
If you are looking to join the police department, you will be required to take an entrance exam and pass it with a high score.
This post shows you all you need to know about the police exam, prepare for it, and pass it with easy.
Read on …
About the Police Entrance Exam
Police exams test your physical abilities as well as your mental acuity. You will have to take a written test which evaluates your basic math skills, spatial reasoning, reading comprehension, and writing abilities.
The point of the exam is to assess each candidate’s knowledge and see if they have the skills required to perform tasks needed during daily work as a police officer. Sections on the test may include:
- Reading Comprehension
- Spelling & Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Memory
- Deductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Inductive Reasoning
- Incident Report Writing
- Spatial Orientation
- Problem Sensitivity
- Math
- Essay
What is the Format of the Police Written Test?
The police exam test may be a timed exam. The exam can last anywhere from 1-3 hours. Tests differ from state to state; the number of questions can range anywhere from 100-200 questions.
They are primarily in multiple choice format, but can include true/false, fill-in, and short answers. Some of the written tests have an essay portion included.
How to Pass the Police Officer Exam
- The police hiring process is very long and competitive. Make sure you start preparing early!
- Each city, state, or local police department can choose a different application process. This means that just because you passed an exam in one city doesn’t mean you will see the same type of exam in a different city. Each state appoints their own committee and they design assessments based on the local police requirements
- Research which tests you will be given in advance. The most popular test providers are the CWH Research, B-PAD Group, EB Jacobs, and Darany & Associates. Make sure you take appropriate practice exams based on the test that you will be given. Check out this list of police exams by assessment companies.
- The physical test will be quite taxing. You might need to develop a physical fitness training program. The test will require you to do between 28-30 sit-ups. You will be required to do a sit and reach test in which they will measure your lower back and upper leg flexibility. You will be scored on the number of push-ups you can complete in one minute. You will be required to complete a 1.5 mile run within 13-16 minutes depending on if you are male or female. You will also be asked to complete a timed 300-meter dash. Finally, you will have to complete a bench press test. They will calculate your score based on weight pushed divided by body weight.
Make sure you come prepared for the test and take a look at this complete police practice test which mimics the style of the actual test, includes hundreds of practice questions, score reports, answers with explanations, and video tutorials.
Practicing for the test is crucial because it allows you to understand the format and content of the test in advance. Remember those candidates with higher scores have a better opportunity of being selected to become a police officer.
For many states you need a passing score of 70% in order to move on in the selection process. Ensure you are among those who pass the recruitment process and land the job.
Learn more about the assessment tests you will be required to pass to be hired as a police officer.
Conclusion
To succeed in joining the police department, you must be able to make high scores in the entrance exam that you will be required to take.
It is therefore important to learn about the exam and get yourself adequately prepared for it.
The information in this post will surely help you in achieving your goal of being appointment as a police office.