Law Enforcement Exams - The Complete Guide [2024]
Law enforcement entrance exams are your first step in getting into any municipal, state, or federal law enforcement position. The test you will receive depends on the position you apply for and the state you are in.
The best way to prepare for your entry test is through accurate practice improving the exact skills needed to pass your assessment. So, you should first get familiar with the relevant test for your position.
Below is a list of some of the most common assessments given to law enforcement candidates. Each page includes a complete guide for the relevant test, with sample questions, test info, and full practice tests.
Choose Your Assessment:
• TSA CBT Test - aptitude and visual interpretation test for TSA security officers.
• 911 Dispatcher Tests - psychological and aptitude tests for emergency services dispatchers.
• Police Written Exam - examinations evaluating police officers’ written communication skills.
• Police Psychological Test – a multiple-choice case appraising the character traits of police officer candidates.
• FBI Phase 1 Test - aptitude test for candidates in the early stages of the FBI selection process.
• PELLET B Test - language skills assessment used in California for police officers, correctional officers, and Highway Patrol officers.
• Secret Service Special Agent Entrance Exam (SAEE) - an aptitude test and experience assessment for Secret Service candidates.
Looking for a different test? We have over 50 practice tests for US law enforcement exams. Jump to your relevant test:
This page covers all possible tests required to be accepted to major law enforcement positions, with links to sample questions, tips, and full practice tests.
Law Enforcement Tests
Candidates applying for law enforcement positions all over the nation need to undergo a battery of cognitive and behavioral tests, often before even getting a job interview. The tests are intended to evaluate the candidate’s ability to resolve a variety of work-related problems, and whether they possess character traits desirable in a law enforcement candidate.
Below is a brief guide to the most common law enforcement tests. Under each test name, you’ll find links to more detailed pages that provide information about that test, sample practice questions and other materials that will help you study for the tests.
TSA CBT Test
Candidates that want to work in TSA screening teams, particularly candidates for Transportation Security Officer or TSO positions as well as some other TSA field positions, need to go through the TSA Computer Based Test, or TSA CBT.
Candidates are required to demonstrate English comprehension skills as well as their ability to understand the output of an airport X-ray screening machine. Candidates are shown images shown to the ones displayed by an airport X-ray machine and given multiple-choice questions in which they are asked to identify the items in the images.
This test lasts up to 2.5 hours and contains about 60 English comprehension questions and around 100 X-ray image interpretation questions.
To learn more about the TSA test questions go to our TSA Test page.
Dispatcher Tests
An emergency services dispatcher is a stressful, high-skill job. Lives depend on the dispatcher’s ability to perform rapidly and accurately in an emergency. For this reason, dispatcher tests are typically challenging tests with a lot of time pressure, testing a broad variety of skills, from typing to speech recognition and from memory to spatial orientation.
Below you will find some of the most common dispatcher tests:
Criticall Test
The Criticall 911 test (also known simply as the Criticall test) includes a variety of sections that the candidate must complete within a brief period of time. Depending on the configuration of the test chosen by the agency you’re applying to, the test may take between 1- 3 hours.
Different versions of the Criticall tests are offered in different jurisdictions, but they all serve to identify the skills necessary for working as an emergency dispatcher.
Time management skills, stress resistance, and computer literacy are going to be important in any specific configuration of the Criticall test, as it is designed to evaluate those skills.
Sections may include Decision making, Data entry, map reading, call summarization, typing, cross-references, memory recall, sentence clarity, reading comprehension, mathematics, spelling, character checking, and probability.
💡 Detailed information about different variants of the Criticall Tests and the positions requiring them is available on our Criticall test page.
POST Dispatcher Test
Candidates applying for Dispatcher positions in the state of California are required to pass the POST Dispatcher Test.
This test evaluates four types of key abilities necessary if you are to work as a public safety dispatcher: your verbal, logical reasoning, memory, and perceptual ability. This is done through 11 brief tests that are together known as the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery. Together, those tests can be seen as fairly challenging to new candidates, partly because of the high difficulty level of the questions, but also due to the strict time limits in the POST Dispatcher Test.
💡 To learn more about preparing for the tests, go to our POST Dispatcher Test page.
