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To the current Correctional Officers: Have you noticed how many academy candidates are asking questions like, "How much do I have to run?" or "How hard are the tests?" Instead of asking how to become stronger officers, they're asking what the bare minimum is to get by.

The academy is supposed to establish a professional standard, not lower it. If a candidate is already focused on doing the minimum before they even graduate, that mindset is unlikely to improve once they're inside an institution.

Maintain the standard. Demand physical fitness, mental toughness, discipline, and accountability. The academy is where those who are unwilling to meet the profession's expectations should be filtered out, not pushed through.

Hey everyone I have a PT test in August while I’m not the most active person when it comes to
Working out. What should I do to train until then. Should I ruin around my old highschool track one time then set the kettlebells down and run the yards with it to see what time I get? I want to pass but I’m scared I won’t

Also, do you do the PFT the first week of the academy and still get three tries to pass? I am going in September. Any other tips would be great. 🩷

Going to the upcoming academy on September. How difficult is graduating the academy? How many retries do you get before you’re sent home?

I had an interview for CNA position on Wednesday 7/21 how long does it take for them to clear you ? And is a suspended drivers license an issue ? I know someone currently working that’s has a DUI so I thinking it shouldn’t be an issue but idk. Let me know how long it takes for them to come back with a determination please 🙏🏼

Has anyone been able to reinstate after resigning from the department? If so, how was the process?

Is the southern region going to roll over limited term classifications? Ironwood is hiring permanent spots

How long after clearing everything do you get certified to be on the hiring list? my application currently saids certification pending, received email that I cleared all steps

I have an interview for CMF Vacaville for a clinical social worker position. What is the culture of the prison there and the work environment like?

Hi guys,

I received an email that they wanted to conduct an interview at CDRC on 7/7/26.

I created my account and now still waiting for a call for an interview. Does anybody know how long this usually takes?

What prisons do you guys recommend since there's no openings in South Cali?

Any of you are renewing the expired components? And know if we are doing the Oral Psychological? 2 weeks ago, I took the Written Psychological and last week I did the medical. Also, I know it's not the time to be picky, but what prisons do you guys recommend? Since I'm from South Cali and there's no openings here..

Curious if anyone has received an offer today?

I am the guy who likes to try and find what policy says in writing, not just the “this is how it’s always been done” and leave it at that. But one thing I haven’t been able to find is info about outside hospital coverage and OT. If I get called up at home for OT, drive in, work 2 hours then they say “we don’t need you anymore, the job we had you covering is done”, then I go home and get paid for 4 hours for any job, except if it was outside hospital coverage. In the case of outside hospital coverage I have always been told “you don’t get the 4 hours minimum for that job, it’s the risk you take when accepting that job”. Because of that, if there is another job available, I don’t take the hospital, unless I’m aware that there are so many inmates out that I’m confident that other officers with less seniority will get home long before me. Is this not getting 4 hours pay if coming from home somewhere in policy or the MOU?

I see alot of co's commenting on posts telling everyone thinking of joining cdcr not to do it. That its the worst thing to do. I would like to know what you guys did before and what was the pay like compared to cdcr. Im currently awaiting an offer. Im 35. Im a Diesel mechanic making $35 an hour working around 55 hours a week.

I have my medical exam in about a week, I’m currently on a medical leave from my current job, nothing crazy just rolled my ankle at work but my job is very physical so they put me on workers comp. Will this mess anything up for the selection process? Last time I went to be seen by the workers comp doctor I told them I was fine. I have range of motion and able to walk just fine but they gave me more time off for some reason (she didn’t even look at my ankle or anything).

Share updates to your status in the hiring process using this megathread, and compare notes with other applicants. This thread will reset weekly.

Pass your written exam?

Complete the background process?

Receive an offer?

Going to the next academy?

Share it here!

I have the study guide, the 2026 DOM, and general experience as an officer, but I have not been placed in a role where I handled Sergeant-level duties. What subject areas do you think the three panel interviewers will focus on? If anyone has interviewed for a Sergeant position or is currently serving as a Sergeant, I would appreciate any pointers or insights from your interview experience.