Apply Public Safety Dispatcher and Public Safety Operator

Learn about the Application Process

CHP Dispatcher

First, it is best to create an account and complete a profile on the California Department of Human Resources (Cal Careers/CalHR) website. https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/ 

The initial step to begin our selection process and take the performance exam is to complete the STD 678 - Examination / Employment Application (PDF).

Email Applications to:

Applications may be submitted electronically. To apply for this examination electronically you may complete an application (STD 678) through your CalCareers Account, and email in a PDF format version to PSO-PSD-Testing@chp.ca.gov. 

Applications must be signed and dated.

NOTE: The application package must be electronically received (not postmarked) by Selection Standards and Examinations Section, by 11:59 p.m. no later than the posted cut-off date.

Mail applications to:

California Highway Patrol
Selection Standards and Examinations Section
P. O. Box 942898
Sacramento, CA 94298-0001

Telecommunicators Week 2024

Honoring the unsung heroes behind the headset, the lifeline between chaos and help, the backbone to our community’s safety: Public Safety Telecommunicators. From answering 911 calls to dispatching units, your dedication and professionalism never wavers. Thank you for being the voice of reason, the calm in the chaos, and the hero behind the headset. Want to see what it's like working as a dispatcher? Check out our video for a small glimpse into their world!

California Highway Patrol Public Safety Dispatcher and Public Safety Operator Examination Schedule

An application will be considered for testing registration as long as they meet the minimum hiring requirements. We ask all who are interested to submit an application for the testing cycle of their choosing before its respective cut-off date.

Open Examination Bulletins can be found below. All dates and locations are tentative and subject to change.

Golden Gate Communications Center - CHP VLOG Ep. 7

Get an inside look at the Golden Gate Communications Center, one of the many communications centers throughout the state for the California Highway Patrol. Here, CHP Public Safety Dispatchers and Operators work to provide an essential public service by being the vital first point of contact when someone dials 911. Learn how Dispatchers route incoming calls and communications to CHP Officers out in the field on patrol. Follow along and learn that it takes to be the voice of the CHP.

Applicants are free to test in any testing location of their choosing so long as it is indicated on their application, the testing location and time for each testing site will be sent out 2 weeks prior to the performance test date. Applicants who pass testing will receive list eligibility. This will allow an applicant eligibility to be hired for any open PSD/PSO vacancy ​located throughout the state for the California Highway Patrol.

Testing Locations

Bakersfield, Barstow, Bishop, Chico, Fresno, Humboldt, Indio, Irvine, Los Angeles, Merced, Monterey, Redding, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Stockton, Susanville, Ukiah, Vallejo, Ventura, and Yreka.

Applicants are free to test in any testing location of their choosing so long as it is indicated on their application.

Online Testing Cut-Off Dates

  • 3/6/2025
  • 4/24/2025
  • 6/5/2025
  • 7/24/2025
  • 9/11/2025
  • 10/30/2025
  • 12/18/2025

Applications that are postmarked, personally delivered, or received via interoffice mail after the cut-off date will be held for the next administration of the examination.

** Please note, applicants may only have one active application in process at a time.  
Dates above are tentatively scheduled and may be subject to change as conditions warrant.**

Forms

There are known issues in viewing some PDF documents with the Firefox, Chrome, and Safari browsers (Microsoft Edge is recommended). Please, make sure that you are using the latest versions of those browsers and have the latest version of the Adobe Acrobat Reader (available here: https://get.adobe.com/reader/).

To view a form, right-click on the desired link and choose “Save Link As” in the pop-up menu. Next, in the dialog box that appears, click on the Desktop icon or directory of your choice and click the Save button. Once the PDF is saved to your desktop, you can double-click or right-click and choose “Open With” to view the file in Adobe Acrobat.

Documents Needed for Background Investigation

Once you have successfully passed the performance test and Dispatch Qualification Appraisal Interview, you may enter the background investigation phase of the selection process. As part of the background investigation, each document listed below, if applicable, must be collected and ​one copy of each document be provided to the background investigator. The process of obtaining these documents can be very time consuming. The background investigator is required to see the original, the copy will be kept in your background investigation file.

Click link to view: Information/Documents Required for PSD/PSO Applicants(PDF)

  1. Current California Driver License

  2. Birth Certificate

  3. Proof of U.S. Citizenship (U.S. Passport, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, Form N-560 or N561)

  4. Social Security Card

  5. Marriage Certificate

  6. Dissolution of Marriage Documents​

  7. ​Separation from Military Document (DD214)

  8. Selective Service Card (www.SSS.gov)

  9. High School Diploma or G.E.D. Certificate

  10. Official High School Transcripts (original with seal of authenticity) College Diploma(s)

  11. Official College Transcripts (original with seal of authenticity)

  12. CHP 432B - Authorization to Release Information