Helpful Info & FAQ

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Applications

Provide all information requested about your work history, references, education, and training. Include information about volunteering and internships. We can only assess your qualifications based on the information given. Incomplete applications may be rejected for failing to demonstrate possession of the minimum requirements.

Simply submitting a resume in lieu of completing the application will cause your application to be rejected as incomplete. A resume may be submitted in addition to completing the application.

Examinations

Most of our positions require some form of examination to establish candidate eligibility. Examinations may be written, oral, performance-based, or a combination of the three. You can improve your chances of obtaining a successful exam score by preparing yourself in advance.

If you are, or may be, a qualified individual under Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), and a reasonable accommodation will enable you to participate in the examination process, please contact Human Resources at (707) 234-6600.

1. Written Examination

Written examinations are designed to test your knowledge of job-related subjects. Some positions will require a written examination only, while others may require some combination of testing which includes a written component.

Hints for Written Exams:

Be prompt. Allow plenty of time to park and locate the testing room; exams begin on time. Those arriving late will not be accommodated.
Bring your picture ID with you to the examination. Those appearing without ID may not be admitted to participate in the examination.
Listen carefully and follow the instructions given by the exam proctor.
Read and follow all the instructions in the test booklet.
Work quickly but carefully; if one question takes too much time, skip it and go back to it after the others have been answered.

Study Guides for Written Exams:

The California Board of Corrections provides the following orientation booklets for Juvenile and Adult Corrections and Probation Officers that may be helpful as you prepare for these specific exams:

Corrections Deputy (Updated Summer 2020)
Juvenile Corrections Officer (Updated Summer 2020)
Deputy Probation Officer (Updated Summer 2020)

Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) offers the following applicant preparation guide for entry-level (pre-Academy) law enforcement applicants:

POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB)

Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) offers the following applicant preparation guide for entry-level Public Safety Dispatcher applicants:

POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery (PELDSTB)

2. Qualifications Appraisal Panel (Oral Examination)

This exam evaluates your training, experience, and work-related qualifications as they relate to the duties of the position. The appraisal panel consists of two or more raters who are familiar with the requirements of the position. The raters will not review or have access to your application materials. Your score for the oral examination will be determined by your answers to the questions asked during the exam.

Hints for Oral Exams:

Prior to the exam, review the recruitment announcement and/or the Classification Specification to get a clear picture of the duties of the position and the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job.
Be ready to discuss your experience and education relevant to the position.
It is your responsibility to present your qualifications to the panel. You can do this by answering the questions as specifically as you can.
The exam will have a set amount of time; give direct and complete answers. Make sure you answer the questions fully, but avoid lengthy explanations that may cause you to run out of time.
At the end of the oral examination, if time allows, you will be given a chance to add any information you believe might further assist the exam raters in evaluating your qualifications.
Nervousness is expected. People make their most favorable impression when they act naturally. Try to relax and be yourself!

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