Free Correctional Officer Practice Test
Applying Written Information Following Rules Practice
1. RULE
REST BREAKS AT WORK
Workers over 18 are entitled to 3 types of rest breaks:
"Rest breaks at work" - If they work more than 6 hours a day, they have the right to one uninterrupted rest break of no fewer than 20 minutes during their working day (this could be a tea or lunch break). No worker shall work more than 10 hours a day, including breaks.
"Daily rest" - Workers have the right to no fewer than 11 hours of rest between working days (e.g., if they finish work at 8pm, they should not start work again until 7am the following day).
Which of the following break patterns demonstrates a violation of the RULE by the employer?
A. Alice works Tuesday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM. On Mondays, she works from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
B. Jacob works Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and again from 5:10 PM to 6:00 PM. On Thursday, he also works from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
C. Avril works Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to C 3:00 PM with a one-hour nap break starting at noon. She also works Sundays from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
D. All patterns comply with the RULE.
Answer:
The correct answer is (A).
Alice's "daily rest" between Monday and Tuesday is violated; she only receives an 8-hour break (10:00 PM to 6:00 AM).
Answer (B) is incorrect: On Thursdays, Jacob receives a "rest break at work" of over 20 minutes (12:30 PM to 1:00 PM). On any other day he works, his total work time amounts to fewer than 6 hours, so he is not entitled to a break. His workday spans fewer than 10 hours and he receives his "daily rest" (starts no earlier than 11:00 AM and finishes no later than 6:00 PM).
Answer (C) is incorrect: Every week from Monday through Saturday, Avril receives a "rest break at work" of over 20 minutes (an hour). Her workday spans fewer than 10 hours and she receives her "daily rest" (starts no earlier than 8:00 AM and finishes no later than 8:00 PM).
2. RULE
POLICE OFFICER GUIDE – CLOSE RANGE ENCOUNTER
When you encounter a person holding a close range weapon with a possible intent to harm oneself or others, you must follow the procedure below:
First, draw your sidearm and shout: "Police! Drop your weapon!"
If the person does not surrender nor attempts an attack, call for backup.
If the person surrenders, approach with caution, handcuff the person, and report in.
If the person attacks, shoot in order to stop the person (in torso area).
Officer Helena encounters one Gina Gales beating a man in his late 50s with a metallic baseball bat. As soon as Helena asks Gina to drop her weapon, Gina starts to flee the scene with the bat still in hand.
What should Helena do?
A. Call for backup.
B. Pull a gun and order her to drop the bat, then make her lie down on the floor and place her hands behind her back.
C. Shoot Gina's torso area.
D. Chase after Gina.
Answer:
The correct answer is (A).
"If the person does not surrender or attempts an attack, call for backup." – Since Gina did not surrender or attempt an attack (she elected to flee), Helena should call for backup.
3. RULE
Department of Criminal Justice (DCJ) - Correctional Staff Employees Regulations - Dress and Attire
Uniforms: Correctional and other uniformed employees’ dress shall be governed by JH-42.36, "Uniformed Staff Policy." A uniformed employee shall display a neat, professional, fully dressed appearance in public while wearing the DCJ uniform. Though it is understood that an employee must wear a uniform when traveling to and from work, uniforms shall not be worn during non-duty hours in a casual, unprofessional manner. An employee may not wear the uniform on the employee's day off. An employee may not wear only a part of the uniform (e.g., uniform shirt with jeans, uniform pants with casual shirt), unless doing so enhances the employee's duty performance.
Jewelry: The only jewelry items males may wear while on duty are a wristwatch, a ring, and a golden or gilded bracelet no more than 3/8" in width. The only jewelry items females may wear while on duty are a wristwatch, rings, and one pair of stud-type earrings worn in the earlobes. No dangling or over-sized earrings shall be worn. Jewelry items shall not be worn on the facial area (e.g., earrings or studs in the nose, tongue, or eyebrow).
Medical Alert Bracelet: An employee may wear a silver medical alert bracelet. The employee's supervisor may examine the bracelet to determine if it is a medical alert bracelet. A medical alert necklace or ring is not an acceptable substitute for the bracelet.
