How to Get a Job at CDCR

CDCR runs the state's adult prisons, parole, and rehabilitation programs, with institutions throughout California. Where you apply depends on the job:

• Correctional Officer (and other peace officer entry). CDCR runs its own selection process. The Correctional Officer bulletin says you apply "via the Internet at www.joincdcr.com," not through a regular CalCareers job posting.
• Medical, mental health, and dental jobs. Nurses, psychiatric technicians, physicians, and other clinical staff in the prisons are hired through California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS). CDCR's careers page sends health care applicants to the CCHCS website.
• Everything else. Teachers and vocational instructors, food service, building trades, engineers, IT, chaplains, mechanics, office and analyst staff. These follow the standard state process. CDCR's careers page puts it simply: "find a job title you are interested in. Then take an exam for the classification."

For the third group, CDCR's Facility Locator page links to each adult institution's page, where you can see that location's vacancies. Since institutions are spread across the state, many of them in rural areas, decide early which ones you can commute to.

Status right now: CDCR's peace officer site says "Correctional Officer applications are temporarily closed at this time. Applications are expected to re-open November 1, 2026." You can sign up there to be notified.

Minimum requirements, from the open statewide bulletin (WY50-9662, revised May 19, 2026):

• At least 20 years old when you apply and 21 at appointment.
• Education equivalent to completing 12th grade (diploma, CHSPE, GED, or a college degree).
• A valid Class C license before appointment.
• U.S. citizenship, legal permanent residency, or legal authorization to work in the U.S. under federal law (Employment Authorization Document holders must provide documentation), plus legal eligibility to own and possess a firearm.
• No disqualifying felony conviction under Government Code §1029. CDCR's careers FAQ says people convicted of a felony "are not eligible to participate in exams for Peace Officer positions."

Selection components. The Written Test is weighted 100%, and you need a 70 or higher. It's multiple choice and/or true-false, measuring cognitive ability, situational judgment, reading comprehension, and problem solving. Passing it puts you on the eligibility list (eligibility lasts 24 months from the written test). You then have to pass, on a pass/fail basis, a Physical Fitness Test, a background investigation (the bulletin says these "typically take about 90 days"), vision screening, a Peace Officer Psychological Evaluation, and a pre-employment medical exam with drug screening. If you fail the written test or PFT, you can reapply after 30 days. Disqualification at the background, medical, or psychological stage means you can reapply after one year. CDCR's hiring process page says it generally takes about 12 months to complete the process after the written exam.

The academy. The Basic Correctional Officer Academy is 13 weeks in Galt. Per CDCR's academy page, cadets receive pay, housing, and meals. Cadets who live more than 30 miles away must live on-site. Budget about $2,000 to $3,000 for required uniforms, equipment, and supplies. All cadets must pass the academy PFT in 5 minutes and 35 seconds. After graduation, you report to your assigned institution for a 4-week job shadowing program.

Pay and assignment. The bulletin lists $25.84 an hour during the academy and $5,510–$9,203 a month after it, and some institutions carry location or retention incentives under the Bargaining Unit 6 MOU. You can list institution preferences, but assignment is based on departmental need. The bulletin warns that declining or not responding to an assignment offer counts as a waiver, and after three, your application goes to the inactive list.

For non-peace-officer jobs, CDCR hires like any other department:

1. Pick a classification that matches your background. CDCR's careers page lists teachers, librarians, vocational instructors, food service, engineers, building maintenance, IT, chaplains, mechanics, and executive roles. Institutions and headquarters also hire office and administrative classifications such as Office Technician and Analyst I and II.
2. Take the exam for that classification on CalCareers to get list eligibility.
3. Apply to specific postings with an STD 678 and whatever the posting requires (often an SOQ, resume, or cover letter).

A few CDCR-specific things to know:

• Applying is how you show interest. CDCR's careers page says reachable candidates "will receive employment inquiries from the department," and still describes a three-waiver limit. But the State Personnel Board's amended waiver rules, effective July 1, 2026, changed this for civil service eligible lists. Candidates now establish interest by filing a timely application, aren't required to respond to contact letters, and "may decline an unlimited number of hiring interviews or job offers… and remain active on the eligible list." The exception is accepting an offer and then not showing up on the start date, which makes you inactive on that list. (The Correctional Officer assignment process above has its own three-waiver rule.)
• Watch for surplus competition. CDCR closed the California Rehabilitation Center in Riverside County on September 30, 2026, and CalHR's surplus listing includes CRC classes such as Analyst I and II. In that region, displaced employees with SROA or surplus status may get first consideration. See what SROA means.
• Criminal history isn't an automatic bar for non-peace-officer jobs. CDCR says applicants must disclose felony convictions and misdemeanor domestic violence convictions. A history "does not automatically disqualify you," but the Department Secretary must grant special approval before any appointment.
• Working inside an institution has its own rules. Expect security screening, a background check, and safety training, even in clerical and trades jobs.

Whatever the job, you'll be working in or supporting a secure correctional setting. Panels tend to weight:

• Judgment and integrity. The CO bulletin lists qualities like emotional maturity, tact, courage, and "satisfactory record as a law-abiding citizen." Non-custody panels look for the same steadiness.
• Rehabilitation focus. CDCR's mission centers on rehabilitation and reintegration. Examples of teaching, coaching, or helping people change behavior land well, especially for education and program roles.
• Following procedures. Security depends on everyone following policy. Examples where you followed a process carefully, documented accurately, or caught a problem early show you'll fit.
• Shift and location flexibility. Institutions run 24 hours a day, every day. Say clearly which shifts and locations you can work.

Use specific examples with numbers: class sizes, caseloads, work orders completed, records processed. In an SOQ, answer each prompt separately. For interviews, prepare for follow-up questions. In the statewide 2026 Hiring Guide, hiring interviews allow probing, unlike the scripted structured interview exam. See California state job interview questions.