There are several steps to becoming a Tigard police officer, including a computer test, job application, in-person interview (also called an "oral board"), physical fitness test, background check, psychological and medical exams and a Chief's interview. If you have any questions along the way, email us!
Step 1: Take an Initial Eligibility Exam
Visit National Testing Network to schedule an initial exam. You can also call 1-866-HIRE-911 for additional information on testing procedures.
On the website, select the Tigard Police Department so we can receive your scores. You can choose a virtual or in-person test at a date, time and location that is most convenient for you. Candidates must pass this exam before moving forward with the process.
(NOTE: this is only required for police officer applicants; if you are applying for another position in our department, skip this step.)
Step 2: Online Application
Once we receive your passing NTN scores, we'll email you the job application link.
Once you submit your application, we will contact qualified applicants to come in for an in-person interview with our team.
Step 3: ORPAT
Candidates will need to pass the Oregon Physical Agility Test (ORPAT) somewhere during the process prior to the department initiating a background investigation. Candidates may already have taken the test with other agencies prior to taking the NTN exam, which the department will accept if ORPAT test complies with state standards and includes the push/pull machine (and is not altered or adjusted by the agency offering the test).
(NOTE: this is only required for police officer applicants; if you are applying for another position in our department, skip this step.)
Step 4: In-Person Interviews ("Oral Boards")
If you meet the criteria in the job application, you will be invited to schedule an in-person interview with our team. In this interview, each candidate is asked a standard set of 10 questions and our panel of evaluators scores your answers. If you receive a passing score from our team, you will move on to the next step.
Step 5: Suitability Evaluation
If you successfully pass your oral board, you will be asked to come into the Tigard Police Department to complete a suitability evaluation, which is a proctored computer test.
Step 6: Background Investigation
Prospective hires will then undergo an extensive background investigation that requires an extraordinary level of integrity and honesty.
Step 7: Interview with the Chief of Police
Once the background check is passed, the candidate will be invited to a final interview with the Chief of Police. After this interview, the Chief will decide whether to extend a conditional offer of employment.
Step 7: Final Requirements
With an offer of employment, a candidate must pass the following before getting a start date:
- Psychological Evaluation
- Medical Examination
- Drug Test
