CalCareers

Classification Details

SPECIAL AGENT TRAINEE, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE: $5,038.00 - $6,795.00 per Month

View the SPECIAL AGENT TRAINEE, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE classification specification.

Application Instructions

Upcoming Filing Cutoff Dates:

7/29/2025

Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) must be received or postmarked by the filing date indicated above. Applications postmarked, personally delivered or received via interoffice mail after the filing date will be processed in the next group.

Do not submit applications to Calfornia Department of Human Resources through fax or interagency mail.

If using the United States Postal Service for delivery, there is no guarantee that your application will be postmarked and arrive by the cut-off date. If your application does not have a postmark and arrives after the cut-off date, your application will be considered late and not be accepted into the examination unless you are able to provide clear evidence that it was submitted timely. Therefore, to ensure timely delivery of your application, it is recommended that you use either electronic delivery, parcel service, or certified mail. Using one of these options will provide proof the application was sent prior to the cut-off date. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Applications received after the cut-off date, regardless of the submission method, will be held to the next cut-off period unless timeline proof of submission can be provided.

Continuous Testing:

The testing office will accept examination packets continuously throughout the year; however, the packets will only be processed during the current administration period. Generally, this examination is administered BI-ANNUALLY, although this is subject to change based on testing needs. Applications will be reviewed to ensure the minimum requirements for participation in this exam are met. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list.

Who Should Apply:

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements by the cut-off date they are applying to in order to be accepted into the examination.

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

SPECIAL AGENT TRAINEE, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE - Open

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

4321

For SPECIAL AGENT TRAINEE, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

EX-04321

How To Apply:

Please note: The examination process is considered separate from the hiring process. In order to be considered for this examination you must follow the filing requirements listed on this bulletin. If you are interested in applying for specific positions, you may visit the CalCareers website linked here or reach out to our Recruitment Team at Recruiters@doj.ca.gov for more information.

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

You may apply by mail to:

Department of Justice
Testing and Selection Unit
ATTN: Special Agent Trainee, DOJ Examination
P.O. Box 944255
Sacramento, CA 94244-2550

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678).

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Justice
Testing and Selection Unit
ATTN: Special Agent Trainee, DOJ Examination
1300 I Street, 1st Floor Lobby
Sacramento, CA 95814
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678). All applicants must provide proof of identification. Accepted forms of identification are: 1) a photo identification card or 2) two forms of signed identification.

The following items must be submitted with your Examination/Employment Application form. Failure to submit these items may result in rejection of your application.

Criminal Background Supplemental Questionnaire
Transcript (Official or Unofficial)

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: ALL LEVELS*

Applicants may be admitted into the examination without meeting the requirements within the “All Levels" section, but the applicant must meet those requirements prior to appointment.

Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Applicants who do not possess this license will be admitted to the examination but must secure the license prior to appointment; and

Must meet the peace officer selection standards developed by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training per Penal Code section 13510(a) and in accordance with existing law; and

Drug Testing Requirement: Applicants for positions in this class are required to pass a drug screening test. Testing of current employees who are applicants in an examination or who are transferring is permitted only if the person does not have a current appointment to a class for which drug testing is a requirement; and

Firearm Conviction Disqualification: Anyone who is restricted for employment-related purposes from accessing, possessing, carrying, receiving, or having under their control a firearm or ammunition under all applicable State or Federal laws is ineligible for appointment to any position in these classifications; and

*This section refers to the All Levels portion of the minimum qualifications listed on the Classification Specification for the Special Agent Series. Each classification within this series is required to meet the above minimum qualifications for appointment to the classification. The complete Classification Specification for the Special Agent Series can be found here.

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

00108514 - SPECIAL AGENT TRAINEE, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Equivalent to completion of four years of college (120 semester units or 180 quarter units) from an accredited college or university. Registration as a senior student in a recognized institution will allow for admittance into the examination, but they must produce evidence of successful completion before they may be considered eligible for appointment. Military experience from any of the United States Armed Forces or National Guard may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

*Please note: School transcripts are required documents. Candidates unable to obtain official transcripts before the cut-off date may submit unofficial transcripts for the examination process. However, candidates will be required to submit official transcripts upon appointment to a position.