NYC Communication Technician Test
Candidates applying for NYPD 911 operator positions must undergo the Police Communications Technician Exam.
The NYC Police Communications Technician Exam evaluates similar skills as other Dispatcher tests - it is a computer exam evaluating the candidate’s written comprehension, written expression, memorization, problem sensitivity, deductive and inductive reasoning, and information ordering skills.
💡 More information about the test is available on the Communications Technician Exam page.
Police Tests
Police candidates in the United States must meet stringent entry standards if they are to be accepted for their positions. Each state has its own hiring process and entry tests needed to join the force, established by their POST committee (Peace Officer / Police Officer Standards and Training committee).
Typically, police officers must go through written or computerized tests of three main types: a written exam measuring a variety of intellectual skills, a personality test, and a situational judgement test. In addition, candidates must pass a physical fitness test.
These are the most common Police Tests:
Below, you will find aptitude, personality and SJT sample questions that appear in most police tests. If you already know which test you are about to take, you are welcome to skip to the designated police exam page from the list below.
Common Police Tests Question Types
Written Test Aptitude Questions
Police exams are almost exclusively written exams, which means they consist of a series of questions that must be answered using a paper questionnaire or a computer (in an online or proctored setting. Topics may include:
- Reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, and grammar- these questions evaluate the candidate’s ability to write reports or fill out forms.
- Mathematical, deductive, and inductive reasoning
- Spatial orientation / map reading, visualization, memorization, selective attention, and problem sensitivity ]
For example, the PELLET-B test incorporates an Written Expression test, where the candidate is asked to choose the clearer sentence out of four similar options:
• Sample Written Expression Question:
OFFICER NOTES: As a law enforcement officer arrived at the scene of a burglary at the electronics store off of Highway 5, the officer noticed a group of teenagers hanging out at a house across the street.
QUESTION: Which one of the following choices most clearly and accurately expresses the facts presented in the notes?
Here the second half of answer B does not necessarily have to refer to the thief, but could refer to someone else (or even the shirt!), making the sentence far too vague. Sentence A is completely clear, which makes A the correct answer.
Personality Test Questions
The police psychological exam is a key element of the police officer selection process. This is because police departments want to be certain that the candidates possess the essential personality traits required to carry out high-stress tasks.
Personality tests are often confusing for some candidates, because it is difficult to understand what kind of answers are the ‘correct’ ones. (While it is sometimes said there are no right or wrong answers, that’s obviously not true – if there were no right or wrong answers, the test would be useless!)
Here is an example of a question:
• Sample Personality Question:
I don't hesitate to speak of my personal strengths and achievements
Situational Judgment Test Questions
The police situational judgment test (or SJT) is used, in different forms, to ensure that the candidate is able to demonstrate good judgment in law enforcement-related situations.
For example, try answering the following question:
• Sample SJT Question:
Officer Jackson recently began patrolling a new beat. Her previous beat was in a relatively low-populated area, and she managed to build a close relationship with the community there. Her new beat, however, is located in a heavily populated district.
How should Officer Jackson adjust to her new beat?
This is one of the most challenging stages of police examinations. Answering it properly requires noticing subtle details in the given situation and following the qualities that are expected from a police officer.
As you’ve seen above, the police entry exams can be quite challenging. Our police practice tests can help you prepare and take your police exam knowing you can answer any question on it.
Explore More Police Tests:
If you are looking for a different test, or are not sure which test is relevant for your position, please contact us, and we will do our best to ensure you get the most accurate preparation for your upcoming assessment.
Correctional Officer Tests
Becoming a correctional officer (also known as a corrections officer) is fairly challenging, as correctional officer tests include both intellectual skills such as memorization, reading comprehension, deductive and inductive reasoning, as well as situational judgment tests (similar to those faced by police candidates).
Find the exact test given in your state:
- California Corrections Officer Exam
In this test, candidates need to answer 53 multiple-choice questions within 113 minutes, and get a score of at least 70%. The questions cover English and mathematics skills as well as situational judgment.
💡 Read more about The California Corrections Officer Exam.
- Texas Correctional Officer Exam
To become a correctional officer in the state of Texas, candidates must complete an examination consisting of five sections - Memory and observation, reading comprehension / deductive reasoning, verbal reasoning, and arithmetic.
