APPLICATION PROCESS

The Houston Police Department is currently accepting applications for upcoming academy classes, which are held approximately every two months. The full application process generally takes 90 to 180 days and includes multiple phases designed to ensure candidates meet all requirements to attend the academy.

Some applicants — such as reinstatements, lateral transfers, military applicants, and out-of-town candidates — may have additional requirements or follow a slightly different process. If any of these categories apply to you, please review the information provided in the relevant sections or visit the page dedicated to your applicant type for more details.

Click on each phase below to expand and learn more about what to expect at each step of the process.

PHASE ONE - Prepare Application Packet and Schedule Initial Interview

Phase One consists of four required steps that must be completed before your initial interview. These steps ensure you meet minimum qualifications and arrive fully prepared.

You must complete all required forms and gather all supporting and eligibility documentation before scheduling your interview. Applicants who schedule prematurely or arrive without required documents will be subject to rescheduling.

⚠ Do not submit your application or schedule your interview until all required documents and forms are complete. ⚠

DETERMINE YOUR QUALIFICATION PATH

Determine your qualification path and gather the required documentation to verify eligibility. If you qualify under more than one criterion, you must obtain documentation for each.

You must have 36 months of full-time employment within the last 48 months. (See Requirements page for full details.)

If qualifying based on this criterion:

Obtain Employment Verification Letters (Sample ONLY) for each full-time employer (32+ hours/ week) you’ve had in the last 4 years.
Complete the Work Experience Form.

Please note that the Work Experience Form alone is not sufficient. Employment Verification Letters are required for eligibility review. Employment Verification Letters must meet the requirements outlined at the bottom of the Work Experience Form.

You must have at least 48 semester credit hours from an accredited college or university with a minimum 2.0 GPA. (See Requirements page for full details.)

If qualifying based on this criterion:

Order official transcripts from each of your schools before your interview.

If they provide sealed envelopes, bring them to your interview without opening them.
If they offer digital versions, follow your institution’s instructions to request them and send an official transcript to:
HPDRecruitingDocuments@houstontx.gov

You must have at least 18 months of active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and have received an Honorable Discharge. (See Requirements page for full details.)

If qualifying based on this criterion:

Bring original DD-214 or NGB-22.

You must have at least 3 years of full-time employment as a TCOLE-licensed peace officer. (See Requirements pagefor full details).

If qualifying based on this criterion:

Obtain a copy of your active TCOLE license and any applicable training records.
For out-of-state equivalency or more details on licensing please refer to Lateral page.

If you are unsure which qualification path applies to you, schedule a virtual Q&A with a recruiter before scheduling your interview.

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION PACKET

Before scheduling your interview:

Ensure all required documents listed in the Required Documents Checklist are gathered.
Confirm all eligibility verification documents are complete.
Review your packet for accuracy.

Only schedule your interview once your packet is complete.

COMPLETE REQUIRED FORMS

Complete the following forms:

Personal History Statement (download and typed).
City of Houston NeoGov Application.

Please note that by submitting your application and scheduling an interview, you confirm that all required documents and forms have been completed and gathered.

Note:

You will be contacted within 4–5 business days after submitting NeoGov.
Interviews are by appointment only (approx. 3 hours).
Business attire required.

BRING TO YOUR INTERVIEW

On the day of your Interview, you will go over your eligibility verification documents, all required documentation on the checklist, and all completed forms, as well as additional forms you will be provided upon arrival.

You must bring:

Completed Personal History Statement.
All eligibility verification documents.
All Required Documents Checklist items.
Government-issued photo ID.

Applicants who arrive without documents or incomplete forms will be subject to rescheduling.

QUICK LINKS:

PHASE TWO - Reading Comprehension Test and Physical Agility Test

Once you have passed the initial interview, you will be scheduled to take a reading comprehension test and physical agility test. Phase Two will take approximately 4-5 hours and will be held at the Houston Police Department Training Academy. Upon completion of the reading comprehension and physical agility tests, you will then be sent for fingerprinting.

Physical Agility Test (PAT)
- 500 Meter row, 50th percentile (2:27 or less females/2:08 or less for males) Learn about proper row technique.
- 1 Mile Run, 11:40 minutes or less
Weapon Compatibility
- 6 trigger pulls with each hand
Nelson-Denny Reading Comprehension Test (NDRC)
- You must pass the reading and vocabulary comprehension test with a minimum score of 67
- for more information about how to prepare for the NDRC test please visit free resources through Test Prep Review or Checkout this Study Guide

We encourage you to physically prepare for the physical agility test prior to any attempt and recommend that you consult a physician prior to undertaking any rigorous training program. If you do not believe you are able to pass this test, you should not submit your application. To practice the physical agility test visit the Events page for information about the program “Run With Your Recruiter”.

PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST

PHASE THREE - Polygraph Exam and Post-Polygraph Interview

Once you have passed the physical agility test, you will be scheduled for a polygraph examination. Immediately following the polygraph, you will have a post-polygraph interview. Dress is business or business casual, no jeans. Phase Three will take approximately 4 hours.

PHASE FOUR - Background Investigation

An extensive background investigation will be conducted on your personal, family, financial, employment, credit, and residential histories.

PHASE FIVE - Psychological and Medical Exam

During Phase Five, you will be scheduled for a medical and a psychological examination. Please print-out the City of Houston Medical Questionnaire form and bring the form with you to your medical exam. It is important to report on time to these appointments. If you wear glasses or contacts, please make sure to bring them to your appointment. Please allow 7 hours for the medical examination and 4-5 hours for the psychological exam.

City of Houston Medical Questionnaire

PHASE SIX - Final Review and Chief of Police Approval

Pending the successful completion of all the previous phases, your file will be reviewed through the chain of command (five levels) and then sent to the Chief of Police for final approval.