Police Civil Service Exam

Overview

City of Lancaster will administer a Civil Service Entrance Examination for Police Officers on Saturday, August 15, 2026. To receive a ticket number and study guide, complete the online application and upload required documents at , click on the Employment Opportunities icon.

The following are required for exam eligibility:

• No Police pre‑certification required, but must meet legal requirements to become eligible for Texas Commission on Law Enforcement licensing.
• Possess a current valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• At least 21 years of age and meet Texas Local Government Code requirements.
• High School Diploma or G.E.D. Certificate with 12 college credit hours (minimum 2.0 GPA) or 24 months active duty with proof of honorable discharge (DD214).
• Meet all physical requirements.
• U.S. Citizen.

The Entrance Exam will be administered at 9 A.M. at the Lancaster Recreation Center, 1700 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Lancaster, Texas 75134.

The exam consists of language skills. Study guides will be provided after receipt of a complete online application. A physical agility test will be administered immediately after the entrance exam for those who pass the language skills test. Bring appropriate clothing and shoes for the physical activity.

The following documents must be uploaded with your online application before the deadline (4 P.M. on Thursday, August 13, 2026):

• Copy of high school diploma or transcript.
• Copy of current valid driver's license.
• DD214 (Member
  4), if requesting military credit.
• TCOLE certification, if applicable.

Non‑certified officer appointments start at $52,497.12 annually. Upon completion of the academy pay will be $78,473.55. Certified officer appointments start at $78,473.55, with top pay after seven years at $97,769.94. New hires may receive prior credit for up to six years of verifiable full‑time service as a peace officer, starting at Step 6 with an annual salary of $94,467.29. Longevity and overtime pay are according to Civil Service law chapter 143.

The department offers additional incentives for Intermediate, Advanced, and Master Peace Officer certificates from TCOLE. A $2,500 hiring incentive is paid half at hire and half upon completion of field training for TCOLE-certified applicants.

Benefits include health care, paid holidays, vacation time, sick leave, retirement, longevity, tuition reimbursement, and more.

After your application has been processed and eligibility verified, you will receive a test number and study guide from Human Resources. The test number is your ticket for the exam and must be presented with proper identification at check‑in on exam day.