When you’re ready to pursue an invigorating and rewarding career with the San Diego Police Department, you’ll need to complete all seven steps of our application process. The first step is a written test.

The written test uses multiple-choice questions to assess your general aptitude to become a police officer. If you are new to the field, you are in luck because prior law enforcement knowledge is not necessary to pass this test.

Test Sections

There are three main parts to the written test.

Section I: Reading Comprehension

Policing involves being able to complete paperwork accurately. This portion of the test helps us determine whether applicants are capable of reading and understanding procedures, SDPD guidelines, legal documents and reports.

You will be assessed on your ability to read, comprehend, and interpret factual or technical materials in various written formats.

Section II: Executive Function

We want to ensure that you can effectively assess your surroundings, read maps, and follow instructions. SDPD officers must make good decisions in every aspect of duty, which are critical functions in police work.

• Checking Ability: You’ll be tested on your ability to detect similarities and differences between groups of items such as words or numbers.
• Decision Making: You’ll be tasked with identifying and comprehending critical elements of a situation and choosing the best course of action based on general guidelines and policies.

Section III: Written Comprehension

Responding to distress calls will be extra challenging if you don’t know how to get there. SDPD expects all officers to be able to read maps, write reports, communicate with the public, and complete training and education programs that will require them to write. 

You’ll be tested on your ability to correctly apply fundamental English linguistic skills, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, written expression, and vocabulary.

Test Scoring

To pass the test, you must score at least 70% or better. 

Reexamination Eligibility

• If you fail the written test, you may retest after 30 days provided the examination is open. 
• If you pass the written exam, but your eligibility expires, you will not be permitted to take the police recruit written test again. 
• If you wish to reapply after your eligibility expires, you should request a waiver of the written exam.

Written Test Waiver

Eligible candidates may request a waiver of the written test by submitting a special waiver application, provided the exam is open. Applicants must meet one of the following conditions to be eligible:

• Graduation from a basic law enforcement academy. A copy of the certificate must be attached to the application.
• Possess at least an associate's degree from an accredited college or university (accreditation must be from an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education of the United States of America).
• Have taken the California P.O.S.T. Pellet-B exam within six months of the date of application and acquired T-scores of 42 in all areas.

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