violations are considered with regard to severity, recency, and frequency.

What if I have used marijuana or other drugs?

Experimental use of marijuana or other drugs may not be a disqualifying factor. The recency, frequency, and specific circumstances will be evaluated to determine your level of qualification.

What if I have been convicted of a misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor conviction, unlike a felony conviction, may not be a disqualifying factor. As with traffic violations, severity, recency, frequency, and specific circumstances will be evaluated to determine your qualifications.

What is the average age of cadets?

Traditionally, a majority of each class will be made up of cadets in their mid to late 20's. Every class has its share of cadets in their early twenties and mid-late 30's.

What is the best way to study for the written test?

www.chp.ca.gov/recruiting/docs/asg.pdf

Are cell phones allowed at the Academy?

Cell phone use is a privilege that is not allowed at first. After one-two weeks, cell phone use will be allowed, but only during specified times.

If I am assigned far from home, how much time will I have to move?

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What information will I need for my background investigation?

  • Residential history for the last seven years, including address, landlords and roommates
  • Employment history for the last seven years, including addresses, phone numbers, supervisors and co-workers
  • All legal history and associated reports
  • All driving history and associated reports (including copies of citations and accident reports, if possible)
  • Vehicle insurance policies
  • Vehicle registration cards
  • Your birth certificate (Certified Copy issued by State)
  • Marriage & dissolution of marriage certificates
  • Knowledge of your credit history (free at www.annualcreditreport.com)
  • Selective Service registration card or printout (from www.sss.gov)
  • Social Security card (www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.html)
  • High school transcript(s) (Certified)
  • College transcript(s) (Certified)
  • Military records & DD214 (www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/index.html)

    • What are some factors that may lengthen my background investigation?

  • Having lived and worked in another part of the state or out of state.
  • Military service.
  • Numerous applications with other law enforcement agencies.
  • Extensive driving/criminal history.
  • Failure to provide your background investigator with addresses or telephone numbers for critical contacts.

    • Can I go on a ride along?

    Ride-a-longs are granted on a case-by-case basis and are at the discretion of the Area Commander. Ride-a-longs are usually only offered to those who are in the hiring process to become an officer. *To see if a ride along is possible, contact your local Area office or recruiter.

    How long will it take my Background Investigator to contact me?

    Depends. You may be contacted within days of turning in your Personal History Statement (PHS) or it may take several weeks. Each Division Background Unit has a caseload, as do individual Background Investigators. The bottom line is you need to be patient. You will be contacted and your case will be worked, it just may take a little time.

    How can I apply for Veterans points? And when does it have to be turned in?

    The Veterans Preference Application form is available from the proctors at the written test or, you may send a self addressed, stamped envelope to the State Personnel Board, Veterans Preference Coordinator, P.O. Box 944201, Sacramento, California 94244-2010, (916) 653-1502. You must mail the completed Veterans Prefernce Credit application form so it is received by the State Personnel Board prior to your interview date. You may also download a Veterans Preference Application, SPB 1093 form, from the State Personnel Board website at http://www.spb.ca.gov/svcgen/forms.htm.

    Do I have to move and where will I be assigned?

    Most new officers are assigned to Metropolitan Areas. Some may go to other regions of the state, but the vast majority goes to the San Francisco Bay area and the Los Angeles vicinity. Ultimately, the needs of the Department may cause you to be assigned anywhere in the State.

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