Position Description

00108514 - SPECIAL AGENT TRAINEE, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

This class is used for the recruitment and development of individuals with a four-year college degree who do not possess patrol or investigative law enforcement experience. Incumbents will receive comprehensive, on-the-job training in the application of the principles and techniques of conducting civil or criminal investigations and enforcement activities for the Department of Justice.

Special Agent Trainees, Department of Justice, are required to meet the provisions of California Penal Code Section 832 et. Seq., and complete the training courses as prescribed by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. All incumbents must successfully complete all academy courses, including academic classes, physical training, physical methods of arrest, vehicle operation, and use of weapons in order to be eligible to qualify to move to the class of Special Agent, Department of Justice. Failure in the Special Agent Trainee, Department of Justice, class to qualify for movement to the class of Special Agent, Department of Justice, within the prescribed training period will be cause for termination.

Positions exist in Fresno, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, and San Diego counties.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

No illegal involvement in controlled substances as an adult; willingness to work throughout the State and at unusual hours; ability to work under stress and adverse conditions; keenness of observation; good memory for names, faces, places, and incidents; willingness to associate with criminally inclined persons and environments in performance of duties; willingness to work undercover and participate in covert moving, stationary, and aerial surveillances; willingness to utilize a variety of weaponry, including shotguns, machine guns, tear gas, and distraction devices; willingness to pursue violent repeat offenders and effect their arrest; willingness to operate a police vehicle under emergency circumstances; willingness to deal with toxic materials and chemicals; willingness to handle gruesome crime scenes involving persons of all ages; satisfactory record as a law-abiding citizen; maintain good credit; possession of a valid driver license; willingness to use all appropriate means, including deadly force, to carry out peace officer duties; exercise good judgment; and demonstrate good work habits.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Possession and maintenance of sufficient strength, endurance and agility necessary to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation; hearing, vision, and color vision sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

ADDITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

In addition to the above knowledge and abilities, possession of the appropriate certificates as evidence of increased competency at each level is desirable. Also desirable is evidence of completed course work in the following subject areas: introduction to criminal justice, introduction to criminal law, basic investigation, evidence, criminal procedure, and philosophy of law.

Some positions in these classifications may be eligible for safety retirement in accordance with Government code section 19816.20.

All employees shall have general qualifications as described by California Code of Regulations, title 2, section 172.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

No illegal involvement in controlled substances as an adult; willingness to work throughout the State and at unusual hours; ability to work under stress and adverse conditions; keenness of observation; good memory for names, faces, places, and incidents; willingness to associate with criminally inclined persons and environments in performance of duties; willingness to work undercover and participate in covert moving, stationary, and aerial surveillances; willingness to utilize a variety of weaponry, including shotguns, machine guns, tear gas, and distraction devices; willingness to pursue violent repeat offenders and effect their arrest; willingness to operate a police vehicle under emergency circumstances; willingness to deal with toxic materials and chemicals; willingness to handle gruesome crime scenes involving persons of all ages; satisfactory record as a law-abiding citizen; maintain good credit; possession of a valid driver license; willingness to use all appropriate means, including deadly force, to carry out peace officer duties; exercise good judgment; and demonstrate good work habits.

Possession and maintenance of sufficient strength, endurance and agility necessary to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation; hearing, vision, and color vision sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

ADDITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

In addition to the above knowledge and abilities, possession of the appropriate certificates as evidence of increased competency at each level is desirable. Also desirable is evidence of completed course work in the following subject areas: introduction to criminal justice, introduction to criminal law, basic investigation, evidence, criminal procedure, and philosophy of law.

Some positions in these classifications may be eligible for safety retirement in accordance with Government code section 19816.20 .

All employees shall have general qualifications as described by California Code of Regulations, title 2, section 172.

For information regarding position location(s), please refer to the Eligible List Information section.

