Step 1: Apply For Position Online
The initial application for a Law Enforcement position must be completed online. Once you select a job posting to apply for, you will be required to create an account. The online application will determine if you meet the minimum requirements set forth by TCSO and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
Please read each question carefully and provide complete responses. Once your application has been accepted, you will be contacted by a Recruiter to guide you through the hiring process. The initial communication will be sent via email, so please be sure to check your Spam folder for emails from
Also, please make sure your cell phone number is entered correctly and that your voice mail box is set up to accept messages.
Step 2: Complete Required Tests
Once the online application has been reviewed and accepted, the TCSO Recruiting Team will contact you by email. The Recruiter will provide you with several additional documents to be completed and then schedule you for the upcoming test date.
*** Important *** If you fail to respond to the Recruiter’s email, you will be disqualified for a minimum of one year. Also, once scheduled for a test date, if you are unable to attend testing you must call us to reschedule. If you are a "no call/no show" for testing, you will be disqualified and will not be able to reapply for a minimum of one year.
Vocabulary Test: You will be required to look at a word in context and answer the multiple-choice question with the best choice. There are 35 questions with a 30-minute time limit. A passing score of 70 is required for this section.
Reading Comprehension Test: You will be required to read several paragraphs and answer multiple-choice questions pertaining to the paragraphs. There are 15 questions with a 30-minute time limit. A passing score of 70 is required for this section.
Physical Readiness Test (PRT): You will be required to complete a timed 500-meter row at 50% or above according to their gender. A medical waiver will be required prior to taking this test. The minimum time is 2:08 for a male and 2:27 for a female. You can find training tips at www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/training/technique-videos.
Law Enforcement Exam: This test includes vocabulary, reading memorization, math and a map that you must use to answer specific questions. There are 50 questions and a passing score is 70.
Firearm Qualification: All candidates will qualify on the range. Minimum passing score is 75 out of a possible 100.
At the appointed testing time, you will be required to:
- Be on time at the testing site. Anyone arriving after the scheduled time will not be allowed to test. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive due to unexpected traffic delays.
- Bring the completed applicant packet and pre-poly questionnaire. These documents will be notarized at the test location, so please make sure all questions are answered. You will sign and date these forms after testing has been completed.
- Bring a valid photo ID; acceptable forms of identification include: Texas or other Resident State Driver’s License (with current address), State Identification Cards or a current Military Identification Card.
- To ensure your safety during the PRT, please be prepared to sign a medical waiver.
- Please bring as many of the following documents to testing as possible:
- Birth Certificate
- Social Security Card (laminated cards are NOT accepted)
- Valid Driver’s License or an Identification Card (displaying current address)
- Current Proof of Auto Insurance
- Educational related documents (high school diploma, official GED or sealed and unopened high school transcripts)
- Complete credit report
- If applicable, Military Form DD-214 (Veterans only: Member 4 is required)
Step 3: Background Investigation
Upon successful completion of the required tests, we will complete a background investigation which will include a background interview and polygraph exam.
Step 4: Interview With Oral Board
Candidates who successfully pass the background investigation are then scheduled for an interview with an Oral Review Board. During the board, you will be asked a series of general and situational questions regarding the position for which you applied. You must pass the Oral Review Board in order to be offered a position with our agency. Candidates that have successfully passed the Oral Review Board will be placed on an eligibility list from which selection for employment will be made.