How to Get a State Job

1. Create a CalCareer Account and Profile

To apply for a California Highway Patrol (CHP) or other California state agency examination or job, you must first create a CalCareer Account through the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) applicant portal:  https://calcareers.ca.gov.  

A step-by-step video tutorial is available to help you create a CalCareer Account:

• Work4CA: How to Create a CalCareers Account.

2. Assess Your Qualifications and Career Interests

Research available career opportunities and determine which positions best match your qualifications and career goals by following these steps:

• Visit the CHP Careers website and explore CHP-specific career opportunities under the Careers tab: CHP Careers - Apply Today.

• Review the CalHR job descriptions (class specifications) to identify positions that match your education, experience, and qualifications: CalHR Job Descriptions (Class Specifications).

• Visit CalCareers to search for and review current job postings. Carefully read the Duty Statement and Minimum Requirements for the positions that interest you.  Each job posting includes a link to the applicable classification specification.

3. Take an Examination

Most state positions require an examination to establish eligibility.  Examinations are administered by CalHR or by individual state departments, including the CHP, to assess candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities.  

Before taking an examination, carefully review the examination bulletin for important information including, but not limited to Minimum Qualifications, Position Descriptions, Examination Information. Once you successfully pass an examination, you will be placed on the eligibility list which can be checked at CalCareers Eligibility List Disclosure page.

To search for examinations, visit the CalHR Examination Search page:

• https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Search/ExamSearch.aspx

Examinations currently administered by the CHP are available in the following examination bulletins: