Fish and Wildlife Warden Career: Hiring FAQ

State law mandates that the examination process for peace officers include drug screening, physical, psychological, and medical examinations as well as thorough background investigations. A substantial amount of time is required to gather and evaluate the information, to follow up on missing or incomplete data, to conduct the various components of the examination, and etc.

Unfortunately, no.

Applications for the Warden Cadet and Warden (Lateral) classifications are accepted continuously (year-round). However, since CDFW only has one academy a year, applications for the following years academy (starting in January) are typically only accepted until March 1 of the previous year. If you submit your application after the cut-off date, you will not be in the cohort for the next academy and your process will take much longer.

Yes, depending on your classification. The Department accepts current Peace Officer applicants. Applicants will still have to attend an abbreviated Fish and Wildlife specific Academy.

Applicants who have undergone eye surgery to meet minimum visual standards may be required to submit medical data, at their own expense, to demonstrate visual stability. The candidate's medical documentation will be reviewed during the medical screening physician during the hiring process.

The Law Enforcement Division currently utilizes the POST Entry‐Level Law Enforcement Test Battery. Information related to this exam can be found at:

• LE Entry-Level Test Battery Applicant FAQs

You must score a 42 or greater for your score to be accepted.

Physical Ability Test Preparation. Before starting any regular physical exercise program consult with a medical doctor to make sure you can exercise safely. Remember to start easy and don’t over do it. Advanced preparation for the test is the key. Don’t wait until the month before the test to start getting in shape. The best way to prepare for the PAT is to engage in a physical fitness program that is designed to improve flexibility, overall muscular strength, and cardio-respiratory endurance. Examples include: jogging two miles without stopping at least five days a week; do as many push-ups as possible every other day; do as many abdominal crunches as possible at least five days per week. You may also consult a fitness trainer to design a personal fitness program. The most effective way to avoid injuries, sprains, strains, and soreness is to always stretch before exercising and cool down after exercising. Every exercise session should follow this format: warm-up 5-10 minutes; exercise 20-30 minutes; cool down 5-10 minutes.

Yes, please contact the Public Training and Education Center at Butte Community College for further information. (530) 895-2401

We also accept applications from candidates who are currently attending other academies or who have successfully completed another academy within the past 12 months. 

There is no single reason. Candidates are automatically disqualified if they withhold information and/or provide false information.

The only automatic reason for being disqualified based on criminal behavior is if you have been convicted of a felony or convicted of a crime in another state that could have been prosecuted as a felony in California. You will have an opportunity to disclose and explain any criminal activity or behavior. The information will be reviewed and evaluated in light of the circumstances and may or may not disqualify you. The most important thing is to fully disclose all criminal activity or any behavior that may be considered to be a crime.

Email becomeagamewarden@wildlife.ca.gov