Police Recruit Testing Process

The City of San Diego Police Recruit written exam, physical abilities test and pre-investigative questionnaire will be given on the dates and times and at locations found on the Test Schedule Web page.

Day 1

Candidates take the written test. The written test consists of multiple-choice questions that measure general aptitudes needed to be a police officer. No prior law enforcement knowledge is necessary to pass the test. The test is pass-fail. Allow approximately 3 hours to complete the application and examination process. Bring your driver's license or other official identification with your picture and signature and know your Social Security number.

Day 2

Candidates will meet at the San Diego Regional Law Enforcement Training Center, 10440 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92126, for the Physical Abilities Test (PAT). This test is a timed obstacle course that simulates a suspect chase. The course will measure a variety of physical abilities necessary in police work. Candidates will wear a police vest which weighs approximately 3 pounds. This course is also scored on a pass-fail basis. Candidates will have three-minutes, thirty-seconds to complete the test.

After the PAT, candidates will be assigned to a classroom for the Pre-Investigative Questionnaire (PIQ). The questionnaire is designed to evaluate and screen applicants in the PRELIMINARY stages of the background investigative process. You must attend this session in order to officially begin the background process and be considered for hire.

You will also be given a background packet containing additional forms. This will include a "Personal History Statement" (Word  PDF) that may be downloaded or a hardcopy can be provided the day of the Physical Abilities Test. The Personal History Statement will not be completed until after the successful completion of the Physical Abilities Test.