State Parks Academy

Who can apply

The State Parks Academy is a California POST-certified basic academy (Basic / State Parks emphasis). To be eligible you must:

• Hold a high school diploma from an accredited school or a GED.
• Be a U.S. citizen, or a permanent resident who has applied for citizenship.
• 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.
• Pass a physical fitness test (a 1.5-mile run in 15 minutes or less).
• Clear a California Department of Justice background check within 90 days of the start date; firearm-prohibiting convictions are disqualifying.
• Attend the mandatory academy orientation.
• Have a laptop with Wi-Fi, the ability to open PDF files, and note-taking software.

Seat availability and sponsorship

California State Parks fills most academy seats with its own sponsored cadets, so the number of seats open to self-sponsored applicants is limited and varies by academy. Confirm current self-sponsored availability with the program coordinator before applying. Sponsored cadets have State Parks employment requirements (including a minimum age of 21, college coursework, vision standards, and medical, psychological, and drug screenings) detailed at joincsp.parks.ca.gov.

How to apply (self-sponsored)

1. Complete the Academy Enrollment Application: State Parks Academy enrollment form.
2. Call (530) 895-2402 to reserve a PELLET-B testing slot.
3. After passing the exam, reserve a 1.5-mile run slot.
4. Attend the mandatory orientation.
5. Apply to Butte College and obtain your Butte College student ID number. You will receive detailed instructions by email once you meet all prerequisites.

Becoming a sponsored cadet

To pursue California State Parks sponsorship, apply through joincsp.parks.ca.gov or the State employment portal at parks.ca.gov/jobs. Application windows and testing dates change each cycle — confirm current dates with the academy team below.

Approximate cost

For self-sponsored California residents, total cost is approximately $5,500, including tuition and college fees, material fees, driving fees, textbooks, uniforms, physical-training clothing, ammunition, 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.

Sponsored cadets: California State Parks covers academy fees, and sponsored cadets earn a salary, benefits, and retirement service time while attending.

Paying for the academy

Financial Aid Office Veterans Services Office

• Financial Aid: (530) 895-2311 (grants, loans, and the California College Promise Grant may apply).
• 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 35 weeks (about seven months).
• Class typically meets Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Some training is conducted during hours of darkness, and some weekend days are required.
• Instruction covers the full set of POST learning domains (more than 1,200 hours).

For the current academy dates and unit count, see the Academic Programs listing.