Frequently Asked Questions

Once an applicant takes his/her P.O.S.T. Pellet B Exam, they will be given their results.

There is no dress code for the written examinations, although professional, comfortable clothing is recommended.

As a Sheriff Recruit your tuition through the Police Academy will be covered by the Sheriff’s Office and you will receive regular pay as a full time employee during this time. 

The Sheriff’s Office does continues recruitment for several positions. To check our current openings, please visit the county employment portal.

You can apply for any job opening via the county’s employment portal. 

The Sheriff’s Office has numerous positions besides the sworn position of Deputy Sheriff, Correctional Deputy, and Dispatcher. Other positions include Animal Control Officer, Animal Shelter Kennel Attendants, Coroner’s Office positions, Administrative positions, and civilian positions within the Correctional Facility.

All sworn Sheriff’s Office positions will require the successful completion of the application process, testing, and an oral interview prior to starting the background process.

Written test scores are typically valid for one year.

Yes, however, per P.O.S.T. regulations, the PELLETB test can only be taken once in a 30 day period.

If you have taken the P.O.S.T. PELLETB exam while applying with another agency, we may accept the scores if the test was taken within 12 months of your application date.

While it is difficult to give an exact time frame for the completion of the background process, as each is unique, we recommend you allot at least six months for this process to be completed in full. Currently, our staff is able to complete an average background evaluation in about 3 to 4 months

Position recruitments vary based on departmental needs. We recommend you check the county employment portal regularly as new positions are frequently listed. 

Please sign in to the county employment portal to update your information.

Yes, you may apply for multiple positions. 

If you fail the P.O.S.T. Structured Interview, you may reapply. There is no time restraint for additional applications. 

For more information or specific questions not answered in this FAQ, please contact our recruitment line at 707-441-5100.

A passing T- score of 42 on the Peace Officer Standards and Training Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery exam (PELLETB) is required for the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.