PELLET B Test Prep: Master the California POST PELLET B Exam

Most of the time, there is no fee to take the PELLETB. However, some agencies may charge a small fee for the test.

For the PELLET B test, wear business casual or professional attire—such as a dress shirt or blouse, slacks or dress pants, and polished shoes—to maintain a clean, respectful appearance during the written exam. If a physical assessment is included, opt for athletic clothing that allows free movement, like activewear and athletic shoes. When in doubt, bring a change of clothes to be prepared for both components.

If you do not pass the PELLETB test, you can retake it after 30 days. Most agencies require a score of at least 42 to be considered competitive.

You can retake the PELLET B exam multiple times; however, you must wait a minimum of 30 calendar days before taking it again, even if you are testing with a different agency.

You will receive your results within 30 days of taking the test. However, POST does not provide results directly to candidates; instead, you will be notified by the agency you applied to.

The PELLETB assesses writing and reading abilities through multiple-choice questions. It includes sections on clarity, spelling, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Expect approximately 65-78 questions with a time limit of about 2.5 hours.

The PELLETB is administered by authorized law enforcement agencies and training academies within California. It is not available for direct registration through POST online. If you’re applying for a job, the hiring agency will schedule your test. Some academies also offer open testing sessions. Be sure to verify the test date, location, and any registration requirements with the specific agency or academy.

No. All test administrations on or after January 1, 2025, will use the new version of the PELLETB, which excludes the CLOZE sub-test. Agencies do not have the option to choose a version with the CLOZE section.

A PELLET B score has no official shelf life, meaning you may submit your score letter from a previous administration to a prospective employer. However, individual departments may have their own acceptable time frames for how recent a score must be.

While the minimum recommended T-score is 42, scoring in the mid-40s or higher is generally considered competitive. A T-score of 50 is average, and scores of 60 or higher are well above average and suggest a strong likelihood of success in police academy training. Individual agency requirements may vary, so it’s wise to aim for as high a score as possible.

The psychological evaluation assesses emotional stability, decision-making, and stress tolerance through a written test and an interview with a licensed psychologist.

The polygraph test (lie detector) verifies the truthfulness of an applicant’s background, covering topics like criminal history, drug use, and personal integrity.

Need help preparing? Our Police Psych Prep Course and Polygraph Preparation Guide provide expert strategies to help you succeed.

Many police departments in California require candidates to take the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET B) as part of their hiring process. Some of the agencies that use the PELLET B include:

• California Highway Patrol (CHP)
• San Francisco Police Department
• Anaheim Police Department
• San Jose Police Department
• Alameda Police Department
• Albany Police Department
• Berkeley Police Department
• Fremont Police Department
• Hayward Police Department
• Livermore Police Department
• Oakland Police Department
• Pleasanton Police Department
• Long Beach Police Department
• Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)
• Torrance Police Department
• Oceanside Police Department
• Santa Clara Police Department
• Mountain View Police Department
• Palo Alto Police Department
• Buena Park Police Department
• Huntington Beach Police Department
• Citrus Heights Police Department
• Folsom Police Department

Several California law enforcement agencies accept PELLETB scores from external testing agencies, but requirements vary by department regarding score validity and minimum T-scores. Here are some examples:

• Sacramento Police Department: Candidates must take the City of Sacramento Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam (Pass/Fail). However, applicants with a PELLET B T-score of 45 or higher are exempt from taking this exam.
• Beverly Hills Police Department: Candidates with a PELLET B T-score of 50 or greater do not need to take the department’s written test and can proceed in the hiring process.
• Chula Vista Police Department: Accepts PELLETB scores dated within six months of the test date. A T-score of 46 or above exempts the candidate from taking the written test.
• San Diego Police Department: If a candidate has taken the PELLETB within six months of applying and has scored 42 or higher in all areas, they are exempt from the department’s written test.
• Fullerton Police Department: Does not conduct the PELLETB but accepts scores from other agencies if the applicant has a T-score of 46 or higher.
• Santa Ana Police Department: Accepts PELLET B scores within one year of application with a T-score of 46 or higher.
• Corona Police Department: Conducts its own written test but accepts PELLET B scores of 42 or higher if taken within three years of the application date.
• Fontana Police Department: Accepts PELLET B scores of 45 or higher, provided the test was taken within one year of applying. Scores must be submitted on official agency letterhead at the time of application.
• San Bernardino Police Department: Accepts PELLET B scores of 42 or higher.
• Oxnard Police Department: Accepts PELLET B scores not older than 12 months.
• Simi Valley Police Department: If a candidate has taken the PELLETB within the last year and earned a T-score of 45 or higher, they may submit their score instead of taking the National Testing Network (NTN) exam.
• Ventura Police Department: Accepts PELLET B scores in lieu of their own written exam.