QAP Score

[mb116]

chpalltheway, don't worry about a few tickets. Goldendog posted that he had pages worth. Its pretty safe to say a few tickets won't dramatically lower your score by themselves.

It took 23 days for me to get my results. I hope you get yours before that.

[luvduncan97]

Hello!

My husband has just gone through his second round with the CHP. The first time he passed through everything and had a hard time with his QAP and received a 75. We waited a few months again and he started the procedure all over again. His letter just came today and again he received a QAP of 75! His interview went really well but the only "issue" we can blame it on is his past driving record. In his current job he does a lot of driving and traveling between offices in various cities, and over the years he has received speeding tickets. I believe the total is 5 tickets over six years, not all the tickets were speeding I believe. The last ticket he received was over four years ago. What is the time line as far as driving records go? He is 33 years old and really wants to become a CHP officer, but with the age cut off approaching he is getting discouraged. Anyone have any advice??

[snowdog]

No advice, just an observation. There is another reason he is getting a 75 and he may or may not know what it is. And if he does, he is not telling you. But if his last ticket was 4 years ago, I am certain that it is not because of his driving record. You don't know if his interview went "really well" you weren't there.

What is the time line as far as driving records go? That won't be discussed or disclosed here.

I Guess I do have some advice. Talk with him about EVERYTHING that was discussed and disclosed, then maybe it will make some sense. If it doesn't, maybe he just doesn't interview or present himself well. Good Luck.

[luvduncan97]

No advice, just an observation. There is another reason he is getting a 75 and he may or may not know what it is. And if he does, he is not telling you. But if his last ticket was 4 years ago, I am certain that it is not because of his driving record. You don't know if his interview went "really well" you weren't there.

What is the time line as far as driving records go? That won't be discussed or disclosed here.

I Guess I do have some advice. Talk with him about EVERYTHING that was discussed and disclosed, then maybe it will make some sense. If it doesn't, maybe he just doesn't interview or present himself well. Good Luck.

Thanks for the help. We have discussed both interviews in detail, and the only bad thing on his record was the speeding tickets. I know he was nervous and didnt feel he interviewed well the first time, but he said his answers were much smoother the second time and he said he felt it went much better the second time because he was not as nervous and knew what to expect. Some of his friends are CHP officers already and has been doing ride alongs with them for more experience. It is just frustrating that you can't find out the reasons for the scores. He has done the mock interviews with the recruiters too, but I guess he will just have to do a couple more. I saw a thread regarding QAP workshops. Maybe we will try to find one closer to the central valley. Thanks again!

[schutzpolizei]

I've known officers working today that went through a number of QAPs. It took years for many of them, so tell him to keep on trying if it's what he really wants.

[luvduncan97]

I've known officers working today that went through a number of QAPs. It took years for many of them, so tell him to keep on trying if it's what he really wants.
Thanks. I guess during the QAP the two women told him the reason for his first 75 was his driving record, so that is probably it again. Both of our friends who are now officers went through the whole process three times before they were finally picked up. So at it again!!!

[mb116]

Two women eh? I had the same panel your husband had. If you just received your results today then I definitely had the same panel that your husband did.

[dw]

Two women eh? I had the same panel your husband had. If you just received your results today then I definitely had the same panel that your husband did.

I say this not because of anyone's specific comment, but the general assumptions that many applicants seem to make in the process.

Do you know all the panels that interviewed applicants in your Division? Do you know there was only one panel with two women? Does the fact that two women were on the panel make any difference in the score you received? I'm with snowdog -- although anything is possible, and I was not on the panel, I do have considerable experience with QAPs. I find it very difficult to believe that an otherwise outstanding applicant would receive a score of 75 for no other reason than citations more than four years ago.

Definitely keep trying, I encourage all applicants to make every effort to get this job. Make us disqualify you. Don't quit -- that's a cornerstone of our philosophy. You also however, need to be willing to accept any weaknesses or mistakes you have made in the past.

[mb116]

Two women eh? I had the same panel your husband had. If you just received your results today then I definitely had the same panel that your husband did.

I say this not because of anyone's specific comment, but the general assumptions that many applicants seem to make in the process.

Do you know all the panels that interviewed applicants in your Division? Do you know there was only one panel with two women? Does the fact that two women were on the panel make any difference in the score you received? I'm with snowdog -- although anything is possible, and I was not on the panel, I do have considerable experience with QAPs. I find it very difficult to believe that an otherwise outstanding applicant would receive a score of 75 for no other reason than citations more than four years ago.

Definitely keep trying, I encourage all applicants to make every effort to get this job. Make us disqualify you. Don't quit -- that's a cornerstone of our philosophy. You also however, need to be willing to accept any weaknesses or mistakes you have made in the past.

I said that we had the same panel because (1) They just received the score today, as did I. (2) They are in Fresno, testing in the same division I am. (3) There were only 3 seperate panels interviewing at the location of the QAP. 2 Panels had only males the last panel had 2 women. I don't know whether or not the panels change each day but if they don't then we probably had the same panel.