SITUATION
Havier Gonzales and Annie Spencer decided to have a drink together at the pub near the correction facility after their shift. Havier kept his uniform on completely and wore the rings he left at his locker before starting his shift. Annie changed her shirt to a casual one and removed the wristwatch she had worn during her shift.
Based on the information given, which of the following statements is correct?
A. Had Annie not changed her shirt, she would not have
been in violation.
B. Had Havier removed his shirt, he would not have been
in violation.
C. Had Havier left his rings in his locker, he would not
have been in violation.
D. None of the above.
Answer:
The correct answer is (D).
Why the other answers are incorrect:
Answers (A) and (C): "Uniforms shall not be worn during non-duty hours in a casual, unprofessional manner." It is common sense that this applies to having a drink at a pub. Remember that even as this might not reflect real life regulations (not allowing an officer in uniform to have a drink at the pub after work), you must base your answer solely on the given RULE.
Answer (B): "An employee may not wear only a part of the uniform (e.g., uniform shirt with jeans, uniform pants with casual shirt), unless wearing only a part of the uniform enhances the employee's duty performance."
Applying Written Rules&Information questions necessitates not only comprehension of the text and the core principles it presents but also the capacity to translate that understanding into action within varying contexts. This involves critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt to specific scenarios, all while adhering to established guidelines and regulations.
These questions test your ability to understand and apply written rules and regulations. As you practice, you'll gain a better understanding of how to analyze and evaluate information, draw conclusions, and apply them in real-world correction officer scenarios.
Check out the All-Inclusive Correctional Officer Practice Test Prep to practice more applying information questions.
The next topic will test your ability to read, understand, and draw conclusions from complicated reports.
Applying Written Information - Working with Reports
4. Observed Prison Location at 13:30-15:30:
There has recently been a problem with location prisoners. You have been asked to check that all prisoners are in the right place at the right time.
You should use the prison timetable below to check if the prisoners are in the required locations at the required times.
You MUST take account of the notes/remarks for today.
In what observed location there are prisoners missing or in the wrong location at 13:30-15:30?
Choose the correct answer:
A. Chapel.
B. Library.
C. Courtroom.
D. Common Room.
E. Kithchen.
F. Education.
Answer:
Chapel is the correct answer.
5. There has recently been a problem with location prisoners. You have been asked to check that all prisoners are in the right place at the right time.
You should use the prison timetable below to check if the prisoners are in the required locations at the required times.
You MUST take account of the notes/remarks for today.
Has there been a prisoner that was not in his cell at the requested time?
Choose the correct answer:
A. Whiting WG15.
B. Hamerton HN23.
C. Payne PE15.
D. Scollen SN08.
E. Hempstock HK11.
F. Mancini MI27.
Answer:
Hempstock HK11 is the correct answer.
6. There has recently been a problem with location prisoners. You have been asked to check that all prisoners are in the right place at the right time.
You should use the prison timetable below to check if the prisoners are in the required locations at the required times.
You MUST take account of the notes/remarks for today.
From the following prisoners who was missing or in the wrong location at 11:15 -12:15?
Choose the correct answer:
A. Whiting WG15.
B. Hamerton HN23.
C. Payne PE15
D. Scollen SN08
E. Tuffney TY24.
F. Mancini MI27
Answer:
Whiting WG15. is the correct answer.
The questions above are another example of Applying written rules and information they require reading materials such as an offense correctional facility reports or looking at descriptions of events, places, or people, receiving radio communications, or following verbal instructions.
These questions can be challenging because they demand high levels of comprehension, recall, and critical thinking. You must understand the written material or instructions, remember key details, and apply them appropriately to the scenario presented. Moreover, they require the ability to accurately interpret and act upon complex, often time-sensitive information, sometimes amidst distractions or under stressful conditions.
Check out the All-Inclusive Correctional Officer Practice Test Prep to practice more applying information questions.
Now we will focus on Written Communication questions that will test your ability to use appropriate punctuation, and structure sentences and paragraphs logically.
Written Communication Practice
7. Select the sentence that best expresses the ideas contained in the sentences above it. Take your time, and concentrate.
Remember to be aware of grammatical errors, inappropriate transitions, unsupported opinions, incorrect usage, wordiness, and illogical sentence order.
- The Supreme Court ruled that personal space was not an issue in this case; the real issue was privacy.
