Colorado Department of Agriculture
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New Inspector Exam and Information

Livestock Inspection Title

Minimum requirements:

  • Must be 21 years of age
  • Must have a current valid driver's license and be able to obtain a Colorado driver's license
  • Applicant must provide a current copy of motor vehicle driving record prior to entrance in first stage examination
  • Must be able to verify at least 3 years experience in working livestock (cattle) specifically for brands
  • Must be willing to undergo and pass a CBI background check before hire
  • Must be a resident of the state of Colorado.


Examinations:

  • Must apply to the Colorado Department of Agriculture Human Resources for a job interest form and/or application. Examinations are given only once a year unless a special emergency examination is requested.
  • The preliminary written exam is usually announced late August or early September. The written exam is usually given in late September or early October. The 26 highest scores over 70% are given entry to the physical (brand reading) test. This test is given mid-November to mid-December each year. The applicant is given 15 head of cattle and 10 minutes to identify the brands or no brands on each test animal.

 

Note: If you have no experience in reading brands on cattle, you will find the physical brand reading portion of this test VERY difficult, or impossible. As a general finding from past experience, only 4 or 5 percent of all applicants pass this test and are placed on the hiring eligible list.

 

For questions, please contact the Denver Brand Office.