Examination Information

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component Order	Component Type	Component Due	Percentage of Final Score
1	Written	After Acceptance	100%

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

ONLINE MULTIPLE CHOICE TEST – 100%

The multiple-choice test consists of a set of job-related multiple-choice questions. Candidates will be provided with the date and time of the online examination approximately two weeks prior to the exam. The examination link will be sent the morning of the examination to the email address provided on your application. Scoring will be based on the number of correct responses. This component will have the following sections:

1. Attention to Detail

2. Reading Comprehension

3. Writing Ability

TEST DATE

It is anticipated that the test will be conducted the week(s) of September 15, 2025 and/or September 22, 2025.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

1. The structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar, to ensure that written materials prepared and reviewed are complete, concise, and free of mechanical errors.

2. Basic mathematics (multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction) and their application to perform calculations.

ABILITY TO:

1. Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with a wide variety of persons.

2. Read and understand job related documents and manuals (e.g. policies, procedures, legal documents, investigative reports, etc.).

3. Adapt to new laws, policies and/or procedures.

4. Perform detailed work in an accurate and thorough manner.

SKILL IN:

1. Accurately documenting events, observations, and/or statements.

2. Problem-solving (i.e., problem identification, evaluation, suggesting solutions, etc.).

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the SPECIAL AGENT TRAINEE, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Classification will be established for:

Department of Justice

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 24 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Additional Examinations

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031, persons successful in peace officer examinations shall be required to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to appointment. Persons who have previously undergone a Department of Justice background investigation may be required to undergo an additional background investigation. Information collected for the background investigation after the examination will require you to divulge arrest and/or conviction information on the background investigation documents at the time of employment, but is not required of you at this time. The information you furnish will be used to help determine your suitability for employment with the Department of Justice. Under Section 432.7(e) of the Labor Code, persons seeking employment with the Department of Justice may be asked to disclose arrest or detention information regardless of whether or not the arrest or detention resulted in conviction, referral, or participation in diversion programs. Department of Justice Regulations require, as a minimum, preemployment investigations consisting of fingerprinting, inquiry to local, State, and national files to disclose criminal records, verification of minimum qualifications (i.e., college transcripts), financial status, previous employment background, and personal interviews to determine applicant's suitability for employment.

Any applicant for a State civil service examination for a peace officer class who discloses, or whose background investigation reveals, use of a drug for which possession would constitute a felony offense under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (Health and Safety Code, division 10, beginning at 11000) subsequent to his or her eighteenth birthday and prior to his or her twenty third birthday, shall be disqualified from the examination in which he or she is competing until 5 years have elapsed from the date of the disclosed or revealed use of the drug; and shall not be eligible to take any State civil service examination for a peace officer class until 5 years have elapsed from the date of the disclosed or revealed use.

If any such disclosed or revealed use occurred on or after the applicant’s twenty-third birthday, he or she shall be disqualified from the examination in which he or she is competing until 10 years have elapsed from the date of the disclosed or revealed use of the drug; and shall not be eligible to take any State civil service examination for a peace officer class until 10 years have elapsed from the date of the disclosed or revealed use. The disqualification period shall begin on the date that the drug was used, and not on the date that the drug use was disclosed or revealed.

POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION:

The candidate may be required to take a polygraph examination.

PSYCHOLOGICAL SCREENING EXAMINATION:

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

MEDICAL EXAMINATION:

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.

Appeal Information

Candidates may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board (SPB) within 30 days of the postmarked date of any decision notice (e.g., Minimum Qualifications denial, exam results). Examination appeals are required to meet one of the following grounds to be accepted by the State Personnel Board; (1) fraud; (2) discrimination; (3) erroneous interpretation or application of minimum qualifications (MQs); or (4) a significant irregularity in the examination process. Appeals can be filed online at the website above or mailed to Appeals Division, State Personnel Board, 801 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA 95814-4806. Please refer to SPB's website for more information this process at https://www.spb.ca.gov/appeals/appeals.aspx

Testing Departments

Department of Justice

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

Department of Justice
OHR/Testing & Selection Unit
ATTN: Special Agent Trainee, Department of Justice Examination
1300 I Street, Suite 720
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 210-6021
Fax: (916) 445-1218
TSU@doj.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State work place. Any applicant for State employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

General Information

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

Department of Justice reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.

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