Free Correctional Officer Practice Test 2023

Here you’ll find a free correctional officer practice test with detailed questions and answers and info on the physical ability test. Let’s begin.


What Is the Correctional Officer Written Test?

The Correctional Officer Exam evaluates suitability for the Correction Officer role through cognitive testing. The most common test topics include Basic Math, Memory, Reading Comprehension, Applying rules and information, and Written Communication. Test time and number of questions vary from state to state but you can expect between 2.5-3 hours of exam time and between 80 - 100 questions.


Is the Correctional Officer Written Exam Hard?


The correctional officer exam is challenging primarily due to the diverse skill set it assesses. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in Observing and Recalling Facts, Reading Comprehension, Written Communication, Applying Rules, and Basic Numerical Reasoning. 

Each skill is vital for a correctional officer's role in maintaining order and safety within correctional facilities.

The exam requires candidates to not only have a solid foundation in each knowledge area but also the ability to apply this knowledge and think critically in various situations.

This comprehensive assessment ensures that only the most qualified candidates are selected for the demanding role of a correctional officer, making the exam a notably challenging endeavor.

Interested in knowing if you have the skills required for the position? Try the following correctional officer practice questions.

Free Correctional Officer Practice Test Questions

In this free Correction officer practice exam, you'll find example questions covering Memory, Verbal Reasoning, and Math.

Press the green button below each correction officer practice test section and a second question will appear.

 

 

Memory Practice

 

Memory Practice Question Part 1

Study and memorize this sign for five minutes. After five minutes press the part 2 button and answer the questions. You may not take notes during the five-minute study period.

There is a greater likelihood of remembering multiple short sequences of numbers rather than one long sequence of numbers. It is also helpful to memorize number sequences by finding patterns within them.

Memory Practice Question Part 2

1. What street is the barber shop located on?

A. Main Street.

B. Howard Avenue.

C. Rose Lane.

D. Lincoln Avenue.

Answer

The correct answer is B.
The address of the barber shop is 4643 Howard Avenue.

Click here to refer back to the sign.

Sample of Memorization Devices for this Question Set

The challenge in this information set is memorizing the numbers.

You can pretty easily remember that the name of the Barber Shop is Guy and Dan's, and you may only need to repeat to yourself that it's on Howard Avenue four or five times for it to stick.

The same holds true for remembering that it is only closed on Saturday. The prices and hours seem pretty realistic, so you may find it easier just to remember these facts rather than to create a mnemonic.


Remembering the street number, 4643, or phone number, 888-555-3634, may be more challenging.

In general, it is easier to remember multiple short sequences of numbers than one long sequence of numbers.

Instead of trying to remember 4643, focus on the numbers 46 and 43 independently.

Finding patterns within the number sequences also helps to memorize them.

We can remember the phone number for example, as three 8's, three 5's. 3-6, 3-4.

It is also helpful to find or create significance for numbers.

Perhaps you know people who are 46, 43, 36 or 34 years old, or maybe it takes you between 34-36 minutes to drive to work. It's always easier to remember something with meaning.

If you cannot make an association, fabricate one.

Here you can tell yourself that your grandma is 3,634 years old - you may be surprised how well it works!
Part 1 Part 2

Reading Comprehension Practice

 

Reading Comprehension Question

2. According to new research, we don't merely travel because we enjoy traveling; rather we travel because we need to travel. We need to distance ourselves from everything we know through experiencing a different culture. This experience helps us gain new perspectives and makes us realize that there are multiple meanings to everything.

Consider the act of leaving food on the plate: in China, this is often seen as a compliment, a signal that the host has provided enough to eat. But in America, the same act is a subtle insult, an indication that the food wasn't good enough to finish.

Such cultural contrasts mean that there are different (and equally valid) ways of interpreting the world. This in turn allows us to broaden our minds. When we get home, home is still the same. But something in our minds has been changed, and that changes everything.

Based on the text, which one of the following statements is NOT true regarding the act of leaving food on the plate?

A. It is always regarded as a compliment.

B. Some cultures view it as an insult.

C. It means there was enough food.

D. It means the food wasn't tasty.

Answer

The act of leaving food on the plate is described in the second paragraph.

