City of Oakland
Overview
The City of Oakland is an equal-opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees. The Oakland Police Department is hiring Police Officer Trainees. After successful completion of the academy, Officers receive step increases annually and may reach the top step after five years. Immediate benefits include city-paid health and dental insurance for employees and dependents; a CalPERS pension after academy graduation; vacation, sick leave, and holidays; education tuition reimbursement; life insurance; employee assistance program; and a deferred compensation plan.
Exam Number: 25-PS169-10/OCT 197L
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Diploma from an accredited U.S. high school or GED certificate.
Age:
Candidates must be 21 years of age upon graduation from the academy, which is six months in duration.
Driver's License:
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license to operate an automobile at the time of application.
Criminal Record:
No felony convictions or other misdemeanor convictions that would prevent carrying a firearm.
Citizenship:
U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are eligible for and have applied for U.S. citizenship.
Candidates may be screened out at any point in the process based on the position requirements.
Application and Selection Procedures
Step 1: Submit Application – Online Only
Our online application system is provided by NEOGOV. You may be required to copy the link and paste it into your browser. You must apply online prior to the close of the job announcement. If you do not have access to a computer, computer stations are available at City libraries. For problems applying online, contact NEOGOV Live Candidate Support at (855) 524-5627 (Mon–Fri, 6:00 am–5:00 pm PT).
To update contact information after submission, email opdjobs@oaklandca.gov with your full name and new details. Failure to keep information current may affect eligibility.
Step 2: Written Exam
Self-scheduled Virtual or In-Person National Testing Network (NTN) written exam. The exam must be completed no later than November 28, 2025. In-Person NTN Frontline Written Examination is scheduled on various days/locations. Sign up at NTN website. Written scores must be submitted to the OPD Recruiting and Background Unit by November 28, 2025. Virtual testing is also available; review NTN Virtual Testing FAQ. If your computer cannot support virtual testing, notify the office by email.
Step 3A: Physical Ability Test
The written exam must be completed to participate in the Physical Ability Test. When: Saturday, December 13, 2025. Where: Merritt College, 12500 Campus Drive, Parking Lot C, Oakland, CA 94619.
Step 3B: Oral Exam
Eligible candidates will take an oral exam to evaluate job-related skills and abilities. The Oral Exam is scheduled for December 13, 2025. If capacity is exceeded, testing may be scheduled on the next available date. Passing candidates are placed on a ranked eligibility list; placement on the list does not guarantee employment. Police Officer Trainee is an unclassified position. Preference points are awarded to Oakland residents and/or veterans.
Step 4: Background Investigation, Chief's Character Review & Interview
Eligible candidates will be contacted for a background investigation, polygraph, and a Chief's Character Review Panel interview. A conditional job offer is contingent upon passing medical and psychological examinations.
Notes on testing and waivers
Former NTN test takers who wish to waive the written test portion must have NTN send their scores to OPD by November 28, 2025.
Minimum passing NTN written scores: Human Relations Video 65%; Writing 70%; Reading 70%. Tests dated before November 28, 2024 will not be accepted.
Candidates who have previously taken PELLETB with a score of 45 or higher may waive the written test by submitting a dated agency letter on letterhead, uploaded with the online application or delivered to OPD by November 28, 2025. The letter must include the test date and total T-Score.
Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB) waivers require official verification letters by November 28, 2025; minimum passing score is 320. Test dates before November 28, 2024 will not be accepted. Scores will be verified with SBPRSTC.
Additional Information
Keep copies of all documents submitted; they will not be returned.
Oakland Police Department reserves the right to modify the selection process as necessary to conform to administrative or business needs.
Residency and Veteran’s Preference Points: Residency verification may include a California Driver’s License, ID, or utility bill. Veterans must submit Form DD-214 at the Oral Exam.
Selective Certification: Some positions may require bilingual skills (Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin).
Fee Waiver: NTN permits fee waivers for financial hardship; requests must be submitted by Friday, November 28, 2025. Details available on NTN site. Waivers are reviewed by OPD; processing may take weeks.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Exam Number: 25-PS169-10/OCT 197L
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Diploma from an accredited U.S. high school or GED certificate.
Age:
Candidates must be 21 years of age upon graduation from the academy, which is six months in duration.
Driver's License:
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license to operate an automobile at the time of application.
Criminal Record:
No felony convictions or other misdemeanor convictions that would prevent carrying a firearm.
Citizenship:
U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are eligible for and have applied for U.S. citizenship.
Candidates may be screened out at any point in the process based on the position requirements.
Application and Selection Procedures
Step 1: Submit Application – Online Only
Our online application system is provided by NEOGOV. You may be required to copy the link and paste it into your browser. You must apply online prior to the close of the job announcement. If you do not have access to a computer, computer stations are available at City libraries. For problems applying online, contact NEOGOV Live Candidate Support at (855) 524-5627 (Mon–Fri, 6:00 am–5:00 pm PT).
To update contact information after submission, email opdjobs@oaklandca.gov with your full name and new details. Failure to keep information current may affect eligibility.
Step 2: Written Exam
Self-scheduled Virtual or In-Person National Testing Network (NTN) written exam. The exam must be completed no later than November 28, 2025. In-Person NTN Frontline Written Examination is scheduled on various days/locations. Sign up at NTN website. Written scores must be submitted to the OPD Recruiting and Background Unit by November 28, 2025. Virtual testing is also available; review NTN Virtual Testing FAQ. If your computer cannot support virtual testing, notify the office by email.
Step 3A: Physical Ability Test
The written exam must be completed to participate in the Physical Ability Test. When: Saturday, December 13, 2025. Where: Merritt College, 12500 Campus Drive, Parking Lot C, Oakland, CA 94619.
Step 3B: Oral Exam
Eligible candidates will take an oral exam to evaluate job-related skills and abilities. The Oral Exam is scheduled for December 13, 2025. If capacity is exceeded, testing may be scheduled on the next available date. Passing candidates are placed on a ranked eligibility list; placement on the list does not guarantee employment. Police Officer Trainee is an unclassified position. Preference points are awarded to Oakland residents and/or veterans.
Step 4: Background Investigation, Chief's Character Review & Interview
Eligible candidates will be contacted for a background investigation, polygraph, and a Chief's Character Review Panel interview. A conditional job offer is contingent upon passing medical and psychological examinations.
Notes on testing and waivers
Former NTN test takers who wish to waive the written test portion must have NTN send their scores to OPD by November 28, 2025.
Minimum passing NTN written scores: Human Relations Video 65%; Writing 70%; Reading 70%. Tests dated before November 28, 2024 will not be accepted.
Candidates who have previously taken PELLETB with a score of 45 or higher may waive the written test by submitting a dated agency letter on letterhead, uploaded with the online application or delivered to OPD by November 28, 2025. The letter must include the test date and total T-Score.
Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB) waivers require official verification letters by November 28, 2025; minimum passing score is 320. Test dates before November 28, 2024 will not be accepted. Scores will be verified with SBPRSTC.
Additional Information
Keep copies of all documents submitted; they will not be returned.
Oakland Police Department reserves the right to modify the selection process as necessary to conform to administrative or business needs.
Residency and Veteran’s Preference Points: Residency verification may include a California Driver’s License, ID, or utility bill. Veterans must submit Form DD-214 at the Oral Exam.
Selective Certification: Some positions may require bilingual skills (Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin).
Fee Waiver: NTN permits fee waivers for financial hardship; requests must be submitted by Friday, November 28, 2025. Details available on NTN site. Waivers are reviewed by OPD; processing may take weeks.
#J-18808-Ljbffr