Submitting your Application



The first step in the selection/examination process is submitting your application during an open filing period for the State Park Peace Officer Cadet (Ranger/Lifeguard) Exam on a Standard State Application - Form 678. Your application is used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for admission into the examination and may subsequently be used to admit you into the next phases of the selection process (background investigation, oral interview, medical and psychological evaluation). Keep in mind your application also conveys an impression of your overall strengths and weaknesses.



Applicant Checklist

Before completing the application form, review the entire exam bulletin. Pay particular attention to the sections titled Minimum Qualifications, Position Description, Scope, Special Personal Characteristics, Additional Desirable Qualifications, and Special Physical Requirements.

1. Fill out your Application completely

EASY ID : An EASY ID is not needed, however, it is recommended for applicants to create a CalCareer account/profile on www.jobs.ca.gov.

: An EASY ID is not needed, however, it is recommended for applicants to create a CalCareer account/profile on www.jobs.ca.gov. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER : Include your SSN– while not required at the time of application, POST requires this information before the PELLET-B (Written Examination) will be scored.

: Include your SSN– while not required at the time of application, POST requires this information before the PELLET-B (Written Examination) will be scored. HOURS WORKED : Be sure to list your hours worked with “From” and “To” dates for each box in your Employment History. Include specific hours worked per week (ie: 20/wk for a part-time job).

: Be sure to list your hours worked with “From” and “To” dates for each box in your Employment History. Include specific hours worked per week (ie: 20/wk for a part-time job). SIGNATURE AND DATE: Be sure to SIGN and DATE your application. A significant number of applicants forget to sign and date their application, which may cause delays in the acceptance process.

2. Review the Rough Draft of your Application

When preparing a rough draft of the Standard State Application – Form 678, match your experience with the position description and the scope by asking yourself the following questions:

Does my application establish my qualifications in relation to the Minimum Qualifications on the Examination Announcement?

Does my application adequately describe my experience and abilities in reference to the Minimum Qualifications?

How can I improve upon what I have written?

Consider showing your application to someone you trust. Ask if they think you have adequately described your qualifications and abilities.

This is an application to an examination and resumes are not required. If necessary, you may attach an addendum to include additional employment experience. If you do so, use the same format for listing the experience as on the application form. This will ensure that all requested information is included.

3. Include College Transcripts

Including college transcripts with your application is not required (though necessary later in the process), but creates ease of calculating required units for our Examination Unit staff and is appreciated.

4. Complete the Criminal Record Supplemental Questionnaire

Do not forget to include the signed Criminal Record Supplemental Questionnaire – your application will be REJECTED without it.

5. Make a copy

Before you mail your application, make a copy of it and keep the copy in a safe place.

6. Mailing and Delivering your Application

Applications must be mailed or filed in-person at the address specified on the exam announcement. The “open filing period” and the “final filing date” will be stated on the exam announcement. Applications will not be accepted if postmarked or hand-delivered before the open date or after the final filing date for any reason. Candidates are encouraged to mail their applications by certified mail with return receipt services.