Police Officer (Entry-Level and Lateral)

The City of Cedar Park

The Position

NOTICE OF CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION.

ENTRY-LEVEL and LATERAL POLICE OFFICER

City of Cedar Park, Texas

Examination Info

Date: July 11, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM

Place: Public Safety Training Center Large Training Room

1204 Fire Lane

Cedar Park, Texas 78613

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, July 3, 2026 5:00 pm

ELIGIBILITY LIST: The Eligibility List established through this testing will be effective for 180 days from the date of the test or until the list is exhausted, whichever comes first.

APPLICATION PROCESS: The Cedar Park Application for Employment must be submitted through the Human Resources on-line application system no later than, Friday, July 3, 2026 5.00 pm. It is important that your application show all the education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resume, cover letters, and/or any other documentation submitted will not be accepted in lieu of the online application. You must include your duties (do not input "See Resume") in the Work History section of the online application.

Applicants who possess military discharge papers (DD-214) must provide a full and clear copy of the document (make sure that important information is not cut off by the copier. i.e., the disposition or status details) no later than the day of your test at sign in, July 3, 2026.

Five points shall be added to the examination grade of an applicant who served in the United States Armed Forces, received an honorable discharge, timely submits DD-214-member 4 copy and makes a passing grade on the examination.

Upon completion of the online application, you will receive an automatic response

indicating that your application has been received. The Human Resources Department will then review your application for completeness and will verify all necessary documents have been attached by the application deadline (see Entry-Level Police Examination Informational Packet), Applicants that have a complete application by the application deadline and meet the minimum requirements will be emailed an invitation to take the Civil Service Entry examination along with details to include date and time of your examination, check-in procedures, examination procedures/standards, physical fitness/physical ability test information and study guide information.

Please note: even if you have previously applied for a position with the City of Cedar Park Police Department, you must submit a new application through our online application process to be considered in this hiring process.

Failure to follow the directions given in this notification may disqualify you from further consideration for employment. The on-line application must be answered in its entirety. Deliberate misstatements or omissions can and often will result in your application being rejected, regardless of the nature or reason for the misstatements/omissions.

Acceptable Experience, Training, Certifications and Licenses

The City Of Cedar Park Has Adopted Civil Service For Public Safety And All Hiring Processes Are Conducted In Accordance With Established Civil Service Rules And Chapter 143 Of The Local Government Code. Applicants For Police Officer Shall Meet The Following Criteria In Order To Be Considered For Any Entry-level Position

• Achieve a minimum passing score of seventy (70) percent on the written examination;
• Pass a comprehensive background investigation, which may include a polygraph or similar investigative/evaluation tool per discretion of the Department head;
• Successfully complete the physical fitness/physical ability test;
• Successfully complete a situational reasoning testing and assessment;
• Pass oral interviews;
• Successfully complete a post-job offer psychological examination and medical examination that includes passing a visual acuity test, and physician certification that the applicant is not dependent on and does not use illegal drugs. An applicant for police officer must posses an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/100 or better in each eye with both eyes correctable to at least 20/20 binocular vision with contact lenses; and the ability to distinguish basic color groups;
• Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age at the time of hire;
• Be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an equivalency certificate;
• Have a valid Texas driver's license at the date of hire;
• Be a citizen of the United States by birth or naturalization;
• Be able to read, write, and speak the English language;
• Be of good moral character;
• Shall not be prohibited from carrying a firearm or possessing ammunition, and
• Meet all requirements as established in Texas Civil Service law in accordance with the Texas Local Government Code, Cedar Park Local Civil Service Rules, and any amended articles agreed upon through the established Meet and Confer process.
  
  

*Applicants not certified as a Peace Officer as established by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) are eligible to take the entrance exam. Applicants without a TCOLE Certification may be hired as a Non-Civil Service cadet and compensated at $32.00. As a Non-Civil Service cadet you must be able to meet all legal requirements for future licensing and certification required by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). For a complete list of the state's licensing requirements please visit TCOLE at www.tcole.texas.gov.

Supplemental Information

Officer Pay Plan FY 25 click here.

Lateral Transfer Information click here.

Police Examination Informational Packet click here.

FAQ

• Do I need to attach my Military Discharge Document (DD-214, Form 4)?
• Yes, to receive Military Service credit for a passing score of 70%, or better. A DD214, Form 4; must be attached to application.
• Tattoos?
• Click here to view the Police Department Standard Operations Guide (SOG).
• What not to bring to the testing site?
• No pagers, cell phones, bags, purses, smart watches, hats, calculators, weapons, or similar equipment.
• Where do I find the Study Guide Material?
• Applicants may order the “Police Aptitude and Character Test (PACT) Candidate Orientation Guide” by clicking the following link: https://www.fpsi.com/police-sheriff-applicants/. This guide is a great resource to help you prepare for the exam. It’s available as a downloadable PDF that you can save or print. Two different versions are offered, each with unique practice test items to help you get ready! Payment Options: Venmo, PayPal, or credit/debit card. As soon as your payment is completed, you’ll receive immediate access to download your guide. A few helpful reminders: make sure your email address is correct at checkout so you receive your order confirmation. Orientation Guides are available for instant download, and a download link will also be emailed to you for convenience.
• Is there a dress attire to test?
• No, there is no certain dress attire to test.