Special Agent - Application Process

APPLICATION PROCESS

Mail In A Special Agent Exam Application

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will mail in an exam application through the "Filing Instructions" on the Exam Bulletin. After the next "Final Filing Date" has passed, the Department of Justice's Testing and Selection Unit will vet applications and send out exam invitations. For questions about the exam please reach our Testing and Selection Unit at TSU@doj.ca.gov.

The Exam Bulletin is here: https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/careers/bulletins/special-agent.pdf

Applying to a Position with CalCareers Claiming List Eligibility

After successfully completing the exam and receiving your passing score and rank in the mail, the next step is to apply to Special Agent positions online through the CalCareers website.

You can create a CalCareers account here: https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/CreateNewAccount.aspx

Using the Advanced Job Search Function you can search for Special Agent openings here: https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Search/JobSearchResults.aspx#classid=3906

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

Polygraph

The candidate may be required to take a polygraph examination.

Medical

Pass/Fail - Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031, persons appointed to a peace officer class shall undergo a medical examination to determine that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job safely and effectively. The medical examination also includes a back x-ray, visual acuity and color vision tests.

Psych

Pass/Fail - This test will consist of a written examination and an interview by a psychologist.

FINAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT

How long will it take?

The entire process can take anywhere from 12-14 months to a year to complete.