Police Academy Trainee

Testing Dates

Below are the upcoming testing dates for this position. Please note that the listed dates are tentative and may be subject to change.

• Application Filing;
  November 1, 2026
• Written Test:
  September 2026;
  November 2026
• Physical Agility Test:
  September 2026;
  November 2026
• Panel Interview:
  October 2026;
  December 2026

Testing may occur periodically throughout the year, on an as-needed basis. Eligible applicants will be notified of testing opportunities when they arise. Testing consists of the P.O.S.T. PELLET-B Written Exam, a Physical Agility Exam, and a Panel Interview.

If you've taken the P.O.S.T. exam within the last six months and received a T-Score of 45 and above, please attach the result letter with letterhead with your exam date and score if you wish to submit those results for consideration. Those with an existing T-score of 45 and above will be eligible to compete in the Physical Agility Exam.

California POST Pellet B-Testing Preparation Guide

Physical Agility

Under close supervision, the Police Academy Trainee will complete a formal, comprehensive California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Certified Basic Academy training program; learn basic law enforcement legislation and principles, police procedures and techniques and do other related work as required. Upon satisfactory completion of the training and graduation from the Academy within the prescribed training period, the Academy Trainee will be sworn in as a Police Officer.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class.

• Attends scheduled academy training sessions and participates in physical fitness regimen as required by Academy.
• Learns principles, practices and theory of criminal and civil law enforcement.
• Learns basic criminal investigation processes and techniques, including the identification, collection, and preservation of evidence, courtroom testimony, and witness interrogation.
• Learns to prepare various reports, including but not limited to vehicle reports, crime reports, suspect information reports, and missing persons reports.
• Learns to respond to radio and computer messages and calls for service and techniques to make arrests as necessary.
• Learns to investigate crimes, traffic collisions and suspicious activities; interview victims, complainants and witnesses; and detain and interrogate suspects
• Learns to analyze situations and make decisions appropriately under stressful situations
• Learns to collect and preserve evidence and testify and present evidence in court
• Learns to direct traffic, including regulation of vehicle flow at times of emergency or congestion; and learn to stop drivers who are operating vehicles in violation of laws, and issue citations as necessary
• May be required to work shifts, weekends, or holidays

• A High School diploma or G.E.D. or California High School Proficiency Test is required
• The completion of college level course work is desirable

• A valid California driver's license is required at the time of appointment.
• Incumbents are required to have the ability obtain a P.O.S.T. Proof of Eligibility and maintain a P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate once issued, and meet all P.O.S.T. standards and requirements during employment.
• Employees hired after September 3, 1988, shall refrain from smoking tobacco or using any other tobacco substance at any time, on or off duty.
• Must be at least 21 years of age or older at the time of appointment.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
• Applicants will undergo a complete, comprehensive, P.O.S.T. approved, background check, including but not limited to a background investigation, polygraph, psychological, and medical examination.
• Applicants must be able to meet legal and agency standards for employment as a Peace Officer.
• In accordance with California Government Code Section 3100,…