Application and Testing

First, complete your application at National Testing Network (NTN) www.nationaltestingnetwork.com and schedule a date to take the written and physical tests.  You may opt to take the written and physical tests the same day, or on separate days.  You can inquire how well you did the same day.  Tests are validated by Civil Service and the results are reported to us weekly.  You must pass all portions of the testing, but a score of 70% or higher on the video portion is necessary in order to continue in the process.  All other scores are reported to us as PASS/FAIL from NTN.   The video scenarios score is an important part of your testing as you will see below.

Oral Board

When we receive your results from NTN, we will email you a packet to complete that is the basis of your background investigation.  This is called a Personal History Questionnaire.  Once this 18-page document is returned and you have no automatic disqualifiers, you will be contacted 3-4 weeks in advance to schedule an oral board. This is a formal interview in front of a panel of King County deputies, detectives and/or sergeants. The panel will evaluate you on the following criteria: communication skills, background, community involvement, experience, integrity, motivation, interpersonal skills and problem solving.  Oral Boards are generally held the 3rd week of every other month.

Civil Service Eligibility List

Based on the combined scores of the video portion of the written test and the oral board, (as well as veterans preference points if applicable) qualified candidates will be merged onto the existing entry-level or lateral eligibility lists. These lists determine the order in which background investigations are conducted.

Mentoring Program

After successfully completing the oral board interview (and if your ranking is high enough on the Civil Service Eligibility List), you will have the option to participate in the mentoring program. This is completely voluntary on your part.  Mentors are experienced deputies, detectives, or sergeants who also have volunteered to be a contact person within the department.  They can provide assistance, guidance, and perspective during the hiring, academy, and training processes. Your mentor is paired with you and remains your mentor until you complete the field training phase. Your mentor also will take you on a ride-along anywhere in the county and can facilitate future rides. It is an invaluable asset to receive advice, information, and encouragement from an objective department member who wants to see you succeed.  Your mentor is not an evaluator.

Background Investigation

Our thorough background investigation includes a look at your criminal history record, employment history, personal references, driving history, credit history and an evaluation of psychological suitability.  KCSO detectives will conduct the investigation.  Personal references and current and previous employers will also be contacted. 

Final Interview, Psychological/Medical Exams & Polygraph

Once you pass the background process, you will have a final interview with the hiring captain. Upon successful completion of that interview, you will get the call you’ve been waiting for – a job offer contingent on passing a basic medical exam that confirms your fitness for duty, plus a psychological exam and interview with the Department psychologist.  A polygraph then confirms the truthfulness of your application.

Timeline

While some background investigations take longer than others and depending on your position on the eligibility list, you can expect the time from the point your background investigation begins to the time you are offered a job to take between eight and 12 weeks.