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Featured Video Series

CHP Cadets Series

Cadets of CTC 1-22 commence on their challenging 26-week journey at the CHP Academy. Over 26 weeks, they will be united by a single mission: to join the ranks of CHP Officers. These cadets are set to undergo rigorous training designed to test their physical strength and mental fortitude. Success is achieved by only the most dedicated. New episodes premiere every Wednesday, 4:00PM PST on our California Highway Patrol YouTube channel .

THE AVERAGE CAREER JUST WON’T DO
YOU ARE MADE FOR MORE. YOU ARE THE CHP.

There is a reason the California Highway Patrol is regarded as one of the top law enforcement agencies in the nation. At the California Highway Patrol we set a very high standard. Our job is critical and we take an oath to stand for something bigger than ourselves – to provide safety, service and security to all the citizens and visitors of our state. It is this same courage and honor of duty we seek from new recruits.

We are husbands, mothers, daughters, athletes, military… But there is one thing we all have in common – we make a difference. We strive to be the best. The average career just won’t do. We are made for more – we are CHP. Now you can be too.

CHP is embarking on a mission to fill 1,000 officer positions by hiring qualified individuals from California’s diverse communities. Opportunity awaits by becoming one of the CHP 1000.

By joining the CHP, you will have a chance to make a dramatic difference every day. In this career, it is never the same day twice. A career with the CHP will give you more than you ever thought possible. More purpose. More opportunity. More satisfaction. Apply today to join the CHP 1000.

READ MORE ABOUT CAREER

HOW TO BECOME A CHP OFFICER

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MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma/GED, Legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law, Age 20-35, No felony convictions.

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CHOOSE A DIVISION AND APPLY

You must create your user profile (register) before applying for the exam.

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PREPARE FOR THE PHYSICAL ABILITIES TEST (PAT) & WRITTEN EXAM

Where you test has no bearing on where you may be assigned upon successful completion at the Academy. The best way to prepare is to join your Division’s Applicant Preparation Program (APP).

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COMPLETE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

If you pass the Physical Abilities Test and Written Exam, you will be invited via email to create an online profile to begin a thorough background investigation.

Background Forms

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MEDICAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION

Upon being cleared by your background investigation, you will need to complete these evaluations as well.

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START THE ACADEMY

Once you have successfully completed the first seven steps, you will be ready to attend the CHP Academy and begin your journey to become a CHP officer.

GET MORE OUT OF YOUR CAREER
JOIN THE CHP 1000

It’s simple, we pride ourselves on excellence and our training, careers and benefits are no different. With a second to none mentality, joining the CHP offers you an obtainable and rewarding career. Apply today and be one of the 1000 new CHP officers ready to make a difference.

Become a CHP Officer - Application & Hiring Process

Animation Arrow EXPLORE BENEFITS

PAID WORLD-CLASS TRAINING

PAID WORLD-CLASS TRAINING

The 26-week CHP Academy is revered worldwide. All CHP cadets go through the same elite training that takes place at the Sacramento campus.

Cadets also earn a monthly salary of $5,879 – $7,535 while attending the CHP Academy, monthly overtime compensation, free room and board, CAHP union benefits, in addition to full health and dental benefits for themselves and their dependents (effective the first month following their Academy reporting date).

GUARANTEED CAREER AFTER THE ACADEMY

GUARANTEED CAREER AFTER THE ACADEMY

After graduation, cadets are immediately promoted to the position of CHP officer. During the period between weeks 19 and 21, prior to graduation, cadets receive a “Dream Sheet”; a list of those CHP Area offices that have openings for new officers. Cadets list their choices of locations by order of personal preference. The majority of initial assignments are in the busier major metropolitan areas but officers are eligible to submit a transfer request after they complete 12 months working as a probationary officer.

UNRIVALED STARTING SALARY & BENEFITS

UNRIVALED STARTING SALARY & BENEFITS

Upon graduation from the CHP Academy, cadets are promoted to the position of officer and will make a base salary up to $117,000.

Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage is provided for CHP officers and their families, with a generous annual leave program that accumulates with years of service in the Department.

LEARN MORE

OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH

OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH

The CHP is a very diverse agency that performs many different duties ranging from patrolling the streets to protecting the Governor. Some special CHP assignments include, but are not limited to, drug interdiction, auto theft, accident investigation, DUI enforcement, K-9 units, Air Operations, and motorcycle patrol, to mention a few.

FLEXIBLE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA

FLEXIBLE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA

You are trained to work anywhere in the state. As personal or family needs change, officers can transfer to any of the 140 different locations statewide. In other words, you won’t have to spend your whole career working in the same location unless you want to.

LEARN MORE

RENOWNED CAMARADERIE

RENOWNED CAMARADERIE

There is a very strong esprit de corps at the CHP, both when going through training at the Academy and when working with others in sometimes high stressful and difficult situations. You will develop a great sense of camaraderie with your fellow members of the Highway Patrol. The sense of family is strong at the CHP.

PAID WORLD-CLASS TRAINING

The 26-week CHP Academy is revered worldwide. All CHP cadets go through the same elite training that takes place at the Sacramento campus.

Cadets also earn a monthly salary of $5,879 – $7,535 while attending the CHP Academy, monthly overtime compensation, free room and board, CAHP union benefits, in addition to full health and dental benefits for themselves and their dependents (effective the first month following their Academy reporting date).

