Final Filing Date: 2/20/2026.

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 not be accepted.

All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for this examination by the final filing date, February 20, 2026.

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.

Promotional Examination(s):

• CAPTAIN, ADULT INSTITUTION - Promotional

In addition to meeting the Minimum Qualifications, competition is limited to individuals who meet at least one of the following filing criteria:

• 1. Have a permanent civil service appointment with a promotional testing department (see Testing Departments), or
• 2. Are current or former employees of the legislature for 2 or more years as defined in Government Code 18990, or
• 3. Are current or former non-elected exempt employees of the executive branch for 2 or more consecutive years as defined in Govt. Code 18992, or
• 4. Are persons retired from the United States military honorably discharged from active duty with a service disability or honorably discharged from active duty as defined in Government Code 18991. Applicants must provide a copy of discharge papers (DD 214) for verification purposes at the time of application.

Under certain circumstances other employees may be allowed to compete under provisions of Rules 234, 235 and 235.2. California Code of Regulations Rules 233, 234, 235.2 and 237 contain provisions regarding civil service status and eligibility for promotional examinations.

All applicants must complete and submit an Examination Application (STD. 678) and Criminal Record Supplemental Questionnaire.

For all peace officer examinations, a Criminal Record Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted with an Examination Applicaiton (STD. 678).

NOTE: Applications submitted by mail or in person must be signed.

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 Corrections and Rehabilitation
  Talent Acquisition - Examination Services Unit
  P.O. Box 942883
  Sacramento, CA 94283-0001
  

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 Corrections and Rehabilitation
  Talent Acquisition - Examination Services Unit
  9825 Goethe Rd, Suite 200
  Sacramento, CA 95827-3565
  8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  (Drop off not available on weekends and holidays)

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.

• Other - Criminal Record Supplemental Questionnaire - https://calcareers.ca.gov/pdf/crsq.pdf

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.

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

Unless otherwise stated in the Minimum Qualifications, qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc. For example, applicants possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1 and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2 may be accepted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

IMPORTANT: When using education and/or specific course work to meet the minimum qualifications, you must provide a copy of unofficial transcripts along with your applicaiton.

Either 1

Experience: One year of experience in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation performing the duties of a Correctional Counselor 3.

Or 2

Experience: Two years of experience in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in custody work performing duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to the class of a Correctional Lieutenant or in classification and treatment work performing duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to the class of a Correctional Counselor 2 (Specialist), Parole Agent 2 (Specialist), or a Parole Agent 2 (Supervisor).

Or 3

Experience: Three years of administrative or supervisory experience with responsibility for planning, organizing, and directing a major phase of a correctional rehabilitation program.

(Graduate study in education, psychology, sociology, social work, public or business administration, or a closely related field may be substituted for not more than one year of the required experience on a year-for-year basis.) and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for four years of the required education on the basis of one year of experience for two years of education.)

Qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated above include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc.  For example, candidates who possess qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1, and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2, may be admitted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

OUT-OF-CLASS EXPERIENCE: A “completion of an out-of-class assignment” memorandum, dated within one year of assignment completion, is required to use as out-of-class experience to meet the minimum qualifications for examination purposes. Employees may obtain this documentation from his/her Institutional Personnel Officer/Personnel Liaison. Out-of-class experience without required documentation will not be considered for examination purposes.

Firearm Requirement: Any person prohibited by State or Federal law from possessing, using, having in his/her custody or control any firearm, firearm device, or other weapon or device authorized for use by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is not eligible to compete for, be appointed to, or continue employment in this classification.

Felony Disqualification: Any person convicted of a felony is disqualified from being employed as a peace officer under Government Code Section 1029, an applicant with a felony conviction is not eligible to compete for, or be appointed to, positions in the class.

In completing the Criminal Record Supplemental Questionnaire, you may answer "NO" to the question "Have you ever been convicted by any court of a felony?" if:

(1) The record of such an incident has been sealed in accordance with Penal Code Sections 851.7, 861.8, 1000.5, 1203.45; or

(2) The record of such an incident has been or can be expunged pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 11361.5, which pertains to various marijuana offenses; or

(3) The conviction was under Health and Safety Code Section 11557 or its successor 11366, when that conviction was stipulated or designated to be a lesser included offense of the offenses of possession of marijuana.

However, you must list the conviction if you have received a release (per Penal Code Section 1203.4 or 1203.4a or Welfare and Institutions Code Section 1179 or 1772) or a pardon (per Penal Code Section 4852.16).

Background Investigation: If you are successful in this examination, you may be required to complete a background investigation form disclosing (with the exception of the three items numbered above) information on arrests regardless of conviction, felony and non-felony convictions, and driving violations. Candidates for peace officer positions will be fingerprinted for search of local, State, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record. The hiring agency uses this information to determine your suitability to become a peace officer.

Information collected for a background investigation after the examination is distinct from that required on the Examination Application (STD. 678) and the Criminal Record Supplemental Questionnaire which is filled out prior to the examination. You will be required to divulge arrest and/or conviction information on the background investigation document that is not required of you when completing the Examination Application and the Criminal Record Supplemental Questionnaire.