Of these, the memory and observation section of the exam is the hardest. Candidates are shown three images, and after viewing the images for a total of 5 minutes, they are given an additional 5 minutes to answer 20 questions about the three images. This is quite the test to answer!
💡 Learn more about the Texas Correctional Officer Exam.
- NYS Corrections Officer Exam
The NYS Corrections Officer Exam is laser-focused on the candidate’s reading and writing skills. It gives the candidate three and a half hours to answer 100 questions testing their skills in Applying Written Information, Observing and Recalling Facts and Information, Preparing Written Material, and Understanding and Interpreting Written Information.
💡 Learn more about the NYS Corrections Officer Exam.
- Massachusetts Corrections Officer Exam
The Massachusetts Corrections Officer Exam, also known as the MA Department of Correction Entry-Level Exam, requires the candidate to answer 80 multiple-choice questions testing 6 ability areas: Gathering information, Writing concisely and accurately, Reading, understanding, explaining, and applying information, Working accurately with names, numbers, codes and/or symbols, Analyzing and determining the applicability of quantitative and qualitative data, as well as Maintaining accurate records.
💡 Learn more about the Massachusetts Corrections Officer Exam.
Haven’t found your state on the list? Take a look at the standard Entry level Correction Officer Test.
Federal Security Tests (Secret Service, FBI, US Marshals & Others)
If you've ever dreamt of joining up with the forces that keep US citizens safe on a federal level, we've got your back! Below is some of the most basic information you'll need to know about the recruitment process used by several federal services. You can find out more about each of them by following the links to their unique JobTestPrep pages.
Secret Service Tests
The Secret Service is a storied and elite law enforcement agency. Most Secret Service agents are involved in tasks related to protecting key federal facilities (Uniformed Division agents), investigating threats to them (Special Service Special Agents), and dealing with counterfeiting and related crime (Treasury Enforcement Agents).
All Secret Service tests are highly selective and challenging. It is not known how many applicants go on to pass the tests and become Secret Service Agents, but judging based on the agency’s reputation of selectivity, you can expect the tests to be difficult and to require substantial preparation, both because of the advanced questions they contain and because of the strict time limits enforced on test takers.
Special Agent Entrance Exam (SAEE)
The Special Agent Exam evaluates the array of skills and experience necessary for the candidate to work as a Secret Service Special Agent. It consists of three sections – a logic-based reasoning test, an experience inventory, and a language skills test.
💡 To learn more, go to our Special Agent Entrance Exam (SAEE) Page.
Uniformed Division Entrance Exam (UDEE)
As its name implies, the UDEE evaluates candidates for the uniformed divisions of the Secret Service. It is a computer-based exam and is one of the most challenging exams used by any uniformed law enforcement agency in the United States, as it requires answering 300 questions within 3 hours and 45 minutes (including breaks). Questions assess Critical Thinking, Situational Judgement, Memory Skills, Figural Reasoning, Writing, and Work Style.
💡 To learn more, go to our Uniformed Division Entrance Exam Page.
Treasury Enforcement Agent Exam
The Treasury Enforcement Agent Exam (or TEA Exam for short) consists of five sections that evaluate the candidate’s cognitive abilities. These require solving verbal reasoning and arithmetic reasoning questions, as well as an investigative reasoning section. In addition, candidates are required to complete a Candidate Experience Questionnaire.
💡 To learn more, go to our Treasury Enforcement Agent Exam.
FBI Tests
The Federal Bureau of Investigations is the most prominent Federal law enforcement agency, employing around 35,000 employees and agents. To become an agent of the Bureau, candidates need to pass a variety of standardized tests evaluating their cognitive skills and personality traits.
Phase 1 Test
The FBI Phase 1 test is a computerized exam carried out at a proctored exam facility. It is made of five assessments: Logic-Based Reasoning, Figural Reasoning, Personality Assessment, Preferences and Interests questionnaire, and a Situational Judgement test.
