The San Jose Police Department (SJPD) is now hiring for the position of Police Recruit, the entry-level training classification to becoming a SJPD Officer. We are also hiring Lateral Police Officers.
The Department is a dynamic, progressive and professional organization dedicated to maintaining community partnerships, which promotes a high quality of life for the residents of San Jose, 13th largest city in the nation. SJPD is authorized to employ approximately 1700 employees including both sworn and non-sworn. Department employees are assigned to one of four Bureaus comprised of 11 divisions with more than 70 specialized Units and assignments.
**THIS IS FOR THE FEBRUARY 2026 POLICE ACADEMY**
Application Period: Opens on: March 18, 2025
Application Deadline: Closes on July 21, 2025
****SCORE DEADLINE IS JULY 28, 2025****
Minimum Qualifications
No prior experience or training is required. However, applicants must meet ALL of the minimum qualifications below:
· At least 20-1/2 years old at the time of application / Maximum age is 70 years old (mandatory retirement age)
· Legally authorized to work in the United States under Federal Law
· Possession of a valid driver’s license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in the U.S.
· MUST POSSESS AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, U.S. high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED); waived if you have earned a college degree from an accredited college within the U.S. View more information about Accredited College Credits
· MUST POSSESS AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, 40 semester college credits or 60 quarter college credits from a U.S. accredited college or university. Police Academy credits already earned are accepted as part of the educational requirement.
· Military Veterans with an honorable discharge can substitute four (4) years of active duty service in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines or Coast Guard in lieu of the minimum college credit requirement - Reserve time excluded.
· MUST POSSESS AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, College units earned outside of the U.S. are accepted if translated and evaluated for this requirement.
- Any college coursework or degrees that are obtained from OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES will need to be translated by an accepted service. Here is one SJPD accepts, all fees are the responsibility of the applicant.
- 1.International Institute of California
- 3550 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Suite 310
- San Jose, CA 95117
- (408) 249-1505
- www.iicus.com
More information about Accredited College Credits
- Must have at least 20/40 corrected vision
- No felony, domestic violence or misdemeanor assault convictions; cannot currently be on probation or parole
POLICE OFFICER RECRUIT POSITION:
The San Jose Police Department is a dynamic, progressive and professional organization dedicated to maintaining community partnerships which promote a high quality of life for the City's diverse population. The Department is committed to treating all people with dignity, fairness and respect, protecting their rights and providing equal protection under the law.
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.
SELF SCHEDULING TEST: All applicants must self schedule a WRITTEN TEST and a PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST. (We accept the Pellet B OR the NTN for the written test requirement). Refer to the registration links below:
Pellet B (Written): http://www.theacademy.ca.gov/tests
NTN (Written): https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/
WSTB: http://www.theacademy.ca.gov/tests
*We do offer in house testing once a month for applicants in our process. You will receive the testing flyer with the available dates once you pass your PHQ/SUPP*
**ALL APPLICANTS MUST COMPLETE THE WRITTEN AND PHYSICAL AGILITY BEFORE RECEIVING AN ORAL INTERVIEW INVITE**
STEP #1: SUBMIT POLICE RECRUIT APPLICATION
STEP #2: COMPLETE THE SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION
- The Supplemental Application will be sent to you within one week of applying. It includes the Personal History Questionnaire consisting of approximately 40 questions, which allow an applicant to self-report behavior(s) determined to be related directly to job suitability.
STEP #3: SELF-SCHEDULE WRITTEN and PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAMS.
- Candidates must pass ONE of the below written examinations. Results valid for 1 year.
- 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: http://www.theacademy.ca.gov/tests
- 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: https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/
- 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 mile run, which must be completed in 12 minutes or less. Results valid for one year. To register, visit: http://www.theacademy.ca.gov/tests We will not accept the WSTB from any other department/agency.
STEP #4: 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 #5: 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 #6: 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 Pay Plan as of 01/2025
