The application process starts on the City of Charlotte Job Openings page. There will be three job openings to choose from (Police Trainee, Lateral Police Trainee, and Intermediate Police Trainee). Please ensure that you select the appropriate job posting, and do not complete multiple applications for the Police Trainee position. Check our FAQ page if you are not sure which of the three available job openings to apply for.

If you are applying to be a Police Trainee, Lateral Trainee or Intermediate Trainee, we encourage you to read our minimum requirements to ensure you qualify for employment. Our frequently asked questions are also helpful. The application process can take approximately eight to 16 weeks, depending upon when you make it to, and through, the Police Academy. Remember, you can apply any time!

The standardized test is the Nelson Denny Reading Assessment. All applicants must score at least a 10th grade reading level on both sections of the exam; Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension. Applicants who fail the written exam are allowed to retest once per month. Once an applicant passes this multiple-choice test, his or her score is validated for the next 12 months. For tips on taking the test, refer to this Nelson Denny Study Guide.

Option 1: Testing is offered at the Police Academy twice per month, or at off-site event locations (off-site locations and schedules vary).  The Job-Related Physical Abilities Test (JRPAT) will also be administered at this time for candidates testing in Charlotte.  Other candidates will complete the JRPAT when they reach Step 4.

Option 2: For candidates outside the Charlotte Metro area, you may contact a recruiter to set up an online administration of the multiple-choice test. Email cmpd_recruitment@charlottepolicejobs.org to set up an online test (Metro area as defined by the US Census Bureau Combined Statistical area): Mecklenburg, Gaston, Union, Cabarrus, Iredell, Lincoln, Rowan, Stanly and Cleveland counties in North Carolina and York, Chester and Lancaster counties in South Carolina.

After the applicants successfully pass the Nelson-Denny Reading test, they will be assessed on their level of physical fitness by doing the Job-Related Physical Abilities Test. This is done to offer the applicant the baseline of their physical fitness abilities prior to entering the Training Academy.

After successful completion of testing, applicants will receive the CMPD Background Packet. This packet includes the North Carolina Personal History Statement (F3), a Release of Information Form, Fitness Expectations for the Police Academy, and a list of documents that applicants must gather and submit to his or her Recruiter. The list of documents can be found in the FAQ section. It is recommended that applicants begin collecting documents prior to testing so there is no delay in submitting the background packet.

BRAINS Assessment (Online)

Recruiter Interview

Polygraph

CPI/Psychological Interview

The Oral Board interview is an in-person interview with a panel of CMPD representatives. This is an opportunity to show the board members that you are ready to serve and become a member of CMPD!

Basic medical examination is with a qualified physician to ensure State guidelines are satisfied prior to an applicant’s hire for the Police Academy.