Military Recruiting
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 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 includes 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.
We have partnered with the California Department of Veterans Affairs in a continued effort to recruit the finest candidates from the ranks of the United States Armed Forces. We would be honored for you to join us in our mission of providing the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to the people of California. Veterans exemplify honor, courage, and integrity; all qualities which have made the California Highway Patrol among the finest law enforcement agencies in the world.
Veteran's Preference Program
Applicants who have served in the United States Armed Forces as defined in Government Code Section 18540, and who qualify as a veteran, are entitled to veterans' preference. Veterans’ Preference is an assistance program for military benefits who seek employment with the state. Preference can be applied to a veteran’s eligibility for qualifying open and open, non-promotional examinations. If your application for Veterans’ Preference is approved by the California Department of Human Resources, and you achieve a passing score in an entrance examination (for example, the POST PELLETB written exam for the CHP), you shall be ranked in the top rank of the resulting eligibility list.
How do I apply for Veterans’ Preference?
To apply for Veterans' Preference, the following documents must be submitted:
- Veteran's Preference Application Form (CALHR 1093)
- Legible copy of DD214, request for documents can be found here
To apply for Provisional Veteran's Preference, the following documents must be submitted:
- If you are in within six months of separation from active duty you may be eligible for Provisional Transitional Veteran's Preference.
- Veteran's Preference Application Form (CALHR 1093)
- Provisional Transitional Waiver form, (CALHR 1094), can be obtained by having your transition counselor call the California Highway Patrol HQ Recruitment Unit at 916-843-3275. The CHP recruitment unit will send the form directly to your counselor via email. This form must be completed by your Company Commander verifying you will be discharged from service within the six month frame.
In order to be eligible for Veteran’s preference and or Provisional Veteran’s Preference points, the CALHR 1093, CALHR 1094 and all supporting documentation must be submitted and processed by CALHR prior to your scheduled Physical Abilities Test (PAT).
Please submit all completed copies of the CALHR 1093 and or the CALHR 1094 form along with all required supporting documents by mail to:
California Department of Human Resources
ATTN: Examination Unit
1515 S Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
Once CalHR has approved your application for Veterans’ Preference, your information will remain on file for all future qualifying examinations.
For any questions regarding Veteran’s Preference, contact the CALHR Examination Unit at (866) 844-8671.
You are paid as a cadet and can apply for additional G.I. Benefits
Attending the CHP Academy qualifies for use of the GI Bill® under the on-the-Job training or apprenticeships path. GI Bill® coverage is not the same for all veterans. In addition to your generous monthly salary, you may be eligible to receive $392-$2100 monthly in GI Bill® Benefits. For more information regarding GI Bill® Benefits, visit the VA Web Site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill
National Guard and Military Reserves Friendly
CHP policy allows you to take the necessary time to fulfill your military obligations.
Active Military Can Receive Up To Eight Years of List Eligibility
All applicants must be 35 years old or younger on the final filing date of the application/exam code for which they are applying. However, active service members may waive employment for up to (8) years pending separation from the military. To take advantage of the waiver, you must complete the first two steps (physical ability test and written exam) and obtain a qualifying score on the written exam to be placed on a certification list. At that point you MUST notify the Cadet Hiring Unit you would like to waive the remainder of the hiring process until you are close to completing your active service. It is recommended you contact Cadet Hiring approximately one year prior to separation, or the eight (8) year deadline, to complete the final steps (background check, psychological evaluation and medical evaluation) and receive an Academy invitation prior to expiring from the certification list.
Contact CHP Cadet Hiring Unit at:
916-843-3760 or by email at CadetHiring@chp.ca.gov
All testing takes place in California and is done at one of our eight geographical divisions:
Northern (Redding, CA), Valley (Sacramento, CA), Golden Gate (Vallejo, CA), Central (Fresno, CA), Southern (Los Angeles, CA), Border Division (San Diego, CA), Coastal Division (San Luis Obispo, CA), and Inland (San Bernardino, CA).
Because our minimum requirements are written into state law, all applicants, military or otherwise, must meet the requirements before applying. To view the minimum requirements click here.
For additional information, contact the CHP Recruitment Unit at:
(916)843-3275
Email us at recruiting@chp.ca.gov