GUARANTEED CAREER AFTER THE ACADEMY

After graduation, cadets are immediately promoted to the position of CHP officer. During the period between weeks 19 and 21, prior to graduation, cadets receive a “Dream Sheet”; a list of those CHP Area offices that have openings for new officers. Cadets list their choices of locations by order of personal preference. The majority of initial assignments are in the busier major metropolitan areas but officers are eligible to submit a transfer request after they complete 12 months working as a probationary officer.

UNRIVALED STARTING SALARY & BENEFITS

Upon graduation from the CHP Academy, cadets are promoted to the position of officer and will make a base salary up to $117,000.

Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage is provided for CHP officers and their families, with a generous annual leave program that accumulates with years of service in the Department.

LEARN MORE

OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH

The CHP is a very diverse agency that performs many different duties ranging from patrolling the streets to protecting the Governor. Some special CHP assignments include, but are not limited to, drug interdiction, auto theft, accident investigation, DUI enforcement, K-9 units, Air Operations, and motorcycle patrol, to mention a few.

FLEXIBLE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA

You are trained to work anywhere in the state. As personal or family needs change, officers can transfer to any of the 140 different locations statewide. In other words, you won’t have to spend your whole career working in the same location unless you want to.

LEARN MORE

RENOWNED CAMARADERIE

There is a very strong esprit de corps at the CHP, both when going through training at the Academy and when working with others in sometimes high stressful and difficult situations. You will develop a great sense of camaraderie with your fellow members of the Highway Patrol. The sense of family is strong at the CHP.

WE ARE MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
MORE WAYS TO SERVE

The CHP offers a diverse variety of career paths you can choose to best suit your passions in life. We are the largest state police agency in the United States with eight field Divisions, 16 commercial enforcement facilities and 103 Area offices, not including headquarters and the Academy itself. Aside from working patrol, officers may transfer to related specialized units, such as air operations, dignitary protection, canine handling, and more.

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FIND YOUR MORE

You are the author of your future. What will your story be? What lives will you touch?

I AM A
ADVENTURER
ADVENTURER
ANIMAL LOVER
ADRENALINE JUNKIE
GUARDIAN
LEADER
WHO LOVES TO
HELP OTHERS
HELP OTHERS
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
WORK HARD
LEARN
EXCEL
SEE MY POTENTIAL CAREERRight Arrow

SAFETY, SERVICE AND SECURITY

The CHP has been a steadfast provider of safety, service and security to all California residents and visitors for nearly a century. We are yours, California, and we will continue to serve you with pride.

OFFICER PROFILES

Get a behind the scenes glimpse into the daily lives and duties of real CHP officers on the job. From Air Ops to K9 units, Bicycle Patrol to Mobile Road Enforcement, explore our diverse variety of exciting and fulfilling careers.

Officer Brian Allen Thumbnail

Officer Brian Allen
Athlete to Motorcycle Officer

Officer Shane Kensey K9 Unit Video  Thumbnail

Officer Shane Kensey
K9 Unit

CHP Range & Weapons Systems

CHP Range & Weapons Systems

CHP Badge Numbers

CHP Badge Numbers

CHP Academy Physical Training

CHP Academy Physical Training

CHP Special Assignments

CHP Special Assignments

Officer Ragauskas photo

Athlete to Officer
Officer Ragauskas

Officer Ragauskas photo

Athlete to Officer
Amber Wright

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Fleet
Operations

Officer Scott Rodda Pilot Air Ops Video Thumbnail

Officer Scott Rodda
Pilot Air Ops

Officer Scott Rodda Pilot Air Ops Video Thumbnail

Lieutenant David Hoff
Special Services

Officer Graciela James El Protector Video Thumbnail

Officer Graciela James
El Protector

Officer Jed Cato Cops Team Video Thumbnail

Officer Jed Cato
Cops Team

Officer Andrea Brown Flight Officer/Paramedic Air Ops Video Thumbnail

Officer Andrea Brown
Flight Officer/Paramedic Air Ops

Sergeant Shawn Wills Video Thumnail

Sergeant Shawn Wills
Air Ops

Officer Marissa Ray Video Thumnail

Officer Marissa Raya
Bicycle Unit

Officer Leon Hines Video Thumnail

Officer Leon Hines
Patrol Officer

Officer Raul Reyna Video Thumnail

Officer Raul Reyna
Mobile Road Enforcement

LIFE AT THE ACADEMY

The 26-week CHP Academy is revered worldwide. All CHP cadets go through the same elite training that takes place at the Sacramento campus. Life at the Academy consists of a regulated system of academics, exercise, diet, and self-discipline. By graduation day, you will have earned, and take great pride in your new position as an officer of the CHP.

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IS CHP THE RIGHT CAREER FOR YOU?

LEARN MORE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GET ANSWERS

MILITARY APPLICANTS

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WOMEN IN THE CHP

DISCOVER

IS CHP THE RIGHT CAREER FOR YOU?

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GET ANSWERS

MILITARY APPLICANTS

LEARN MORE

WOMEN IN THE CHP

DISCOVER

SEMINARS & EVENTS

Get in-person and community support with resources available through your division to help you prepare for the written exam and workouts. Career workshops are also designed to provide applicants with information about the hiring process, Academy life, and specialized units within the Department.

VIEW EVENTS FOR YOUR DIVISON