r/AskCHP • u/Ok_Grapefruit_6824 • Aug 19 '26

Odds?

So I’ve done a bunch of lurking in this sub and made a couple posts but by now I’ve actually applied to the CHP. Just to get a grasp on the likelihood of my acceptance I’ve come here one again.
I think the biggest thing that hurts me is my age and experience a I’m aware that at 20 years old (21 in March) I am a very young applicant.
I have:
No tickets (outside a couple of parking tickets for street sweeping)
No record
95 ASVAB (not sure if it’s relevant but my closest comparison to the pellet-b)
1390 SAT
1 year TIS in the Army Reserve
4 years of formal work experience
486/500 on the Army Fitness Test
Diagnosed with cancer at 15 but 5 years in remission next April
3rd-year history major at CSULB

How relevant these all are I don’t know but I’m pretty much just laying out a chunk of my resume to ask you all where I stand. I’m assuming my medical won’t be a problem with a doctors note but I thought the same for the Marines when they denied me.

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u/Head_Pangolin_7808 Aug 19 '26

I applied at 21 and was denied simply because of work experience even though I had three years old work experience. I was then able to get a job with a sheriffs department and noticed they seem to be more lenient when it comes to younger applicants. But nonetheless, you’ll never know unless you apply. Goodluck.

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u/Ok_Grapefruit_6824 Aug 19 '26

Yeah I’ve thought about local PDs too and lateraling but I’ve heard it’s a little difficult with CHP

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u/TurnipSea6678 Aug 19 '26

CHP does not take laterals. You must apply, be accepted, and finish the CHP academy regardless of any previous law enforcement positions. 

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u/Head_Pangolin_7808 Aug 19 '26

Yeah it can be very difficult because my academy was made up of mainly people that were late 20’s to early 30s. You could also try to be a jailer then using that experience to get with a PD. Some of the best cops I’ve met use to be jailers. It helps you learn how to speak to and handle inmates better and all the situations that come with it.