I don't think an all male, all female or split panel would affect an applicants score. No matter who they are, they are obviously respected members of law enforcement and respected memebers of the SPB.

DW, I was just noting that, by coincedence, her husband and I had the same panel.

[snowdog]

Giving him every benefit of doubt, if your husband is only getting DQ'd because he doesn't interview well, then there is something he can do about it. Enroll in a public speaking class or join Toastmasters. These will build confidence in speaking and interviewing, and he will learn techniques that will enable hin to get his point across clearly and articulately. Keep in mind that when he is speaking with friends he is in a comfort zone. That zone goes away when interviewing. Is he looking them directly in their eyes? Is he making his point clearly without ummms or uhhs? Does he speak with confidence? Did he have a closing comment? How did he respond to the situational questions? Keep in mind that he only needs to improve his score by 5 points, not an impossible task to complete in 2 years.

[chico.medic]

Giving him every benefit of doubt, if your husband is only getting DQ'd because he doesn't interview well, then there is something he can do about it. Enroll in a public speaking class or join Toastmasters. These will build confidence in speaking and interviewing, and he will learn techniques that will enable hin to get his point across clearly and articulately. Keep in mind that when he is speaking with friends he is in a comfort zone. That zone goes away when interviewing. Is he looking them directly in their eyes? Is he making his point clearly without ummms or uhhs? Does he speak with confidence? Did he have a closing comment? How did he respond to the situational questions? Keep in mind that he only needs to improve his score by 5 points, not an impossible task to complete in 2 years.

I was contacted by my (and by my, I'm only referring to the area I geographically reside in) area office's PIO. He offered to have me come in and sit through a few mock interviews. Is that something someone could call their area office and request or was I just lucky?

[snowdog]

I was contacted by my (and by my, I'm only referring to the area I geographically reside in) area office's PIO. He offered to have me come in and sit through a few mock interviews. Is that something someone could call their area office and request or was I just lucky?

Sounds like you got very lucky and possibly a PAO who has past experience in recruiting. It's a great idea if someone is willing to take the time. The only thing I would caution about is not all PAO's have experience in QAP's or what type of questions will be asked. The only experience they might have is their own QAP. But, the PAO does have some expertise in public speaking, that is why the Commander chose them as PAO. And if you offered more than 1 mock interview, take advantage of every single offer.

[chico.medic]

The Officer that called said he got a list from Div. of the people who passed the written test. He had a packet w/ the guidelines for QAP scoring and some of the situational questions, and while he could not/ would not disclose those requirements, he did use them to help show me what areas I could better articulate my past. I just thought that would be of help to others worried about presenting themselves to their QA Panel.

[PeckerHead]

Two 75's in a row? Something is wrong somewhere. Here's an idea that may help. They might not want to do it, but it's worth a try. Have your husband (who really should be the one on this forum asking for help) contact his Division recruiter. Have him ask the recruiter if the RECRUITER can look at your husbands QAP notes to get an idea why he has scored low on his last two QAPs. Your husband will not have access to those notes, but someone in the background unit might be able to find out what your husbands deficency is. Snowdog, what do you think about this? Is it a possibility?

[snowdog]

Have him ask the recruiter if the RECRUITER can look at your husbands QAP notes to get an idea why he has scored low on his last two QAPs. Your husband will not have access to those notes, but someone in the background unit might be able to find out what your husbands deficency is. Snowdog, what do you think about this? Is it a possibility?

Great suggestion, wish I had said it. I know I've done it before for applicants with potential who contacted me personally. Sometimes I can help, sometimes I can't.
I also agree 100% that he should be the one asking advice here. I hate getting a call that goes "My (son, daughter, husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend) wants to be a highway patrolman. Can you send me an application to give them?"
But, also be prepared to hear the honest truth which might be "there is no way you're going to get hired". And at 33, that's a possibility.

[pupdog]

That Peckerhead said reminds me...applicants ARE allowed to ask the panel themselves (if they can remember who it was). On my 1st QAP (which was a real stinker), I called up my local office & spoke with the Captain, who'd been kind enough to have me in for a 1 on 1 mock QAP a few weeks before. I told him how it went & asked his advice. He said he wasn't there, but asked who was, and told me which office I could find them at, and that I was allowed to call my panel members! So I did! But, while that panel member pretended to remember me, he clearly didn't, or had me confused with another...he said I should take some AJ classes, but during the QAP I talked about all the cool things I was learning as an AJ major...

[chpalltheway]

Hello all! I am a new member but have been a 'stalker' for about a week now. I was at PAT last Saturday and found the site that Sat. eve trying to get more knowledge to prepare for QAP. I wish I had seen it before, I understand Snowdog that you were there I would have liked to put the face to the name.

Snowdog your recent post on this thread you said:

But, also be prepared to hear the honest truth which might be "there is no way you're going to get hired". And at 33, that's a possibility.


I am 34 and just started this process (had the QAP Tuesday 24th.) will be 35 in May. The comment about at 33, that's a possibilty has me concerned and wondering. Did you mean that if he has issues then he may need time under his belt and at his age it is not possible? Or did you mean at that age you are looked at in a negative light? If this is the case please don't hold back I just want to get an idea.