Age Limitation -minimum age for appointment: 21 years.

Work Status Requirement: Pursuant to Government Code section 1031(a) in the state of California, individuals seeking employment as public officers or employees declared by law to be peace officers must be legally authorized to work in the United States under Federal Law. 

Drug Testing Requirement: Applicants for positions in this classification are required to pass a drug screening test. An applicant’s experimental use of marijuana or other drugs may not be a disqualifying factor. Illegal drug activity will be evaluated to determine suitability for employment as a peace officer, based on how recent, how frequent and the specific circumstances. The drug screening test will be waived for CDCR’s employees who are currently in a designated "sensitive" class for which drug testing is required under State Personnel Board, Rule 213.

Pre-Employment Medical Examinations: Physical and psychological suitability examinations are conducted prior to appointment. Tests include TB skin test, urinalysis, complete blood count, blood chemistry panel, VDRL, a general physical examination, and other tests if necessary. Any limitation which restricts a person from safely performing the essential functions of the position may constitute basis for removal of the candidate's name from the eligible list.

Training Requirement: Under the provisions of Penal Code Section 832, successful completion of a training course in laws of arrest, search and seizure, and in firearms and chemical agents is a requirement for permanent status in this classification.

High School Equivalence for Peace Officer Classifications: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated by: 1) passing the California High School Proficiency Test; 2) passing the General Educational Development (GED) test indicating high school graduation level; or 3) possession of a degree (Associate of Arts or higher) from an accredited college. No other equivalency is accepted for Peace Officer classifications.

This examination consists of the following component(s):

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

The written examination will be administered in an online format consisting of job-related multiple-choice questions

Candidates will be emailed: CLASSMARKER Test Link

Candidates will need the following: A desktop/laptop/tablet/mobile device with access to the internet.

Compatible Web Browsers/Devices: Internet Explorer, FireFox, Chrome, Safari, Edge, Opera. Desktop/Laptop/Tablet, iPhone, Android, Chromebook.

It is anticipated the online written examination will be held April 27, 2026 – May 3, 2026.

More information regarding the examination will be sent to the email address provided on your application.

PLEASE ENSURE THE CORRECT EMAIL ADDRESS IS INDICATED ON YOUR EXAMINATION APPLICATION (STD. 678). PLEASE MONITOR YOUR INBOX AND JUNK/SPAM FOLDER FOR EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE RELATED TO THIS EXAMINATION.

It is the candidate's responsibility to contact CDCR's Talen Acquisition at (279) 223-2700 five days prior to the written test date if he/she has not received his/her notice.

Note: The written test will consist of one component, Departmental Policies and Procedures.  The Written Test Study Guide is available from the CDCR website at: Captain, Adult Institution Study Guide or in person at the street address listed above.

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.    Modern principles and practices of correctional administration and criminology.

2.    Psychology of criminal behavior and methods of discipline, and the attitudes, problems, and behavior of persons under restraint.

3.    Supervisory techniques and methods of maintaining discipline, both of staff personnel and inmates.

4.    Principles and methods used in the custody, control, and adjustment of antisocial persons.

5.    Interviewing techniques.

6.    Literature in the fields of correctional administration and criminology.

7.    Laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to criminal activities, governing State correctional institutions and purposes, activities, regulations, policies, and functions of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the term-setting authorities.

8.    State laws pertaining to criminal activities.

9.    Care and use of firearms.

10. Job requirements and work performed by inmates of a correctional facility.

11. Principles and practices of business management and problems involved in the administration and supervision of correctional facilities and prison camps.

12. Sanitation, health, and safety standards and State laws pertaining thereto.

Ability to:

1.    Interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations, Departmental policies and procedures.

2.    Plan, assign, and direct the work of a large force of correctional personnel.

3.    Plan, organize, and administer the custodial operation of a correctional facility.

4.    Train staff.

5.    Enforce rules and regulations with firmness, tact, and impartiality.

6.    Promote socially acceptable attitudes and behavior among inmates.

7.    Formulate programs for the safe custody, discipline, and welfare of inmates.

8.    Interpret and apply provisions of law and rules.

9.    Understand inmate case histories and interpret them to others.

10. Coordinate the custodial functions with the care and treatment program.

11. Establish, promote, and maintain confident and cooperative working relationships with staff.

12. Communicate effectively.

13. Understand and respond to verbal/written instructions.

14. Maintain records and prepare reports.

15. Analyze situations and take effective action.

16. Secure the respect and cooperation of prison officials and inmates.

17. Think and act quickly in emergencies.

18. Effectively contribute to the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity objectives.

A Multi-Departmental Promotional eligible list for the CAPTAIN, ADULT INSTITUTION Classification will be established for use by each Department listed in the Testing Departments section.

The list(s) will be abolished 12 months after being established, unless the needs of the State and conditions of the list(s) warrant a change in this period.

Veterans' Preference is not granted for promotional examinations.

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

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) are committed to building an inclusive and culturally diverse workplace. We are determined to attract and hire more candidates from diverse communities and empower all employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts to increase representation at all levels of the Department.

• California Correctional Health Care Services
• California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority
• Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

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.

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 Corrections & Rehabilitation 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.