How to Apply

Ready to make a change? Start a meaningful career in an amazing city. Join the Seattle Police Department.

There are seven steps for entry-level candidates applying to start their law enforcement career as a Seattle police officer, six steps for experienced officers applying as lateral candidates or exceptional-entry candidates.

Before applying, make sure you meet the qualifications for the position. All police officer candidates must be at least 20.5 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, be generally physically fit, hold a United States citizenship, OR have legal permanent residency in the U.S., OR be a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, and be able to get a Washington State Driver’s License. Click here for the full list of qualifications including requirements for lateral and exceptional-entry candidates.

Steps

1. Application : All candidates must submit a job application to the City of Seattle, be sure to submit the correct application. Click here to apply for entry-level and lateral positions, note that exceptional-entry candidates should complete the entry-level application.

Find & Apply for a Job

• You apply for a Police Officer job like any other city job, through the City Personnel Job Opportunities section.
• Once in the Job Opportunities page, you will need to find the job called "Police Officer Lateral Entry or Entry Level". The quickest way to find this job is through the Search field. Or under "select a department," you can choose "Seattle Police Department-Civil Service".

Screening & Testing Schedule

1. After you have applied for the job, you will be screened for employment eligibility by the personnel department before they can be scheduled for testing.
2. If you make it through the initial screening, you will receive an email with instructions on test scheduling.

Applicants must complete all parts of the Public Safety Civil Service Testing Process (steps 1 & 2) that are listed below by May 24, 2023 . If that is not possible, candidates should wait to apply in the next exam cycle that will open a week after this one closes.

1. Submit Application : To apply, click here.
   Candidates who meet eligibility criteria and pass all portions of the exam will be placed on an eligible list according to their exam scores. Candidates will be informed of their application status on or before May 26, 2023.
   
   
2. Register and Complete 2 Exam Components : The law enforcement exam components must be self-scheduled through the National Testing Network (NTN). Examinations are offered virtually or at physical locations across the United States. Applications must be received by May 22, 2023 and all exam components must be completed by May 24, 2023.

Financial Hardship Voucher: If payment of the NTN Testing Fee presents a financial hardship for you, please complete this electronic form. Upon completion of this form, the City of Seattle will notify NTN that a voucher can be issued. Candidates must also complete a Seattle Police Officer job application for the fee waiver to be processed.