Fish and Wildlife Academy

Who can apply

The Fish and Wildlife Academy is a California POST–approved basic academy. To be eligible you must:

• Be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment (California Government Code §1031.4).
• Hold a high school diploma from an accredited school or a GED — or be employed and approved as a California Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) Warden Cadet or peace-officer trainee.
• Have a valid, unrestricted driver license with no current or recent suspensions.
• Pass the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET-B) with a T-score of 42 or higher. Recruits are admitted in order of highest T-score.
• Pass a physical fitness test (a 1.5-mile run in 15 minutes or less), completed no more than three months before the academy start.
• Clear a California Department of Justice background check; convictions that prohibit firearm possession are disqualifying.
• Provide proof of a medical suitability examination, and meet DFW vision standards (see wildlife.ca.gov for current standards).
• Attend the required orientations (the Law Enforcement Academy orientation, followed by the Fish and Wildlife Academy orientation).
• Have a laptop with Wi-Fi, the ability to open PDF files, and note-taking software.

Sponsored vs. self-sponsored recruits

Sponsored recruits are hired DFW Warden Cadets and receive priority placement. A limited number of seats are available to self-sponsored recruits, who pay their own fees and are selected by highest PELLET-B T-score. The academy seats roughly 50 recruits.

How to apply (self-sponsored)

1. Complete the Academy Enrollment Application: Fish and Wildlife Academy application form.
2. Call (530) 895-2401 to reserve a PELLET-B testing slot (or submit a passing score from another agency on letterhead).
3. After passing the exam, sign up for the 1.5-mile run and orientation.
4. Apply to Butte College and obtain your Butte College student ID number.
5. You will receive detailed next-step instructions by email; seats are offered by highest PELLET-B T-score.

Becoming a sponsored Warden Cadet

To pursue DFW sponsorship (hired as a Warden Cadet), apply directly with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at wildlife.ca.gov/Enforcement/Career. Application windows and testing dates change each cycle — confirm current dates with the academy team below.

Approximate cost

For California residents, total cost is approximately $5,500, including tuition and college fees, material fees, driving fees, textbooks, uniforms, physical-training clothing, hearing and eye protection, and facility-use fees. Out-of-state students pay an additional per-unit fee. Weapons and required safety equipment are provided during training. Figures are approximate and subject to change; living expenses are not included.

Paying for the academy

Financial Aid Office Veterans Services Office

• Financial Aid: (530) 895-2311
• Veterans benefits: (530) 895-2566
• Butte College Promise covers tuition and fees for eligible students.
• A payment plan is available (set up a payment plan).

Where

The academy is held at the Allied Health / Public Service (AHPS) Building on the Butte College main campus, 3536 Butte Campus Drive, Oroville, CA 95965. There is no on-campus housing.

When and how much time

• The academy is a full-time program of roughly 30 weeks (about 50 semester units).
• Class typically meets Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some training is conducted during hours of darkness and on weekends.
• Instruction covers the POST learning domains plus Fish and Wildlife–specific content (well over 1,000 hours).
• Recruits are responsible for their own transportation.