This test is used for candidates for Special Agent and Analyst positions at the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
Sample logic-based reasoning question:
• Sample Logic-Based Reasoning Question:
The collection of taxes is a typical way for a government to make money. Even though citizens may approve of how the government spends that money, they typically do whatever they can to reduce the amount of tax they have to pay. Legal methods of reducing the taxes a citizen must pay include deductions, and donating money to charitable foundations. Unfortunately, some citizens will resort to illegal means, such as lying about how much taxable income they make, to pay less tax. Suppose Bill I. wants to reduce the taxes he must pay.
Which of the following can be inferred from the passage above?
While many of the questions you might see on the FBI Logical Reasoning test are more advanced than the one seen here, it is a good examplar of the features that cause these questions to be viewed as challenging by many candidates. The candidate is expected to read and notice details that are spread throughout a fairly extensive test, and are not always stated overtly.
The FBI Logical Reasoning Test must be completed within 90 minutes and contains between 40 and 50 questions, which means a candidate is subject to a lot of time pressure as they have just about two minutes to answer each question.
To make sure you complete FBI Phase 1 test within the allotted time, practice is key. Our Preparation pack includes practice tests highly similar to the actual exam, so that you can cut down your solving time and ensure you take this test well-prepared.
Intelligence Analyst Test
Candidates for intelligence analyst positions must not only pass a Phase 1 test, but also a Phase 2 test, which assesses your ability to interpret intelligence reports and produce written reports based on it, as well as a Phase 3 structured interview with an interview panel.
💡 Learn more about the Intelligence Analyst Selection Process.
US Marshals
TSA Federal Air Marshal Test
Federal Air Marshals are responsible for protecting America’s air travel system from terrorist and criminal attacks, by securing aboard aircraft, participating in investigations, and working closely with other law enforcement agencies.
Federal Air Marshal Candidates must go through the Federal Air Marshal Service Assessment Battery Test (FAB), which consists of a Logic Based Reasoning test, a Writing test, and a Situational Judgement Test (SJT).
💡 For help preparing for the Federal Air Marshal test, go to our Air Marshal Test Page.
The USMS Online Assessment Test
U.S. Marshal candidates typically apply for one of three primary positions:
- Deputy U. S. Marshal (DUSM) - responsible for protective witnesses, judges, and courtrooms, arresting and investigating Federal fugitives,
- Detention Enforcement Officer (DEO) - responsible for management, transportation, and body searches of prisoners.
- Aviation Enforcement Officer (AEO) - responsible for management of prisoners who are being moved by air.
The United States Marshals Service (USMS) Test (aka Deputy U.S. Marshal Assessment Test) is the main screening test for all of these positions. It contains two sections – a situational judgment test and a writing assessment.
💡 Click here for help with preparing for the U.S. marshals online assessment test.
Customs And Border Protection (CBP)
United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is famous for its functions in securing America’s borders against illegal immigration and human trafficking, as well as dealing with customs and trade regulations. Candidates for CBP positions often have to undergo standardized tests as part of a multi-step selection process. They must undergo the CBP officer entrance exam, and then other tests as necessary, depending on the position they are applying for.
CBP Officer Entrance Exam
The CBP Officer Exam is a challenging test, deliberately so, as it intends to filter out candidates at an early stage of the CBP’s nine-step selection process. It measures logical reasoning, arithmetic reasoning, and writing skills.
💡 To learn more, go to our CBP Officer Exam page
Border Patrol Agent Entrance Exam
The Border Patrol Agent Entrance Exam is a unique assessment of both candidates' logical reasoning and foreign language capabilities, assessed in the form of either a Spanish Language Test (for those who already speak Spanish) or an Artificial Language test (evaluates the ability to learn a new language). This test lasts about 4-6 hours, and also includes a work experience assessment.
💡 To learn more, go to our Border Patrol Agent Exam page.
Bureau Of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF)
ATF Special Agent Exam
ATF Special Agents investigate a variety of crimes, from firearms offenses to arson. To become an ATF Special Agent you must go through a highly selective hiring process. The ATF Special Agent Exam is one of the stages in the selection process evaluating your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and investigative reasoning using a three-part test.
💡 More information about this exam is available on the ATF Special Agent Exam page.
If the test you are looking for does not appear on the list, or if you are not sure which test is relevant for your position, please contact us, and we will do our best to ensure you get the most accurate preparation for your upcoming assessment.