Schedule of Events

Space is limited and candidates must contact the OPD Recruiting Unit to reserve a space for the Police Officer Trainee position.  Please call (510) 238-3339 or email opdjobs@oaklandnet.com to reserve a testing space. Candidates must present picture identification and provide their social security number on the day of the examination to participate. Before starting the exam, candidates will complete a Scantron Employment Application and additional paperwork; advance applications are not accepted.  

Written Test Waiver:

Candidates who meet the following condition may request a waiver of the written test by submitting a T-Score Waiver packet.  A packet can be requested from the Recruiting Unit.

Candidate has:

  • Previously taken the POST Entry-Level Battery Test within the 12-month from date of application.

Your T-score (on Public Agency’s letterhead where test was taken) must accompany waiver packet.

Please send the T-Score Waiver packet to:

Oakland Police Department Recruiting Unit
250 Frank Ogawa, Suite D
Oakland, CA 94612

Re-examination Eligibility:

If you fail the POST Entry-Level Battery Test, you may retest three months after the date you last took the written test. To reserve a space, you must contact the Recruiting Unit.

Test Dates and Locations

Police Officer Trainee written exams are scheduled on the third Thursday and Saturday of every month unless otherwise noted.  Exams are held at the Office of Personnel or at the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center. Visit www.opdjobs.com for specific dates, times and locations.

Please arrive 30 minutes before the test time to complete check-in.

Office of Personnel
150 Frank Ogawa Plaza, (150 F.O. Plaza)
Oakland, CA 94612

Parking will be at the applicant's discretion and expense. Please plan on at least 3 hours for the written exam. Metered parking is enforced until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Applicants will not be allowed to leave the test to add money to meters. City of Oakland meters are a maximum of 2 hour limits. Pay garages are available in the surrounding areas around City Hall, including at 14th & Clay Street. Parking is free in this lot on Saturdays after 8:00 am. BART provides direct access to the test site. Take BART to the 12th Street/City Center station and exit station directly into Frank Ogawa Plaza.

Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center (HJK Center)
10 Tenth Street,
Oakland, CA 94607
(Next door to Oakland Museum and across from Laney College)

Free parking is available.  BART also provides access to Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center. Take BART to the Lake Merritt station, walk one block over to 10th and Oak Streets.

Personal items such as notebooks, briefcases, backpacks, or purses will not be allowed inside the testing rooms.


Oral Board Interviews

After passing the written examination, candidates will be assigned a date and time for the oral board interviews. Rescheduling appointment is extremely difficult so make every effort to attend the assigned appointment. A panel including a Police Sergeant, Police Officer and a civilian member of the Oakland community will interview candidates.

All interviews will be held at:

Eastmont Substation
2651 – 73rd Avenue (off MacArthur Blvd)
Oakland, CA  94605

Please arrive 10 - 15 minutes before appointment to check-in.


Physical Ability Test


After participating in the oral board examinations, candidates will be assigned a date and time for the physical ability test. A practice test workshop will be offered prior to the actual test dates. Immediately following the Physical Ability Test, successful candidates must complete the Phase 1 Written Psychological Evaluation. Candidates should allow at least 4 hours to complete all of the required testing process. Candidates should ensure that they are properly attired for physical activity (running, jumping, climbing, etc.) and warmed-up prior to running the course. Candidates may also bring appropriate snacks and beverages for consumption throughout the day.

The Physical Ability Test will be held in the Arena at the:           

Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center
10 Tenth Street,
Oakland, CA, 94607.

Phase 1 Written Psychological Evaluation

The Phase One Written Psychological Evaluation immediately follows the Physical Ability test.  Applicants should plan on at least 2 - 4 hours to complete the evaluation.

INFORMATIONAL SEMINARS

The selection process for Police Officer Trainee positions at the Oakland Police Department (OPD) can be long and confusing. To help you succeed in this process, the Oakland Police Department offers informational seminars. These events are voluntary and candidates are encouraged to attend. Family and friends are also welcome to attend.

We offer the following seminars:

Policing in the Oakland Police Department - The men and women of the Oakland Police Department)
Location: Police Administration Building, 455 – 7th Street, Oakland, CA 94612

Dates: Feb 21, Mar 21, May 2, June 3, July 25, Sept 5, and Oct 24, 2007
Time: 6 P.M. to 8 P.M.


Anyone interested in a career in law enforcement is invited to attend this informal question and answer session. A panel of Oakland Police Officers will be on hand to answer questions and provide insight into our unique and exciting department.

Selection Process Workshop
Dates: March 7, April 18, May 30, and July 11, Aug 22, Oct 10, Nov 21, and Dec 19, 2007

Location: Police Administration Building, 455 – 7th Street, Oakland, CA 94612
Time: 6 P.M. to 8 P.M.


This informal workshop will help to prepare candidates to gain understanding of the POST Examination. Tips and pointers to prepare for the Oral Board will also be provided. Participants will also get a chance to participate in a mock interview. In addition, requirements for filling out the Personal History Questionnaire will be discussed.

Practice Physical Ability Test Workshop
Location: Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center, 10 Tenth Street, Oakland, CA 94607
Date: March 13, April 17, May 15, June 19, and July 17, Aug 14, Sept 18, Oct 16 and Dec 11, 2007
Time: 5 P.M. to 7 P.M.


The practice test will be held in the Arena of the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center.  Enter at the 5th entrance from the right of the parking lot.

Attendees will have an opportunity to run the actual course and get pointers on proper techniques for the various stages of the test. An appointment is not required to attend this practice test.

If you have any questions, please contact the Oakland Police Department Recruiting Unit at 1-888-OPD-Jobs or visit www.opdjobs.com.  Thank you for your interest and good luck!