Why become a CHP Officer

A career with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is one of the most rewarding and important jobs in California. As an officer with CHP, your job is providing safety, service, and security to the citizens and visitors of our state. You will have a chance to make a dramatic difference every day in one of the many law enforcement roles as a CHP officer. You’ll begin by applying to be tested in hopes of being accepting to the CHP Academy. CHP offers one of the best compensation packages in the state; including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for CHP officers and their families. Pursue a future with CHP and be one of California’s finest.

Is this career for you?

Your career is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. We are looking for people who are passionate about making a difference. Before you are accepted to the academy, you must be thoroughly screened. This includes a physical abilities test (PAT), a written examination, a background investigation, medical screening, and a psychological evaluation. Passing these is mandatory to begin your journey to a rewarding career with CHP. We want you to be successful, which is why we have created an Applicant Preparation Program to get you ready for our Academy.

CHP Motor Squad

Not everyone can be a CHP Officer. Here are a few questions all applicants should ask themselves before applying:

CHP Recruitment Banner

1. Do you believe you are physically fit enough to pass the PAT?

2. Are you committed to going through a multi-step testing and evaluation process that can take 12 or more months to complete?

3. Are you willing to attend a live-in, fast-paced, law enforcement training academy for a period of 6 months in West Sacramento, CA?

4. Are you willing to work in a professional organization, operating under a structured chain-of-command?

5. Are you willing to re-locate anywhere in the State for you first year of assignment?

6. Are you willing to work any work shift; on weekends and on holidays?

7. Are you willing and able to remain calm and professional when someone is rude, drunk, irrational, confused, obscene, or otherwise discourteous to you?

8. Are you willing to operate a motor vehicle at high speeds under dangerous conditions?

9. Are you willing to use legal physical force to subdue a subject to protect the public and yourself?

10.Do you and your family understand the demands of being a Cadet and an officer?