Department · California Highway Patrol
CHP written exam: the PELLETB, taken with CHP
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) written exam is the PELLETB, California POST's reading and writing test, and you take the PELLET-B with CHP each time you apply, even if you passed it elsewhere.
- 65–78multiple-choice items
- 1 h 45 minof testing
- 30 calendar daysbefore any retest
CHP written exam at a glance
| Item | What applies | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Written test |
| CHP: Written Examchecked Oct 21, 2026 |
| Scores from elsewhere | Not acceptedyou take the PELLET-B with CHP each time you apply, even if you passed it elsewhere | CHP: Written Examchecked Oct 21, 2026 |
| Retake rule | 30 calendar dayspass or fail, even if the next test is with another agency | CHP: Written Examchecked Oct 21, 2026 |
| Where you test | Scheduled with the Physical Abilities Test at the CHP Division you apply throughone Division per filing period; the Division you test in does not decide your assignment | CHP: How to start your career as a CHP Officerchecked Oct 21, 2026 |
| After the written test | Background investigation | CHP: Written Exam · CHP: How to start your career as a CHP Officerchecked Oct 21, 2026 |
What is on the CHP written exam
The test covers writing (clarity, vocabulary, spelling) and reading comprehension, all multiple choice, on paper:
- Clarity: pick the clearer of two sentences, 15–18 items
- Vocabulary: the closest meaning of a word in a sentence, 15–18 items
- Spelling: the correctly spelled word for a blank, 15–18 items
- Reading comprehension: short passages, 20–24 items
The CLOZE section is gone (CLOZE removed Jan 1, 2025). A CHP study guide or video that still teaches it predates the change.
Scoring: T-score: mean 50, standard deviation 10; Reading, Writing and Total scores are reported. Results: From the agency or academy that gave the test, within 30 days; POST does not release scores to applicants. POST leaves the cut to the hiring agency and recommends a T-score of 42 or higher. We have no CHP-specific cut on file; your CHP Division can tell you.
"CHP exam" also means another credential
Search "CHP exam" and many results are about the Certified Health Physicist exam, a radiation-safety credential with no link to the Highway Patrol. Search "CHP written exam" or "PELLETB" instead.
Where the written exam sits in CHP hiring
The steps CHP lists for an officer applicant, in order.
Create a profile and apply through one CHP Division
Physical Abilities Test and written exam (PELLET-B)
Background investigation
Source: CHP: Written Exam · CHP: How to start your career as a CHP Officer
Medical and psychological evaluations
Academy invitation
The CHP Academy is in West Sacramento; the invitation is the official job offer.
How to practice for the CHP written exam
There is no separate CHP test to practice for, because the exam is the PELLETB. Start with the PELLETB practice test, then drill your weakest sub-test from the list above. POST's own material is a free Applicant Preparation Guide with keyed sample items; the study guide shows how to use it. CHP recommends joining your Division's Applicant Preparation Program (APP); it helps with the Physical Abilities Test and the written exam.
Plan around the retest rule. After any attempt, you wait 30 calendar days, pass or fail, even if the next test is with another agency. A rushed attempt at another department can push back your CHP date by a month.
PELLETB practice in an app
PELLETB practice app
More PELLETB practice questions with explanations, in a study app. Not affiliated with California POST.
CHP written exam questions
What is the CHP written exam?
It is the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) from California POST, given by CHP during the application, together with the Physical Abilities Test.
What type of questions are on the CHP written exam?
Multiple choice only, in writing (clarity, vocabulary, spelling) and reading comprehension. There is no essay.
Can I use a PELLETB score from another agency for CHP?
No: you take the PELLET-B with CHP each time you apply, even if you passed it elsewhere.
How soon can I retake the CHP written exam?
After 30 calendar days, pass or fail, even if the next test is with another agency.
What comes after the CHP written exam?
A background investigation, then medical and psychological evaluations, then the Academy invitation.