- The plaintiff argued in front of the Supreme Court that her personal space was violated when she entered the cruise ship.
- The defendants argued that once you enter a cruise ship, you sign off on all personal space since there is a limited amount of shared space available.
Select the sentence that best expresses the ideas contained in the sentences above.
A. The plaintiff argued that shared space was violated while the defendants
argued that there is only limited shared space on a cruise ship. The Supreme
Court ruled that in this case, personal space is not an issue, the real issue was
privacy.
B. The plaintiff argued that privacy was violated while the defendants argued
that there is only limited shared space on a cruise ship. The Supreme Court
ruled that in this case, personal space is not an issue, the real issue was
privacy.
C. The plaintiff agreed with the defendants that there is only limited shared
space on a cruise ship. The Supreme Court ruled that in this case, personal
space is not an issue, the real issue was privacy.
D. The plaintiff argued that personal space was violated while the defendants
argued that there is only limited shared space on a cruise ship. The Supreme
Court ruled that in this case, personal space is not an issue, the real issue was
privacy.
Answer:
The correct answer is D
Explanation
Answer A is incorrect because the plaintiff argued about personal space, not shared space.
Answer B is incorrect because the plaintiff argued about personal space, not privacy.
Answer C is incorrect because the plaintiff and defendants did not agree.
Answer D is correct because it best expresses the ideas in the sentences above.
8. Go over the following paragraphs and reorganize them according to the correct order
1. All managers must submit their proposed projects by next week so we can start assigning interns to each department.
2. The new interns will begin working at the beginning of next month.
3. Please remember that these projects must be completed in the next two months and must also fit the guidelines of approved projects.
4. If there are any problems, please contact me immediately so I can appropriate accommodations prior to the interns beginning these projects.
Select the answer choice that represents the most appropriate and effective ordering of the sentences above.
A. 4132.
B. 3412.
C. 2134.
D. 2314.
Answer:
C – Represents the best-organized paragraph. The first thing that should be done is to read all the sentences and see if you can easily identify the introduction, supporting or closing sentences. Looking at the option what sticks out first is that sentence 3 builds directly only sentence 1, so you should look at the options to see what has 1 followed by sentence 3, which would be A and C, meaning you can eliminate options B and D. That would leave either sentence 2 or 4 as in the introduction. Sentence 2 talks about a beginning "will begin working", while sentence 4 also seems like a concluding thought, so option C is the best-organized paragraph. Remember a great paragraph introduces the idea (introduction sentences) then has 2-3 supporting the idea (supporting sentences) and then summarizes the information given (closing sentence).
Arranged correctly it should read:
The new interns will begin working at the beginning of next month. All managers must submit their proposed projects by next week so we can start assigning interns to each department. Please remember that these projects must be completed in the next two months and must also fit the guidelines of approved projects. If there are any problems, please contact me immediately so I can appropriate accommodations prior to the interns beginning these projects.
9. Each of the following sentences has four answers, each restating the original sentence in different words. Find the answer which best matches the meaning of the original sentence.
A. The development of young children depends upon playing with toys.
B. Children who play with toys develop more rapidly than children who do
not.
C. The development of a child's brain is aided by playing with toys.
D. Parents buy toys for their children in order to help them develop.
Answer:
The correct answer is C.
Answer A says young children's development depends on toys, instead of being helped by it.
Answer B refers to the speed of development, which wasn't mentioned originally.
Answer D refers to parents' motives for buying toys, which also was not mentioned originally.
Written Communication tests require mastering many different skills, such as understanding complex grammatical rules, using appropriate punctuation, structuring sentences and paragraphs logically, choosing precise vocabulary to convey meaning accurately, and organizing thoughts in a coherent, compelling manner that engages the reader.
If you’re struggling with proper syntax, punctuation, and correct sentence structure practice will help you get better. It will help improve your vocabulary as well as allow you to work on your clarity by practicing Restatements, Information Presentation, and Paragraph Organization practice questions.
Check out the All-Inclusive Correctional Officer Written Exam Practice Prep to practice more written communication questions.
Next, we will continue with Basic Math Practice Questions that will require the ability to recognize patterns and relationships, and the knowledge to apply correct mathematical formulas and operations.
