1. Apply: All candidates must submit an application to the City of Seattle as soon as possible. To submit an application, click “Apply” at the top of this job bulletin. A resume and cover letter are not required.
2. Register and Complete Two (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, and the City of Seattle will pay for the exam. The required exam components include:
You should receive your final exam results within approximately three weeks after applying and completing all components of your test (Frontline National and PSSA).
Candidates who meet eligibility criteria and pass all portions of the exam will be ranked on an eligible list according to their exam scores. Candidates who pass the civil service exam must then complete and pass all the below pre-employment steps to become a Seattle police officer. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].
Exam Notes:
Candidates are NOT required to complete the NTN Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) for the Seattle Police Department.
If you have taken the NTN exam for a department other than SPD within the last year, you can elect to send your scores to SPD at no cost via the “Department Add” feature in your NTN account. Please contact NTN candidate support if you need assistance transferring your scores to SPD.
3. Physical Ability Test: While scheduling your written exam, the NTN system will prompt you to schedule your Washington Physical Ability Test (WAPAT). We encourage you to complete your WAPAT with NTN as soon as possible. Passing the WAPAT is required to move forward in the hiring process. If you are an out-of-state candidate, you will not be expected to travel to Washington to complete your WAPAT.
4. Backgrounding: Candidates who pass the WAPAT will receive a link via email from the Seattle Police Background Unit to fill out their personal history information. SPD will then conduct a thorough investigation into the candidate’s history. Ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications for this position listed below.
5. Medical Evaluation, Psychological Exam, and Polygraph Exam: Candidates must complete a medical evaluation that includes drug screening, medical history, vision and hearing test, and a stress EKG test. A psychological exam will be completed via Zoom. The medical tests can only be completed in person at specific Seattle locations currently.
6. Final Offer of Employment: If the candidate completes and passes all the above steps, they will be given an official offer of employment with the Seattle Police Department.
