Entry Level Police Cadet

City of Pearland, TX; Pearland (TX); On-site; USD 39,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Pearland invites qualified applicants to participate in the Entry Level Police Test for Non-Certified and Certified candidates. The test is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, 2026 at the Pearland ISD Administrative Office, 1928 N. Main Street, Pearland, TX 77581.

Doors open at 7:15 a.m.; testing begins at 8:00 a.m.; late arrivals will not be admitted. Cadet and Police Officer hourly wages are listed, with a special signing incentive of $15,000 for TCOLE certified applicants.

Qualifications

• Must be a US citizen.
• Must read, write, and speak English.
• Minimum 18 years old at examination.
• High school diploma or GED or equivalent with one of: 30 college hours with 2.0+ GPA; 24 months active duty with honorable discharge; 15 college hours with 2.0+ GPA plus Basic Peace Officer Certification (TCOLE); or Intermediate Peace Officer Certification (TCOLE).
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Must meet legal requirements to become a licensed Peace Officer by TCOLE.

Skills

Citizen of United States

English language proficiency

18 years or older

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Alternative certificates (G.E.D./DD-214/Peace Officer Certification)

Job description

City of Pearland Civil Service Commission

Notice of Entry Level Police Test for Non-Certified and Certified

Test Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026

Test Time: 8:00 a.m. (Doors open at 7:15 a.m. No one admitted after 7:45 a.m.)

Test Site: Pearland ISD Administrative Office

1928 N. Main Street

Pearland, Texas 77581

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements

• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language.
• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of the examination.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate (G.E.D.) certified by the issuing agency with one of the following:
  • 30 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale from an accredited institute of higher learning;
  • Minimum 24 months of active-duty service with an honorable discharge authenticated by a Member 2 or Member 4 Form DD-214;
  • 15 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale in addition to Basic Peace Officer Certification from TCOLE;
  • An Intermediate Peace Officer Certification from TCOLE
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Must meet all legal requirements necessary to become a licensed Peace Officer by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).

Military Service

In accordance with Texas Local Government Code Section 143.024(f), an additional five points shall be added to the examination grade of an applicant who served in the United States armed forces, received an honorable discharge, and made a passing grade of seventy (70) on the examination.

We will not be accepting paper copies on the date of the test. Military points will not be added after the publication of the eligibility list.

Salary and Incentives

Cadet $27.86 hourly; Police Officer $37.07 hourly.

The City of Pearland is currently offering a hiring incentive for TCOLE Certified Applicants

The program offers $15,000 to candidates who are TCOLE certified in the State of Texas at the time of their appointment.

• Qualified candidates must agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the Incentive Program Agreement.

• Hiring Incentive Payout Structure: The sign on bonus will be payable as $576.93 per paycheck for the first 26 pay periods of employment.

Deadline for applications

October 6, 2026. Applications will not be accepted after this date for any reason.

Electronic Device Restrictions

Electronic smart wear and similar technology are strictly prohibited within the testing location. This includes devices such as Meta Glasses, smart glasses, smart watches, and any wearable technology capable of recording, transmitting, or displaying information. Mobile phones and other personal electronic devices may be brought to the facility, but must be fully powered off prior to entering the testing room and may not be accessed or handled during the testing process.

For more information

An exam orientation guide, common disqualifiers, and an explanatory video of the physical ability test is available by visiting the City of Pearland Police recruitment website https://www.pearlandtx.gov/departments/police/career-opportunities

THE CITY OF PEARLAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Special accommodations are available when necessary to afford equal opportunity to participate in testing. Please make request in writing and received five business days prior to the test date to City of Pearland, HR Department, 3519 Liberty Drive, Pearland, TX 77581.

For questions regarding the application process please contact:

Human Resources at 281-652-1763 or [e-mail].

The Eligibility List will remain in effect for six (6) months or until exhausted, whichever is sooner.