Police SJ

Police Recruit - June 2027 Academy

A Police Recruit is an entry level position and applies to someone who does NOT have police/peace officer or training within the State of California; police officers from other states and federal law enforcement officers who do NOT possess a California P.O.S.T. Academy Certificate; and someone who has graduated from a California P.O.S.T. Academy but has NOT completed a patrol field training program.

The San Jose Police Department does not accept the California P.O.S.T. Waiver.

STEP #1: SUBMIT POLICE RECRUIT APPLICATION

Applications are reviewed on a weekly basis and updates will be sent once the application review is complete.

STEP #2: SELF-SCHEDULE WRITTEN and PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAMS.

** ALL APPLICANTS MUST COMPLETE THE WRITTEN AND PHYSICAL AGILITY BEFORE RECEIVING AN ORAL INTERVIEW INVITE**

• Candidates must pass ONE of the below written examinations. SJPD accepts the PELLETB and NTN written exams. Results are valid for 3 years.
• California P.O.S.T. Reading & Writing Test (PELLETB) Available only in CA) Pass Point is a T-Score total of 50 or higher. Results valid for three years. For more information or to register, visit:
• National Testing Network (NTN) Frontline Written Exam : (Available Nationwide) Pass Point scores are 60% Video, 65% Reading, and 65% Writing. For more information or to register, visit:
• Candidates must pass a physical agility examinations Results are valid for 1 year.
• California P.O.S.T. Physical Agility Test (WSTB) . Pass or Fail. The WSTB includes a 99-yard obstacle course, 32-foot body drag (165 lbs.), six-foot chain-link fence climb with 25 yard sprint, and 500-yard run. Also included in the Physical Agility Test is a 1.5 mile run, which must be completed in 14 minutes or less. To register, visit:  We will not accept the WSTB from any other department/agency.

* SJPD offers in house testing once a month for applicants in our process. You will receive a testing flyer with available dates once you pass your application*

STEP #3: ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW

• This is a panel interview. Candidates will be asked five to eight questions. Pass Point is 70% or higher. Results are valid for three years.
• If you are out of state or military, we can conduct your interview via ZOOM but you will still need to come out here to take the physical agility test.

STEP #4: BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION PROCESS

• Eligible candidates will complete a Personal History Statement (PHS) packet. Background investigators will then be assigned to assist candidates through the process. Upon successful completion and review of the background investigation, the hiring board will make their employment selections. Those selected will receive a conditional offer of employment, contingent upon successfully passing a medical and psychological exam.

STEP #5: THE SAN JOSE POLICE ACADEMY

• Police Recruits are considered a City of San Jose employee while attending the Academy, which is a 26-week program. Recruits are paid the current contract hourly rate while in the Academy. Upon graduation, you will enter the Field Training Program (FTO) for additional training as a SJPD officer on the street.
• For the current Police Recruit hourly rate go to:
  City of San Jose Pay Plan