In China leaving food on the plate signals that there was enough food. In America, it is an insult, indicating the food wasn't tasty.

Statement a is the only statement that is untrue, as this act is not always regarded as a compliment.

Hint: Pay attention to the cultural differences mentioned in the passage.

Reading Comprehension Question

3. Veganism is a type of vegetarian diet that excludes meat, eggs, dairy products, and all other animal-derived ingredients. Many vegans also do not eat foods that are processed using animal products, such as refined white sugar and some wines. Most vegans also avoid the use of all products tested on animals, as well as animal-derived non-food products, such as leather, fur, and wool.

A vegan diet will include all types of grains, beans, legumes, vegetables, and fruits and the nearly infinite number of dishes made by combining them. Many vegan versions of familiar foods are available, so you can eat vegan hot dogs, ice cream, cheese, and vegan mayonnaise.

Although there is some debate as to whether certain foods, such as honey, fit into a vegan diet, if you are cooking for other vegans, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid them.

Which of these words means the same as “infinite” in the second paragraph of the text?

A. Restricted.

B. Unknown.

C. Unlimited.

D. Famous.

Answer

The meaning of the word “infinite” in the context of the passage is: ”a wide variety of…”. The word that is closest in meaning to this definition is: “unlimited”.

Hint: Think about the meaning of the word “infinite” in the context of the passage.

Question 2 Question 3

Applying Information & Written Communication Practice

 

Applying Information Question

4. RULE

"Dwelling unit" means

  1. A house, apartment, suite, or separate portion of such, occupied by a single family or a group of people living as a single family or household
  2. A complete apartment block or other multiple dwelling containing no more than four apartments, suites, or other self-contained domestic establishments.

Which of the following is not a "dwelling unit?"

A. One half of a cottage house separated from the other half accommodating a family of five.

B. An apartment shared by three college students.

C. Two suites in a four-suite building, occupied by a single family of eight.

D. A seven-room house in which a family of five resides.

Answer

The correct answer is (C).

Answer (C) describes two suites in a four-suite block. This fits neither clause (a), which only includes single suites, nor clause (b), which only includes complete multiple dwellings (not part of them).

Since you were asked which of the choices does not fit a definition, you may find it easier to eliminate the choices that do, and in that way find our answer.

Answer (A) describes a separate portion of a house, occupied by a single family. – "(a) a house […] or separate portion of such, occupied by a single family […]"

Answer (B) describes an apartment, shared by a group. – "(a) [an] apartment, occupied by […] a group of people living as a single […] household."

Answer (D) describes a house, occupied by a single family. – "(a) a house […], occupied by a single family […]"

 

Hint: Since you were asked which of the choices does not fit a definition, you may find it easier to eliminate the choices that do, and in that way find our answer.

Written Communication Question

5. In this sentence, there may be a problem with English grammar.
If a problem does exist, select the letter that indicates the most effective change. If no problem exists, select choice D.

The meeting needs to take place next week to ensure that the client are happy with our services.

A. Change are to is

B. Change next week to last week

C. Change our service to their service

D. No changes are necessary

Answer

Answer A is correct because client is singular, the verb must be singular too: "...ensure that the client is happy with our services."

Answer B is incorrect because this is happening in the future, not in the past.

Answer C is incorrect because that would change the meaning of the sentence.

Hint: Look for a mismatch between the subject and its verb.

Question 4 Question 5

Numerical Reasoning Practice

 

Numerical Question

6. Convert 12/16 to a decimal

A. 0.67

B. 0.75

C. 1.2

D. 0.8

Answer

Simplify 12/16 by dividing by 4 = 3/4

3/4 [ (3x4)/(4x4) = 12/16 ]

3/4 = 0.75

 

Answer B

Hint: Think about the connection between the top and bottom numbers.

Word Problem Question

7. One of your fellow officers has asked you to tally up the number of cells they have searched in the last month.

How many cells have been searched?

A. 88

B. 89

C. 90

D. 91

E. 92

 

Answer

The correct answer is B 89

Hint: Use multiplication to identify the answer.