Basic Math Practice
10. Which of the numbers below are closest to the correct answer?
0.6 x 9.1 =
A. 9.7
B. 3.91
C. 4.7
D. 5.5
Answer:
First, forget about the decimal points and just multiply the numbers as if they were whole numbers. So, treat 0.6 as 6 and 9.1 as 91.
6 * 91 = 546
Next, we need to place the decimal in the correct spot. To figure out where the decimal goes, you add up the number of digits after the decimal in the original problem.
In 0.6, there is one digit after the decimal.
In 9.1, there is also one digit after the decimal.
So, in total, there are 1 + 1 = 2 digits after the decimal.
This means you need two digits after the decimal in your answer. So, we move the decimal place two places to the left in our answer of 546, which gives us 5.46.
Therefore, 0.6 x 9.1 = 5.46.
Comparing this result to the options given in your question, option D, 5.5, is the closest to the actual result.
11. Calculate: 1/5 - 13/100?
A. 2/50
B. 7/100
C. 1/20
D. 3/5
E. 3/40
Answer:
The lowest common denominator is 100.
1/5 - 13/100 = (1x20)/(5x20) - 13/100 = 20/100 - 13/100 = 7/100.
Basic Math tests involve the understanding and application of abstract concepts, calculation precision, the ability to recognize patterns and relationships, and the knowledge to apply correct mathematical formulas and operations.
Moreover, it requires a certain level of comfort with numerical data, a skill that many struggle to develop. Through practice, you’ll reduce the number of computation errors you’re making, learn fundamental mathematical concepts and principles, and gain knowledge on how to correctly apply relevant formulas to solve mathematical problems.
Check out the All-Inclusive Correctional Officer Practice Prep to practice more basic math correctional officer test questions.
Our last section will touch on Memory and Attention to Detail and challenge your ability to recall information accurately.
Memorization and Attention to Detail
12. Read carefully the following text, and then answer the question from memory(Press on the read more button to open and hide the report):
On a cold January evening, at approximately 7:30 pm, the somber silence of the Westfield Correctional Facility was abruptly shattered. The sprawling compound situated on Bluehaven Road was jolted by an unexpected incident. Officer Susan Linton, having recently completed her routine patrol, was alerted to a commotion emanating from the D-Block of the prison.
Upon arrival, she was met by the sight of a distressed inmate, named Matthew Brinkley, as per the records of his identification (ID: 5B342-256-68-593-1). Brinkley was found slumped over his workbench in the prison's carpentry workshop, surrounded by other inmates who stood back in apprehensive silence.
In accordance with the protocols, Officer Linton swiftly took charge of the situation. Noting the gravity of Brinkley's condition, she promptly alerted the prison's medical personnel and requested immediate assistance. Meanwhile, fellow officer, Sergeant Thomas Reid, who had been stationed at the facility since early morning, was excused from the scene, sparing him additional stress from the unfolding event.
Sergeant Reid, prior to leaving, shared with Officer Linton a peculiar find. Nestled in the corner of Brinkley's workshop, a small pouch of a suspicious white powder substance was discovered. Officer Linton seized the evidence, placing it securely in her care for further investigation.
The medical team arrived shortly, and Brinkley was moved to the facility's infirmary. As per the initial diagnosis of the medical officer, Brinkley had experienced a severe allergic reaction, the cause of which was yet to be determined.
In the subsequent hours, an intensive search was conducted in the D-Block and the carpentry workshop. Officer Linton led the search, which resulted in the discovery of more pouches containing the same white powder in various hidden corners of the workshop.
Upon testing, the substance was identified as a potent form of homemade narcotic, frequently referred to as 'Prison White'. This disturbing discovery led to a facility-wide crackdown and an internal investigation into the narcotics' origin.
Later that evening, under the watchful eye of Officer Linton, Brinkley regained consciousness and admitted his involvement in the narcotic production, following his Miranda Rights' reading. This incident initiated a necessary reform in the Westfield Correctional Facility, with increased vigilance on internal activities and the introduction of more stringent regulations to curb illicit activities.
Happening in Westfield County, this episode served as a stark reminder of the challenges within correctional facilities and the constant vigilance required to maintain safety and order.
What medical issue did Matthew Brinkley experience according to the initial diagnosis of the medical officer?
