Dreaming of a career in law enforcement? Becoming a police officer in California involves a structured process, including meeting qualifications, completing training, and excelling at evaluations. Here’s your ultimate guide to joining the ranks of California’s finest.
With hundreds of law enforcement agencies in the state, there are plenty of places to choose from. See below for a comprehensive overview of how to become a police officer in California.
Also, read this account of what it’s really like to be a police recruit in California and fill out the form on this page for a free download of a veteran police officer’s list of the 10 questions you need to ask yourself before starting a career in law enforcement.
What are the age and education requirements to be a police officer in California?
Keep in mind that the majority of police departments in the state follow POST requirements. You can find the agencies that don’t here – their requirements may vary, but are likely to be similar to the below:
- You must be at least 21 years old (Again: You should always check the specific agency and department you would like to join. For example, the California Highway Patrol’s minimum age is 20 and their maximum age is 35.)
- You must have attained either your high school diploma or GED. Some agencies may require a 4-year degree or an associate’s degree. (By June 2025, prospective officers will be required to complete a modern policing degree program; the state is currently working to develop that curriculum.)
Can a felon be a police officer in California?
No felony convictions or misdemeanors that prohibit ownership, possession or control of a firearm are allowed.
What are the other minimum requirements to be a police officer in California?
- You must be a citizen of the US through either naturalization or birth.
- You must have a valid driver’s license.
What are the steps to become a police officer in California?
The employment process to become a police officer in California usually includes the following:
- Submit an application.
- You must pass a number of background checks that may include a polygraph. “Past behavior will be closely scrutinized,” reads the LAPD recruitment website, “and only candidates with the highest probability of success will be appointed as Police Officers.”
- Undergo a medical exam.
- Some counties also require a Personal Qualifications Essay (PQE). In Los Angeles, a score of over 70 is required to be added to a list of qualified candidates. You may re-take this test again in 6 months if you don’t get a high enough score.
- Undergo a psych exam.
- Take a reading and writing ability test.
- Take a physical ability test. (Here’s an example to give you an idea of what to expect).
- Oral interview
How long does it take to become a police officer in California?
It can take anywhere between six months to a year to complete the hiring process.
Completing a basic police academy prior to your hiring is dependent on the agency you apply to. Some will only hire upon completion of the academy; others hire you and then send you through the academy afterward. Check with the agency you’re applying to for further information.
If you’re from another state, keep in mind that California POST does not have reciprocity with other states. POST does offer a Basic Course Waiver (BCW) process for out-of-state cops that you can learn more about here.
Are there other things I can do to become a police officer in California?
California is a highly desirable state to work in, so it doesn’t hurt to stick out from the bunch. Here are a couple of things that can help you do that:
- Pursue additional education
Having an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice can be highly beneficial. If you don’t have that, it doesn’t hurt to take some criminology classes to boost your knowledge and expertise.
- Learn another language
Are you bilingual? Awesome! Many police agencies in the Golden State are searching for candidates who can speak in other languages in addition to English – particularly Spanish.
How much can you earn being a police officer in California?
According to the most recent occupational data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, police and sheriff’s patrol officers in California make an average salary of $111,770 per year as of their May 2023 updates.
And even though California is one of the most expensive states to live in, the state makes up for that (at least in part) by offering some of the highest pay to police officers in the country.
For a look at some of the police officer jobs currently available in California, visit our careers page. You can also check out POST listings here.
Do you think you have what it takes to be a cop?
Fill out the form on this page for a free download of a veteran police officer’s list of the 10 questions you need to ask yourself before starting a career in law enforcement.
This article, originally published on May 2, 2018, has been updated with additional resources.
