When and where can I test?
Effective January 1, 2024, the 2100 Protective Services exam will be given twice a week at our Baton Rouge testing center and once a month at various centers around the state. Testing locations and schedules can be found here. Be sure to arrive 30 minutes early for the test session you choose to attend.

What is a passing score?
Passing scores range from 70-100 and will be noted in your grade notice email. Results below the minimum passing score are reported as "Failed" and will not include a numeric score. Civil Service does not compute the numeric score of failures to a test. Scores are valid for 2 years. ***LDWF applicants are required to score a 77 or higher on the PSE test ***

Is there a fee to take a test?
No, a fee is not required to take any Louisiana State Civil Service test.

How do I register for a test?
To register for a test, please click here.

Once on the Civil Service PSE 2100 test page, locate and click on the tab on the top of the website labeled "Applicant Information."

This will reveal a drop-down menu. Select "Testing Information."

You should then see a box in the top right labeled "Register for a Test."

Click the green "Apply" button on the top right. You will then be prompted to login to your Civil Service account or create an account if you do not already have one.

Complete all sections of the application and submit it. You will receive an email confirmation upon successful submission.

If you are attending a test session at one of our locations outside of Baton Rouge, print the first page of your application to bring with you. Instructions on how to do this can be found in question #5.

What do I need to bring with me on the day I test?
You should bring a picture ID and your social security card or a document that includes your FULL social security number (for example, check stub or W2 form). If you do not have an original picture ID, you cannot take a test. If you are testing at one of our Saturday centers (New Orleans, Lake Charles, Opelousas, West Monroe, or Shreveport), please also bring the printed first page of your test application. Instructions on how to print this page can be found in question #5. We will provide scratch paper, #2 pencils, and calculators.

How do I print a copy of my test application?
Sign into your Louisiana Civil Service profile by clicking here.

Click "sign in" in the top right corner and sign in using your Civil Service email and password.

After successfully logging in, you should see your name in the top right corner. Click on your name to reveal a drop-down list and select "Applications."

Click the title of the application you wish to view or print, which in this case will be titled "*2100-Protective Services Exam (PSE)". This will open your application to the right of the screen in a dialog box.

Click the "Print" icon on the top right of the application to display a printable version of your application.

Right-click anywhere on the screen and select "print." Only the first page is needed.

Should I take the test before I apply to a job posting?
Yes, you should take the test prior to applying to a position if the 2100 Protective Services Exam (PSE) is required.

Is there anything I can do to prepare for the test?
We recommend reviewing our Sample Test Questions prior to taking the test. They are available here.

What should I do if I need an accommodation for testing?
Job seekers with disabilities should refer to this page to find instructions on requesting an accommodation for testing. If you need further assistance, please contact us at 225-925-1911.

How much time am I given to take the test?
Effective January 1, 2024, you will have 2 hours to take the test.

How long does it take to receive my test results?
You should receive your grade notice within a week. It will be sent to the email address associated with your Civil Service account. If you do not receive your results after a week, contact State Civil Service at 225-925-1911.

Can I retake a test if I'm not satisfied with my results?

You are eligible to retest after 90 days from the date you tested. You may not retest prior to 90 days for any reason. If you report to test prior to this 90-day retest period, you will receive a "Failed" test result and you will not be eligible to retest for an additional 90 days from that administration.

How long are test grades active?

Your score will expire two years from its effective date as shown on your grade notice.

If I retake a test, which score counts?

Your official score on a written exam is your highest active (i.e., not expired) score on record in the Civil Service system. This is the score that will be sent to hiring agencies when you apply for vacancies that require the 2100 Protective Services Exam (PSE).

What type of Veteran’s Preference do you offer

Article X, Section 10. (A) (2) of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana provides for the addition of five or ten points to the final passing scores on Civil Service examinations for eligible military personnel. Complete information on Veterans Preference Points and Eligibility can be found here.

Whom should I contact if I have questions about testing?

Should you have any further questions concerning testing or need further clarification, you may contact the Department of State Civil Service at (225)-925-1911.

Do my college hours have to be in the Criminal Justice Field?
No, college hours for the Wildlife Enforcement Cadet position do not have to be in the Criminal Justice Field.

For my Wildlife Enforcement Cadet application, does National Guard or Reserve time count for military service?
No, only continuous active duty time counts.

Are there any age requirements?
Applicants must be 18 or over to apply. LDWF Enforcement does not have an age maximum for employment.

Are there any residency requirements?
It is recommended that agents live in the parish where they are assigned. However, if they live within 40 statute miles of their assigned parish, they may still work there. If an agent wishes to reside outside of their assigned region, they must request approval from their chain of command and the Colonel.

Are there minimum qualifications?
Meet ONE of the following qualifications:

1) Two years of experience as a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified officer commissioned with the power of arrest; or

2) An associate's degree from a technical college or completion of a two-year program at a vocational or technical school; or

3) Three years of continuous active military duty (all military occupational specialties are included)

Experience Substitution:

1) Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will substitute for one year of the required experience.

What are the disqualifiers to be an agent?
Convicted of a felony.

While serving with permanent status, was dismissed from state service or resigned to avoid dismissal.

Has submitted false information during the application or examination process or otherwise attempted to fraudulently secure eligibility for appointment for either self or others.

Are law enforcement officers required to undergo training if they have relevant work experience?
All Enforcement applicants hired are required to complete the entire LDWF Basic Training Academy.

