Every demanding day of training prepared me for the responsibility of guiding ships safely through one of the world’s most complex waterways. As a captain, I respected Bar Pilots—becoming one was the natural next step in my career.
— Captain Gallo, Board of Pilot Commissioners Licensee
Set the Course to Advance your Maritime Career
Board of Pilot Commissioners Licensed Pilots: Dedicated, Professional, Highly Skilled
2026 Board of Pilot Commissioners (BOPC or Board) Pilot Trainee Training Examination Details
The application period for the 2026 Trainee Training Examination is now closed.
The application deadline was May 15, 2026, 5:00 P.M., Pacific Daylight Time.
TIMELINE AND PROCESS
- On Monday, July 20, 2026, the BOPC will administer to qualified applicants a virtual proctored Knowledge-Based Test (formerly referred to as the Written Exam).
- Applicants who meet or exceed the cut score set by the Board for the Knowledge-Based Test will be invited to participate in the Simulator Evaluation Exam to be held August 11–14, 2026 at Cal Poly Maritime, located in Vallejo California.
- Those applicants that pass the Simulator Evaluation Exam will sit for a Virtual Interview, which will be utilized for ranking the list of applicants that have passed the Knowledge-Based Exam and the Simulator Evaluation Exam.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
- The complete application must be received at the Board office by May 15, 2026, 5:00 P.M., Pacific Daylight Time.
APPLICATION FORM
- The Examination Application is available on the BOPC’s website: Exam Application. It is also available by written or email request.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Information regarding exam qualifications related to Sea/Service Experience and Recency Requirements can be found on the BOPC webpage at EXAM QUALIFICATIONS. For all additional exam qualification requirements, please refer to the California Code of Regulations at: Title 7, California Code of Regulations § 213.
- If you have questions regarding qualifying for the exam, email the BOPC at: bopc_trainee_exam@bopc.ca.gov.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
- Any inquiries regarding the application contents or process must be made in writing via email: bopc_trainee_exam@bopc.ca.gov.
APPLICATION SUBMISSION
- For the 2026 Exam, you may complete your application by mail, or you may deliver your application in person at the BOPC office, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
The BOPC’s Trainee Training Examination is governed by and administered pursuant to Title 7, California Code of Regulations.
CONTACT INFORMATION
- For Exam Questions: bopc_trainee_exam@bopc.ca.gov
- For General Information: bopc@bopc.ca.gov
- Online: www.bopc.ca.gov
- Address: 660 Davis Street, San Francisco, California 94111
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? Check out our FAQs!
Qualifications
Before submitting an application to the Pilot Trainee Training exam, please review the qualifications. If you meet these updated standards, you’re encouraged to apply.
Exam Application
Visit this application page to start your application for the 2026 Pilot Trainee Training exam and review the information you’ll need to provide.
Applicant Handbook
The Applicant Handbook is an easy-to-use guide to the examination process.
In addition to the handbook, applicants may wish to review the Study Guide Blueprint, a supplementary resource designed to support candidates in their exam preparation. In addition to the Task Statements that form the foundation of the exam components, it includes Knowledge Statements associated with each content area to further guide and enhance their preparation efforts.
Important Dates
Visit this important dates page to see key deadlines for the 2026 Pilot Trainee Training exam, including application deadlines, examination dates, and selection milestones.
Exam Resources
Visit this exam resources page to find helpful materials for the 2026 Pilot Trainee Training exam, including the 2026 Bibliography.
Being a San Francisco Bar Pilot
We encourage you to browse the San Francisco Bar Pilots’ website to learn more about what to expect from a career as a pilot.
You can also check out this video from SF Bay Area local news featuring the San Francisco Bar Pilots—the highly skilled maritime professionals licensed and regulated by the Board of Pilot Commissioners (Board) to ensure the safety of navigation and the protection of our environment within the Board’s jurisdiction.
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Contact us
Board of Pilot Commissioners
660 Davis Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
415-397-2253
bopc@bopc.ca.gov
www.bopc.ca.gov