Congratulations on taking your first step to embark on your career as a law enforcement officer. There are many steps to becoming a Deputy Sheriff therefore it is important to know what to expect and prepare for each phase of the application process.

Submitting Your Application

Prior to submitting your application, you should thoroughly read any posted job announcement, so you understand what the minimum qualifications for the position are, as well as any special requirements. You should also pay attention to any application filing deadlines to ensure your online application is completed and submitted in a timely fashion. In addition, you should gather all pertinent information you will need to complete the application such as prior work experience, lists of job duties, education, applicable licenses or certifications, and references. It is also important to note that resumes and answers provided on Supplemental Questionnaires do not substitute for a properly completed application. Applications with missing information may be subject to disqualification. When you are ready to submit your application for any of our Deputy Sheriff positions you can do so here.

The Written Exam (PELLETB or NTN) 

NEW TESTING OPTION:
The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) now accepts National Testing Network (NTN) Law Enforcement Entrance Exam scores as an alternative to the California POST PELLETB written examination. Candidates who have successfully completed the NTN exam may submit valid NTN test results in lieu of taking or retaking the PELLETB.

PELLETB 
The California POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery or (PELLETB) is a required assessment that entry-level peace officer candidates (such as Deputy Sheriff Recruit) are required to take and is designed to measure a candidate's reading and writing ability. The California POST website provides both an Applicant Preparation Guide and Frequently Asked Questions webpage to help candidates prepare for this exam. 

This test is administered by the Alameda County Human Resources Services as part of the testing process for Deputy Sheriff Recruit and is also independently administered as a standalone exam by the Alameda County Sheriff's Office Regional Training Center. Candidates can also take this exam at any certified testing facility located throughout the state. Test results, otherwise known as a T-score, do not expire and can be submitted in lieu of re-taking this written exam for multiple departments. (*Note candidates are only allowed to re-test every 30 days.) Passing score requirements and result timeframes may vary by agency. The minimum passing score requirement for ACSO is 42. Scores are valid for one year from the test date. 

NTN
The National Testing Network (NTN) Law Enforcement Entrance Exam is a commonly required assessment for entry-level law enforcement candidates, such as Police Officer or Deputy recruits, and is designed to evaluate a candidate’s reading comprehension, writing ability, and situational judgement. The National Testing Network website provides an Applicant Preparation Guide, practice materials, and test-day information to assist candidates in preparing for the examination.

This test is administered through the National Testing Network at authorized testing centers and online proctored locations. Candidates are only allowed to re-test every 30 days. The minimum passing score requirement for ACSO is 60% Video, 85% Reading, and 80% Writing. Scores are valid for one year from the test date.

The Alameda County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) administers the PELLETB exam as part of the testing process for Deputy Sheriff Recruit position. Candidates can also take the PELLETB or the NTN Frontline exam at any certified testing facility located throughout the state. (*Note candidates are only allowed to re-test every 30 days). 

Physical Abilities Test (PAT)

PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST WAIVER FOR LATERAL APPLICANTS
Lateral candidates are no longer required to complete the Physical Agility Test (PAT) as part of the selection process. This requirement continues to apply to Deputy Sheriff Recruit candidates and POST Graduate candidates.

The Physical Abilities Test establishes a minimum level of fitness for the following job classifications:

• Deputy Sheriff Recruit
• Deputy Sheriff I (POST Graduate)

Though this test does not require any special law enforcement training to complete, candidates should be in good physical condition and free from injury prior to competing in the test. It is recommended that candidates do some running, jogging, calisthenics, or other physical activity to build up stamina, muscle tone and coordination. 

This is a pass/fail test comprised of four components that are staged in three separate stations as follows:

Station 1: Chain Link Fence

Station 2: Body Drag

Station 3: 99 Yard Obstacle Course

Station 4: 500 Yard Run

Each component is timed, and times are then converted into a point score. Overall combined scores are then used to determine eligibility for moving on to the next step of the process which is the Oral Board Interview. Candidates will be notified of their results at the conclusion of their test on the same day.

Oral Board Interview

The Oral Board Interview is administered by Alameda County Human Resources Services and is conducted by a panel consisting of Sheriff's Office sworn personnel. The purpose of the oral board interview is to assess a candidate's work experience, communication and interpersonal skills, ability to problem solve and motivational fit for a peace officer position. The oral board interview will be weighted as 100% of the candidate's final examination score.

In order to prepare for this interview, candidates should try to learn as much as they can about the agency, the area it serves, and the challenges of the position. Candidates should also be dressed professionally, arrive on time, speak clearly and confidently and be sure to thank the interviewers. 

Candidates who successfully pass the oral board interview will be given a final score and rank and will be referred into the next phase of the application process which is the background investigation.

Background Investigation and Psychological Evaluation

A comprehensive background investigation will be conducted on all prospective candidates for Deputy Sheriffs Recruit, Deputy Sheriff I (POST Academy Graduate) and Deputy Sheriff II (Lateral), examining their past employment, personal character, education, military residency, financial, criminal and DMV history. A record of any felony conviction will result in disqualification. 

Candidates who successfully pass the background investigation will be referred to take a psychological evaluation and pre-employment medical screening to determine physical and mental fitness for the peace officer position.