A. A heart attack.
B. A severe allergic reaction.
C. A stroke.
D. A severe mental breakdown.
Answer:
The correct answer for question 4 is "b. A severe allergic reaction" because, in the story, it was explicitly mentioned that "As per the initial diagnosis of the medical officer, Brinkley had experienced a severe allergic reaction, the cause of which was yet to be determined."
This indicates that, according to the medical staff at the facility, Brinkley's symptoms were consistent with an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can be severe and life-threatening, causing a variety of symptoms that can include difficulty breathing, skin rashes, and loss of consciousness, among others.
The other options in the question (a heart attack, a stroke, and a severe mental breakdown) were not mentioned or suggested in the story, hence they are not the correct answer.
Memorization & Attention to Detail test questions will challenge your ability to remember various forms of information such as pictures, numbers, and words. You will be presented with an image or text and given five minutes to memorize it, after which the item will be removed and you will be asked questions about what you saw.
This can be challenging because our brain is not designed to memorize and retain every detail perfectly. Certain details may not immediately seem important, leading us to overlook them in the process of memorization. Additionally, pressure and time constraints can affect our ability to recall information accurately. Cognitive biases, distraction, and fatigue may also influence our memory and attention to detail, potentially leading to errors.
Check out the All-Inclusive Corrections Practice Prep to practice more Memorization and Attention to detail questions.
Answer Index
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| A | A | D | A | B | E |
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| D | C | C | D | B | B |
Pass the Corrections Officer Exam 2023
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Each correctional officer sample test is thoroughly researched and frequently updated to ensure that you get the most accurate and comprehensive test practice available.
Our All-Inclusive Corrections exam includes:
- Hundreds of verbal questions, including Reading Comprehension and Written Expression.
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- Detailed Guides and practice questions and tests that will help improve your numeric abilities.
- Full Personality Test, accompanied by an extensive guide.
- Wide collection of scenarios tailored specifically to the correctional officer test.
About the Correctional Officer Written Test
The Correctional Officer Exam is an evaluative tool for assessing a candidate's readiness for the Correctional Officer position. The exam typically covers 5 core competency areas, including Basic Math, Memory skills, Reading Comprehension, Applying Written Rules, and Written Communication.
It's important to note that the structure of the test might differ from state to state, both in terms of its duration and the number of questions presented.
Nonetheless, candidates should prepare for an examination corrections test period ranging from 2.5 to 3 hours, and a question set that lies within the 80 to 100 range.
FAQs
Is the Correctional Officer Written Exam Hard?
You’re wondering whether you can pass your corrections exam, right? Well, it's not easy, and here's why. The exam's not just about remembering facts or understanding what you read, but it also tests your writing abilities, how well apply rules, and solve basic number problems.
These are all important skills for anyone working as a correctional officer because it's their job to keep things orderly and safe in prisons and jails.
However, there's a catch. The exam isn't just about knowing these skills, it's about using them wisely and thinking on your feet in different situations.
It's like they're making sure you're really the cream of the crop. That's why the exam is a bit of a challenge, it's meant to find those capable of doing the job of a correctional officer well.
Where Can I Find the Correctional Officer Study Guide PDF?
If you’re looking for a study guide built for certified correction officers. Check out the following study guide. It was specifically created by the American Correctional Association
Professional Development to help certified correctional officer advance in their career, and includes information for Officers, Supervisors, Managers, Executives, and Correctional Nurses.
If you’re looking to become a correction officer trainee and seeking for information about an entry-level position in your local area or an all-inclusive preparation product check out the links below.
How Many Questions Are on The Correction Officer Exam?
The number of questions on the correction officer exam varies by state or municipality. For example, in Massachusetts, the written test consists of 80 multiple-choice questions. In New York state, the test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, and in California, the CDCR Correctional Officer Exam includes 53 multiple-choice questions.
Helpful Links
- All Inclusive Correctional Officer Practice
- Correctional Officer Practice California
- Correctional Officer Practice NYS
- Correctional Officer Practice Texas
- Correctional Officer Practice Massachusetts
- Correctional Officer Practice NJ
- EMPCO Correctional Officer Practice Michigan
If you are looking for a different test, or are not sure which test is relevant for your position, please contact us at c.serv@jobtestprep.com and we will do our best to ensure you get the most accurate preparation for your upcoming assessment.
