The document outlines the 10 main components of the criminal justice hiring process: 1) job search, 2) applying, 3) entrance exams, 4) physical and medical testing, 5) oral interview, 6) psychological testing, 7) background check, 8) academy training, 9) field training, and 10) civil service exams. It encourages students to begin preparing early as the hiring process can take 3-24 months, and stresses the importance of physical fitness, strong interview skills, and ensuring one's background will pass screening. The goal is to better inform students of what to expect so they can pursue opportunities proactively.

1. Components
The Criminal Justice Hiring Process
Many people have dreams of working in the Criminal Justice (CJ) field. Like you, they have decided
to invest in that dream by becoming Bryant & Stratton College students. Some are working towards
their Associate's degree. Others have completed the Associate's and have moved on to the
Bachelor's program.
We fully support the dreams of our students, and pride ourselves on working hard to do our part in
helping them achieve their goal. We have also come to realize that not everyone understands the
entire process involved with securing a position in the CJ field. We are presenting this information to
try and improve that understanding.
To begin, the reality is that ALL CJ students need to start the job search process as soon as, or
before, entering into the degree program. You never know when the right opportunity will come
along! Being informed and proactive will help you be better prepared and will help open doors.
Part of the process is to familiarize yourself with the components of the CJ hiring process so that you
can start planning ahead and working towards your dream

2. The Components of the CJ Hiring Process
The CJ
Hiring
Process
Component
1-Job Search
Component
2-Applying
Component
3-Entrance
Exams
Component
4-Physical
and Medical
Testing
Component
5-Oral
Interview
Component
6-
Psychological
Testing Component
7-Background
Check
Component
8-Academy
Training
Component
9-Field
Training
Component
10-Civil
Service
Exams
There are many pieces, or components, to the CJ hiring process. They
may not occur in the order presented below, but you need to become
familiar with each piece so you are prepared ahead of time.

3. Component 1 – Job Search
There are a variety of job opportunities within the Criminal Justice field. Use
the information on the the “Job Titles and Position Information” page within
this ANGEL group for options and more information.
Once you determine which CJ career you will pursue, begin searching for
open positions. Many resources exist that can enhance your job search and
to connect you with organizations throughout the country.
Students know they should not wait until the degree is over to start looking
at jobs, and neither should you! Currently the application and hiring process
can take THREE to 24 MONTHS or longer, depending on the position, the
agency, the jurisdiction, etc.
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4. Many agencies require candidates to complete the agencies' own
application forms before they will consider applicants’ materials. Typically,
candidates would be notified (by mail) where and when to appear for the
entrance examination after the application is submitted.
Make sure to check out the application process…options include online,
through email, or in person.
Component 2 – Applying
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5. Component 3 – Entrance Exams
Most entrance or promotion-related exams are timed and contain 80 to 125
multiple-choice questions:
• Exams for municipal departments tend to contain more questions about
general knowledge and understanding/applying departmental
procedures.
• Exams for county and state jobs pose questions about traffic maps and
patrol tactics.
• Federal exams assess test-takers’ investigative judgment
• Typically entrance exams are divided into two specific areas: general
knowledge and specific knowledge.
Applicants should be prepared to take multiple exams. Each jurisdiction will
have different requirements, which may mean different exams. There may
be costs associated with each exam as well, so be prepared ahead of time.
The more places students apply…the more likely to land
their dream job!!Back to Chart Continue

6. GET FIT NOW!!
Do not wait until graduation:
- Join a gym
- Work out
- Stay in shape
Most physical tests measure blood pressure and body-fat composition.
Candidates should expect to undergo a medical exam and take fitness tests,
which may include timed runs and vertical-jump movements.
Component 4 – Physical and Medical Testing
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7. Oral interviews are held so departments can assess how well you make
decisions, communicate, present yourself, and perform under pressure.
Suggestions we encourage you to consider include:
• Utilize the Mock Interview feature in Optimal Resume
• Talk about the Employability Series and how Career Services in integrated
throughout your program helping you prepare for this position
• Make SURE to relate your answers back to the specifics of the job
posting…you need to show why you are a good fit for that position
Component 5 – Oral Interview
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8. Component 6 – Psychological Testing
Law enforcement organizations typically require applicants to undergo
psychological test to ensure candidates are psychologically stable, ready,
willing, and capable of law enforcement positions and the situations they
may run into.
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9. Potential employers will review your history to determine whether you are
suitable to hold a position of authority and public trust. Backgrounds checks
can include:
• Financial (including credit)
• Criminal record
• Providing fingerprints
• Driving
• Civil litigation
• Employment history
These background checks may include personal interviews with family,
friends, and past/present coworkers
Component 7 – Background Check
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10. Component 8 – Academy Training
Most academies require you to score in the 70th percentile to pass, however
all are different. Academy training usually includes training in:
• The administration of justice
• Criminal investigation
• Court procedures
• Human behavior
• Juvenile Justice
• Legal statuses
• Patrol functions
• Traffic laws
• Report writing
• Firearms
• Self-defense tactics
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11. Component 9 – Field Training
Here candidates demonstrate mastery of the basics and absorb the “line
officer” mentality. At this point they are being evaluated for potential for
multiple assignments such as detective work, youth work, and command
positions.
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12. Component 9 – Field Training
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After finishing field training, civil service exams can be taken to obtain
positions and promotions. There are a wide variety of civil service exams at
many levels. In some instances, they have been replaced with Occupational
Questionnaires and federal-style resumes.

13. Summary
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This information is provided to give students a better understanding of the
components of the hiring process for jobs in the Criminal Justice field. The
additional supplemental information provided through the ANGEL Career
Services group should also assist you in becoming better informed, and
ready to formulate a plan for success.
Remember:
START NOW…..do not wait to look for positions, to get yourself physically
ready, and to take proactive steps in ensuring your background is not a
hindrance to your dream.