To become a Police Officer or Cadet, you must successfully complete the following: 1. Apply Online
2. Written Examination
3. Physical Agility Test
4. Background Investigation
5. Medical/Physical Examination The application review, testing and background investigation can take up to a year or more to complete. Submit an online application for Police Cadet or Police Officer. You must meet the minimum job qualifications to be considered for these positions. You must be able to sit for the written exam on the date listed on the job announcement. If you are unable to attend the scheduled test date, do not apply for the job at this time. Baltimore County advertises for Police Officer and Police Cadet positions regularly. If you submit an application and you do not meet the minimum job qualifications, Baltimore County will notify you by e-mail or letter. Whether you are contacted by e-mail or letter depends on the preference you expressed on your application. Ready to Apply? Fill out a job interest card for Police Officer or Police Cadet to be notified about the next open application period. If you meet the minimum job qualifications, Baltimore County will schedule you for the next written exam. The County will notify you of your test date, time and location within five days. If you have not heard from Baltimore County within five days, you can check your status by logging into your job application profile at www.governmentjobs.com. (Need help?) If you have questions after checking your status online, call the Office of Human Resources at 410-887-3135. The 85 question, English-based exam has five parts: - spelling
- grammar
- vocabulary
- reading comprehension
- logical order/sequencing
You will have 2 hours to complete the test. The exam will be scored on-site and you will know your results immediately.
Download a study guide and get exam preparation tips.
Need to Reschedule? Do not apply unless you can attend the test session indicated on the job announcement. If you miss your scheduled test session, you must reapply. Police Officer and Police Cadet job announcements are posted monthly. You will not be able to reschedule your test date unless you have a military obligation on that date. If you have a military obligation, call the Office of Human Resources—before the day of your exam—at 410-887-3135 to reschedule. Failed the Exam? If you fail the written exam and you want to retake it, you must submit a new application. If you pass the written exam, Baltimore County will next test your physical agility. The test includes the following: - Trigger Squeeze/Slide Pull – measures hand strength
- Flex Test – measures flexibility
- Sit-up Test – measures muscular endurance
- Bench Press – measures absolute strength
- 1.5 Mile Run – measures cardiovascular capacity
You will need to bring a Physical Agility Test Waiver (PDF) signed by your doctor to the physical agility test. The exam will be scored on site and you will know your results immediately. Learn more about the test requirements and how to prepare. If you pass the written exam and physical agility test, Baltimore County will investigate your full background. The investigation is the longest part of the application process. The background investigation includes: - employment history
- criminal record and arrest history
 - driving record
- credit history
- military history
- education
- personal references
- residential history
- polygraph examination
- psychological examination
- fingerprinting
Polygraph Examination Baltimore County will schedule you for a polygraph examination. During the exam, you will be interviewed about your integrity and personal history. Psychological Examination Baltimore County will schedule you for a psychological examination, which includes a personality screening and an interview with a psychologist. You will undergo a full medical examination by a certified physician designated by the Baltimore County Police Department, that includes vision, hearing and drug screening. Revised October 5, 2009 | 
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