ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A FAST, EXCITING, AND REWARDING CAREER?

How to start your career as a CHP Officer

Minimum qualifications to apply:

• High School Diploma/GED
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Age 20-35
• No felony convictions

1) Create user profile (Register). 

You must create a user profile before applying for the exam.

2) Choose a Division to apply through.  Click here to view the CHP Map.

• Once you submit your application, it cannot be changed, edited, or altered in any way!

• You can only apply to one Division per filing period.
  

3) Choose a Test Date.  Check out the Test Schedule (PDF).

Where you apply has no bearing on where you may be assigned upon successful completion at the academy.

4) Take the Physical Abilities Test (PAT) and Written Exam.  Learn about the PAT and the Written Exam.

• If you pass the PAT and the Written Exam, you will be invited via email to create an online profile to begin a thorough background investigation.

• The best way to prepare for these requirements is to get involved with your test Division's Applicant Preparation Program. Check out Seminars and Events.  Learn about Seminars and Events.

5) Complete Background investigation.

If you pass both the PAT and Written exam successfully , you will move on to your background investigation. Upon being cleared by your background investigation, you will need to complete both a Medical and Psychological evaluation.

6) Await Academy Invitation. 

After completing the hiring process, then you are ready to attend the California Highway Patrol Academy located in West Sacramento, CA! An Academy invitation is an official offer of employment to be hired as a Cadet. At the Academy, you begin your first steps in the exciting yet challenging journey of becoming a CHP officer.

We strongly advise that both the registration and application be completed through a desktop browser.

Click here to begin your journey to become a CHP officer.

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​​If you are interested in diversity, challenges, and opportunities, the CHP invites you to apply to become a part of their professional organization. For more information about this outstanding career opportunity e-mail or call:

Email us at recruiting@chp.ca.gov

Direct Recruitment Line: 916-843-3275

To speak with a local Division Recruiter: 1-888-4A CHP JOB (1-888-422-4756)

TT/TDD 1-800-735-2929 EOE/ADA