Police Reserve Officer (LEVEL I)

Part-Time Reserve Police Officer (Level I)

This recruitment is specifically for part-time Reserve Police Officer (Level I) candidates. This is not for entry-level Police Recruit, Academy Graduate Officers, or Lateral Police Officer. To apply for any of those positions, visit the Employment Opportunities page. For more information about the Costa Mesa Police Department, click here.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS: Applications and written exam scores must be received by August 3rd to be considered for the Physical Agility Test scheduled tentatively for August 29, 2026. Applications are being accepted on a continuous basis in order to meet the needs of the City.

STEP #1: SUBMIT APPLICATION Applications must be completed and submitted online. Candidates are required to provide specific information on their education and experience as it relates to the position by completing all fields of the application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete (resumes are not accepted). Candidate notifications are sent via email. Please make sure your email address is correct and check your email periodically during the application process. Candidates who pass an initial application screening and submit a qualifying written exam score will be invited to continue selection process.

Required Attachment: Candidates must attach a copy of their California POST Reserve Academy Certificate (as a Level I Reserve) or a current CA POST Basic Police Academy Certificate (non-expired). Do NOT attach any additional documents (i.e. resume) to the application, as they will not be accepted or reviewed in the application process.

STEP #2: WRITTEN EXAMINATION Submit test result from one of the two test options below. Scores that are dated within one (1) year of the application date and meet the minimum passing score will be accepted.

• National Testing Network (NTN) Frontline Law Enforcement Written Exam
  • Passing scores: Video - 65% or higher; Reading - 70% or higher; and Writing - 70% or higher
  • This exam is administered directly by the National Testing Network (NTN) and candidates pay a test fee for the service. There are multiple test sites in Southern California, as well as throughout the Country.
  • To schedule a test, visit the National Testing Network website. Select the Costa Mesa Police Department and the specific position you are applying to.
  • NTN will submit the scores to Costa Mesa Human Resources for review.
  • Do NOT submit a test score if you do not meet the job qualifications.
• P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB)
  • Passing score: Total T-Score - 45 or higher
  • Costa Mesa Police Department does not have any future test dates; however, if you have taken the PELLETB test with another agency within the last year, you may submit a copy of your test results to meet the written exam requirement. Results must be on the testing agency's letterhead.
  • PELLETB score must be attached to online application to be considered.

STEP #3: PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST (PAT) Qualified applicants who submit a passing written exam score, as stated above, will be invited to the PAT when a test date is established. The PAT is typically scheduled several times per year.

STEP #4: ORAL INTERVIEW EVALUATIONS Candidates who successfully pass the PAT will be invited to the interview evaluation.

ELIGIBILITY LIST Candidates must pass all four (4) of the steps listed above to be placed on the City's Eligibility List. The application screening, written examination, and physical agility test are all qualifying steps (pass/fail). The oral interview evaluation is weighted 100% and determines a candidates' placement on the eligibility list. Eligibility lists are valid for one (1) year from the date they are established unless it is exhausted sooner or extended for an additional period of time.

FINAL PHASES OF THE SELECTION PROCESS: Upon being placed on the eligibility list, appointment(s) will be made after successfully passing each of the following components: polygraph examination, a comprehensive background investigation, interview with the Chief of Police, and the post-offer pre-employment psychological evaluation and medical examination. All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States.

Please call the Police Recruitment Hotline at with any questions. Leave a message with your question and a staff member will return your call within one business day. *Please notify the Human Resources Division 72 hours in advance of a scheduled test date if you have a disability which requires accommodation for the testing process.

NOTE: The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained within may be modified or revoked without notice.