What Happens After You Pass the Honolulu Police Entrance Exam?
When you pass the entrance exam (with a score of at least 70), that’s just the beginning of the next steps toward becoming a Honolulu police recruit. HPD will email you what to do next.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
1. Physical Readiness Assessment (PRA)
Once you pass the written test, HPD will send you an email inviting you to schedule the PRA, this is physical fitness test to see if you’re fit for the academy. You’ll need to schedule this within about one month of the invitation. It includes things like:
Agility run
300-meter sprint
Push-ups
Sit-ups
1.5-mile run
You must pass all events to stay in the process.
2. Personal History Statement & Fingerprinting
If you pass the PRA, the same day you’ll get access to fill out your online Personal History Statement (PHS) — this goes over your life history, work, residences, and more. You’ll also go to the Career Center (by appointment) to get fingerprinted and handle some paperwork.
3. Background Investigation & Clarification Interview
After submitting your PHS, HPD assigns a background investigator. This person will go over your history and reach out to verify details, then schedule a clarification interview to talk through anything in your PHS.
4. Conditional Offer of Employment (COE)
If everything checks out, HPD’s Selection Committee may give you a Conditional Offer of Employment. This means they’re ready to hire you if you still pass the final steps. You’ll have to accept it by phone within a short window.
5. Polygraph Examination
After accepting your conditional offer, you’ll take a polygraph exam (lie detector style) to confirm what you’ve said in your application and interviews.
6. Psychological Testing & Interview
Next up is a psychological exam (a long assessment) and a follow-up interview with a police psychologist. This helps HPD make sure recruits are mentally ready for the job.
7. Medical Exam
You’ll also take a medical exam through the City’s Health Services Department. Passing this is required before moving forward.
8. Final Offer & Academy Class Assignment
Once you clear the medical exam, HPD will call you with a final job offer and a start date for a recruit class (classes are tentatively scheduled throughout the year). You then turn in new hire paperwork and you’re on your way!
How Long It Takes
The whole process after passing the written test can be as quick as about 3 months, but for many folks it can take 5–8 months depending on background checks, scheduling, and class dates.
