California Police officer selection testS
What is the California POST?
CHP uses the PELLETB
The Police Written Exam used in California varies by agency. While PELLETB is the most common, applicants must check with their targeted agency to verify what exact test format will be used.
The term POST, in general, stands for “Police Officer Selection Test” in most parts of the U.S. In California, however, POST also stands for Peace Officer Standards and Training. The California POST Commission sets minimum selection and training standards for California law enforcement agencies.
The official California POST is the PELLETB. PELLETB stands for POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery and is the entry-level Written Exam recommended by the Commission.
Police applicants in California should not assume that the PELLETB is the only exam they may encounter. Agencies contract with different test vendors as long as the minimum standards set by the POST are met.
Passing the PELLETB is based upon your T-score (See explanation) .
What Police Written Exams are used in California
San Jose PD uses the PELLETB for their entry exam.
Here are the most common police officer selection tests used in California. Learn the details for these exams by following the links.
Locate the exact exam used by the California police department(s) that you are applying using this database of California cities.
What About the National Police Officer Selection Test?
There is a commercial entry-level police exam called the National Police Officer Selection Test (NPOST) but the name is a marketing name only - there is NO NATIONAL Standard for Police Officer Selection Tests. This is confusing for police officer candidates starting their application process. Furthermore, the NPOST is seldom found in California. It is popular in other parts of the country. Click here to learn about the NPOST.
Locate the exact exam used by the California police department(s) that you are applying using this database of California cities.