Candidates must possess 38 semester (57 quarter) college units at the time of application to qualify. Applications without the required number of units completed will be rejected.
We accept California PELLET B written exam "T-scores" from other agencies with a "T-score of 48 or higher, if the test has been taken within a year of the date you submit your job application. It is the applicant's responsibility to attach proof of the written exam results to the job application. The T-score results must be on an agency letterhead where the test was administered and list the type of test, test date and the test results.
We do not accept other test scores in lieu of the California PELLETB examination.
Pursuant to California Senate Bill 960, effective January 1, 2023, it is no longer required for peace officers to either be a citizen of the United States or be a permanent resident who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship; instead, peace officers must be legally authorized to work in the United States. 
Candidates must meet the employment standards and take and pass the National Testing Network (NTN) examination for Law Enforcement online in order to take the agility test. The NTN examination can be found at https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/ .
Please send your NTN score to Santa Clara County Deputy Sheriff Cadet before June 3, 2024.
The agility test day for this recruitment is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, June 8, 2024.
A Deputy Sheriff Cadet enters training to join the ranks of Deputy Sheriffs who, under supervision, perform active law enforcement duties in the protection of life and property, the investigation of crimes and apprehension of law violators, the service of civil process issued by court, and perform a variety of technical law enforcement tasks.
After passing the exam and screening processes, candidates are eligible to be hired as Deputy Sheriff Cadets and attend the Basic Peace Officer Academy training program as a trainee.
Agility Examination: Prior to appointment as a cadet, each candidate must pass an agility test as part of the examination process. The agility test consists of four timed events: solid fence climb, 99-yard obstacle course, drag a 165-lb bag for 32 feet, 500-yard run.
When hired, Deputy Sheriff Cadets enter a 26-week Basic Peace Officer Academy training program. Benefits include medical, dental, and life insurance programs. Your status as trainee pursuant to the Fair Labor Standard Act does not entitle you to overtime or holiday pay while attending the Academy.
After Academy graduation, Cadets are eligible to be sworn in as regular Deputy Sheriffs at the start of the following pay period, and be considered probationary employees of the Sheriff's Office.
Those hired as a Deputy Sheriff and assigned to patrol and administrative duties will receive a 10% differential in addition to their base pay.
A 5% salary increase is given for satisfactory job performance six months after appointment as a Deputy Sheriff at Step 1.
Newly appointed Deputy Sheriffs must successfully complete an 18-month probationary period during which they will be required to complete a training program under the supervision of a training officer. The County supplies all safety equipment, as provided by law.
Advanced in-service training is available at the department level and in cooperation with local schools, state and national agencies. Regular County policy on tuition reimbursement applies to Deputy Sheriffs.
Upon graduation from the POST Academy, it is a condition of employment that newly appointed Deputy Sheriffs must sign a payroll deduction authorization form providing for deduction of union membership dues or an equivalent service fee. A thirty (30) calendar day cancellation period is provided.
For more information about the hiring process for Deputy Sheriff Cadet or Sheriff’s Correctional Deputy Cadet, visit Gosheriff.org.
Candidates must possess and clearly specify on their application the following:
 

• Graduation from high school or possession of a General Education Development (G.E.D.) Certificate and the completion of 38 college semester units (57 quarter units) at the time of application.
   
• Applicants who have passed their 20th birthday may submit an application but cannot be appointed until they have reached their 21st birthday.
   
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License (indicate your expiration month/year) prior to appointment and an acceptable driving record that will qualify for a County driving permit. If you have had a moving violation within the last year, you cannot have more than three moving violations within the past three years.
  APPLICANTS MUST LIST ALL VIOLATIONS RECEIVED.
   
• Have never been convicted of a felony. Any felony conviction and/or a conviction outside of California that would be considered a felony in this state is disqualifying.
   
• Must possess the legal right to work in the United States 
   
• Must be able to take and pass a thorough medical examination. May be disqualified on the basis of established medical standards (current P.O.S.T. or Departmental orders). Vision must not be less than 20/100, correctable to 20/20 with normal depth and color perception.
   
• Must be able to successfully demonstrate and maintain physical fitness in order to perform the full scope and functions of the job.
   
• Must be able to pass a complete background investigation including fingerprints and a search of local, state and national files for criminal history.

* Deputy Sheriffs are required to maintain a certificate of CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) and first-aid training.
Candidates eliminated on the basis of the medical or psychological examinations may not reapply for one year.
Candidates must also successfully pass a psychological evaluation.