Question 6 Question 7

Correctional Officer Test Prep


JobTestPrep employs a team of cognitive specialists to create the most accurate and comprehensive correctional officer written exam practice test preparation around.

Each correctional officer prep test is thoroughly researched and frequently updated to ensure that you get the most accurate and comprehensive test practice available. All the questions in the preparation include detailed answers and explanations, many of which relate directly to civil service and police work

The prep also includes 5 detailed correctional officer exam study guides that will help you grasp the theory behind the practice on basic math topics such as Formulas and Decimals and a Memory study guide that will improve your recollection strategies.

List of Correctional Officer Exams Preps by States


NYS Corrections Officer Exam Practice 

In order to qualify as a New York State corrections officer, candidates are required to complete a 3.5-hour exam comprising of 100 multiple-choice correctional officer test questions that assess their abilities in four key areas: Applying Written Information, Preparing Written Material, Observing and Recalling Facts and Information, and Understanding and Interpreting Written Information. A minimum score of 70% is necessary to pass the exam.

Click to prepare for the NYS Correction Officers exam. The page includes free NYS Correction officer exam practice test questions.


California - CDCR Written Exam Practice

Prospective candidates seeking employment with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) are required to successfully complete an examination comprising three sections: Written Comprehension, Mathematics, and Situational Judgement Test. The exam consists of 53 multiple-choice questions in total and must be completed within 1 hour and 45 minutes. 

A minimum score of 70% is mandatory to pass the test. It is pertinent to note that in the event of a failure, the applicant's application will be delayed by a minimum of 3 months.

Click to prepare for the CDCR Written Exam. The page includes a free California Correctional Officer practice test.


New Jersey Corrections Officer Written Exam Practice

There are four components of the NJ Correctional Officer written test, including a Cognitive Ability Test (which includes Written Expression and Comprehension, Problem Sensitivity, Deductive & Inductive Reasoning, and Information Ordering), a Work Style Questionnaire, and Life Experience Survey. The cognitive ability section consists of 50 multiple-choice questions with a two-hour time limit.


Click to see more information on the New Jersey Corrections Exam.


Michigan - EMPCO Corrections Test Practice 

In order to assess the qualifications of corrections officers, EMPCO uses the National Corrections Officer Selection Inventory (NCOSI). The test is computer-based and has a 1.5-hour time limit.

There are two measurement domains that are assessed in the test: Cognitive skills which include the ability to reason mathematically, reading comprehension, and written communication.

A Behavioral Orientation Test that assesses stress tolerance, interpersonal ability, team orientation, assertiveness, and integrity.

Click to see more information on the EMPCO exam. The page includes correction officer exam practice test questions.

Correctional Officer Physical Test 

There are various names and structures for the Correction Officer Physical Test.

In Michigan, it’s called the Local Corrections Officer Physical Abilities Test (LCOPAT) and focuses on strength and stamina. The test requirements are: 1. Weight Carry. 2. Stair Climb. 3. Obstacle Run. 4. Peg Board. 5. Dummy Drag. 6. Lie-down / Stand-ups.

In Washington, it’s called the Physical Ability Test and focuses on speed and basic strength. It includes: 1. Push-ups - 90 seconds. 2. Sit-ups - 90 seconds. 3. Squat Thrusts - 3 minutes.

In California, it’s called the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and it focuses more on strength and endurance. The requirements are:

  • Run a 500-yard track.
  • Complete a mini obstacle course and a set of stairs.
  • Carry two 45-pound hand-held weights for 50 yards.
  • Carry one 45-pound weight for 75 yards.
  • Carry one 30-pound weight for 110 yards and set it down.

Due to these differences, the best way to prepare for the physical ability test is to research the requirements in the local area you have submitted the application and focus your training on these requirements.

FAQs

What Is a Good Score On The Correctional Officer Exam?

In most states, a score of 70% or higher is required for passing the correctional officer test. The higher your score, the greater your chances of successfully completing the recruitment process and landing a job in a correctional facility.


What Type of Correctional Officer Test Should I Take?

It is necessary to take a test specific to your state of residence in order to become a correctional officer. In some cases, the state may provide its own exam. Contact your local justice department for more information about the test you will be taking.

Helpful Links

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