Does my Law Enforcement experience qualify if it is from out of state?
Yes, if you are a full-time certified peace officer with arrest powers.

Are there any physical requirements for becoming a Wildlife Cadet?
If you’re hired, you must first meet our Entrance Standards to get into the academy. PT Test consist of proper pushup, sit-up, 1.5 mile run and swimming requirements.

Can Wildlife Enforcement Agents choose their Parish? 
Applicants select parishes they are willing to work on their application. The hiring board will make an offer for a parish prior to the start of the academy.

Do I get to choose where I go, if I should be hired? Or do I get stationed somewhere?
You are offered a parish based on the parishes you select on your initial application.

Can I apply if I am not a Louisiana resident?
We do accept applications from individuals who reside outside of Louisiana. However, if you are selected to attend the academy, you will be required to obtain a Louisiana license and live within the state.

How long is the hiring process for Police Officers?
Approximately four months, the academy timeline will be posted on the LDWF website once approved.

Beards
Mustaches are allowed but must be well groomed and neatly trimmed at all times. The mustache shall not extend over the mouth. Bushy or handlebar mustaches are prohibited. Beards are allowed and will be uniform in length, with no portion of the beard noticeably longer that the rest.

Tattoos
Tattoos are allowed but will be in compliance with standards set by the Colonel. Head and face tattoos are prohibited. One ring tattoo on each hand that does not exceed one inch in length is allowed. Neck tattoos no longer that two inches on the back of the neck are allowed, however, it cannot extend to the sides of the neck or be visible from the side or front. Behind the ear tattoos are allowed but cannot exceed one inch or extend forward or below the ear lobe. Prohibited tattoos are not allowed.

 Prohibited tattoos include but are not limited to the following:

1. Depictions of nudity or violence;
2. Sexually explicit or vulgar works of art or phrases
3. Profane language
4. Symbols likely to incite a strong reaction from the workplace or public (e.g. Swastikas, KKK, gang affiliation, drug symbols, etc.)
5. Any other image, work of art, or depiction that the Colonel deems prohibited.

Is the salary negotiable?
Starting salary is $25.96 per hour, but you may negotiate based on previous experience and other factors.

Do you receive a pay increase after completing the academy?
Yes, upon completion of the academy graduates receive a 7% pay increase.

Yes, after two years of successful service, agents obtain the rank of Sr. Agent (7% pay increase), and after four years of successful service, agents obtain the rank of Corporal (7 % pay increase).

*In addition, Agents receive yearly performance-based raises*  

How should I complete my application to be sure that I’ll meet the minimum qualification requirements?
While it is acceptable to highlight certain duties or skills that are relevant to a particular vacancy, your application should not change dramatically from one job announcement to another. Your title, dates of employment, hours worked per week, employer, supervisor, and the number of people you supervised as well as the overall description of work should be accurate and remain consistent over time. Drastic changes raise red flags and may cause your records to be sent for investigation with possible consequences including, but not limited to, being ruled ineligible for consideration for a particular vacancy, removal from a position if hired, or possibly being barred from State classified employment for a period of time.

How is my work experience credited?
Work experience is credited on a full-time or part-time basis. Candidates are credited for full-time experience when they work at least 32 hour per week or more. Any work experience less than 32 hours per week is pro-rated based on a 40-hour work week. Once full-time experience is given, candidates will not be given extra credit for working more than 40 hours per week.

What does "professional" experience mean?
For jobs in State service, only those jobs with an EEO code of PR (professional) or OA (officials and administrators) are professional level. For jobs outside of state service, jobs with comparable duties to jobs in State service that are considered professional will also be recognized as professional. Enlisted military experience is credited with professional experience when an individual is ranked E-5 or above. Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, Warrant Officers and Commissioned Officers are also credited with professional experience.

How is my college or graduate education evaluated?
All college hours and degrees granted by a college or university in the United States must be from an accredited college or university. You should be prepared to submit an official copy of your transcript to Human Resources if you are selected for hire. Unofficial transcripts are sometimes accepted by agencies at the application phase of the process. You should check the Supplemental Information section of each posting to determine each agency’s requirements regarding transcripts.

How do I know whether my U.S. college degree was awarded by an accredited institution?
The U.S. Department of Education offers a database of accredited postsecondary institutions and programs that can be found HERE.

My degree is from a foreign institution. How do I know if it will be accepted?
You will need to get your coursework or degree evaluated by a service that is a current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Member organizations can be found HERE. The evaluation report should be submitted with your application.

Does LDWF Enforcement offer Ride-along patrols?
Yes, Candidates interested in participating in the ride along must have a passing and active Civil Service Protective Service Exam (PSE) score. Candidates must also meet the minimum qualification for employment. Please see minimum qualifications below.

Meet ONE of the following qualifications:

1) Two years of experience as a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Level 1 certified peace officer in a full-time position, whose job duties include armed duty with the power of arrest

2) A minimum of 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university any two-year combination of the previous two options (30 semester hours are equivalent to one year of experience)

Accumulation of technical college hours without an associate degree does not qualify

3) A completed diploma or certificate in a two-year program from a vocational or technical school

4) Four years of continuous active military duty (all military occupational specialties are included)
 What is the process for the LDWF Ride Alone Program?
Ride along Program Process

•        Candidate Provides PSE

•        Candidates Returns Completed Paperwork

•        Background Check is completed through Insight 

•        Meeting with Region Captain

•        Approval from Captain

•        If Approved, Request to Ride sent to Colonel

*Average turnaround time 3 months during active Ride Along cycles.