I think I did well in QAP ansewring all questions with confidence while not being arrogant. From what I have heard from others is that my age as far as experience goes is a positive life experiences, stability, etc.

Lastly to all officers on this forum, I think it is great that you all take time out of your busy schedules to lend your advice, support, and respect to the members on this forum. Most notably thanks SnowDog, DW, MAC, and Mentor. Had I not had this one minor question then I might not have registered and been probably one of countless applicants reviewing your words without posting.

[snowdog]

Welcome chpalltheway, or at least welcome after being a stalker. To answer your question, you had it right the first time. For example, lets say you're 22 with a poor employment history that includes reprimands for insubordination or jumping from job to job and maybe not giving notice when you quit previous jobs. At 22, you have 13 years to change and demonstrate that change. Same person with same history at age 33, maybe not enough time to demonstrate change.
Good luck, hope your next letter from the CHP is good news.

[luvduncan97]

Well again thanks for the advice, and as to "the wife" asking questions, I am just trying to be a helpful and supportive wife. My husband has already put calls into other officers, the recruiting office, and the local divison. While here at school with some free time I found this site and just thought I would ask some questions.

[100+daily]

chpalltheway don't worry I had a guy that was 36 in my academy class. I heard rumor of someone who was 37 attending or recently graduating.

lucduncan97 I highly doubt that the tickets were the reason. I had a classmate at the academy who claimed to have 16 tickets (movers and mechanicals) prior to joining. I did the QAP workshop and it helped me. The QAP can be intimitating. THIS IS ONE FUN CAREER THOUGH. The hiring process is brutal.

[goldendog]

Well, I received my QAP score today. (13 days from the interview) Just to refresh your memory about me. I?m the guy who had 6 pages worth of tickets, etc...of the arrest/citation sheet filled out for the panel to see during the interview. All of which occurred while I was in college. I felt that my past was going to be huge factor in my final score because the interview went very quickly. Again-my last run in with the law was almost 6 years ago. I completely owned up to my mistakes during the interview.

Well, I got an 85. I?m pretty relieved because I've been reading horror stories from people on this site saying they felt they got a lower score due to their past. I hear 85 is a passing score now. Right?

Thanks for the input.....

[marshallortiz]

Pretty sure with an 85 that you will be getting a call from a BI. Snowdog?

[mb116]

Goldendog, did you get the commitment to hire? If you didn't get one yet you sould get one within the next couple of months I believe. 85 is great. As bad as they need officers it is definitely good enough to go on.

Good job!

[chpalltheway]

Good job G-dog. 13 days to receive that makes me anxious to get my results it's been 6 days now for me! I have had a few tickets over the last 3 years so I hope my score doesn't go to far down for that.

[snowdog]

Its pretty safe to say a few tickets won't dramatically lower your score by themselves.

Lets say you received those few tickets within the past year. Better believe it will dramatically lower your score. Still feeling safe? Once again, every case is different.
GD, 85 is a good to go right now. Hope you have all of your documents ready. Ggood luck.

[mb116]

Its pretty safe to say a few tickets won't dramatically lower your score by themselves.

Lets say you received those few tickets within the past year. Better believe it will dramatically lower your score. Still feeling safe? Once again, every case is different.
GD, 85 is a good to go right now. Hope you have all of your documents ready. Ggood luck.

Once again you are right. Let me rephrase. Its pretty safe to say that receiving a few tickets over the span of many years won't dramatically lower your score by themselves. :biggrin:

[goldendog]

Well, I received the conditional offer of employment today-signed it, sealed it and sent it! I?m very stoked about this. I feel my QAP score of 85 was generous for the panel to give me. I had a lot of explaining to do in regards to my past screw ups that I had while in college - all 6 pages worth. But I?m very honored to have made it this far knowing the panel was able to see through my past mistakes, and allowed me the opportunity to move forward.

I have every document ready for the BI and am now waiting to be contacted. This is great - Im excited...!

[chpalltheway]

Awesome! Hope the BI get's in touch with you soon. Best of luck. I am waiting on my QAP score, 2 weeks this Tues.

[retchp]

retchp wrote to goldendog on 10-24-06:

You will do fine I am betting, and I just want to encourage all of you to keep on banging back if you really want this career.

See, I told ya so.

[JJ]

If a person was DQ'd at the QAP, and continued with the interview anyways would they receive a lower score as a result of the DQ; or will the score they receive represent their actual performance?

Thanks

[PH3N@M]

If a person was DQ'd at the QAP, and continued with the interview anyways would they receive a lower score as a result of the DQ; or will the score they receive represent their actual performance?

Thanks


If a person is automatically DQ'ed at the QAP, they are afforded the opportunity to complete the interview. There are a few different reasons for this, that I'm not going to get into. The score for an auto DQ is 65. 65 is the lowest score an applicant can get and considered a non-competitive score.

[JJ]

Thank you