Full Study Guide for the Pellet B Test

What is the Pellet B Exam?

The Pellet B (short for POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery) is a standardized written exam used by many law enforcement agencies in California. It’s required for entrance into Basic Police Academy programs and is recognized by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).

Simply put, this test is a way to measure whether you have the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed to write reports, analyze situations, and communicate effectively as a police officer.

Exam Format: What’s on the Pellet B?

The Pellet B is divided into three main sections, each testing a different set of skills:

1. Reading Comprehension
• You’ll be given passages to read and answer multiple-choice questions about their meaning.
• These passages are often related to law enforcement scenarios, so pay close attention to details.
2. Writing Ability
• This part evaluates grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and vocabulary.
• You may be asked to correct sentences, identify errors, or choose the best wording for a report.
3. Situational Judgment & Critical Thinking
• You’ll be given hypothetical law enforcement scenarios and must choose the best course of action.

This section tests your ability to make quick, logical, and ethical decisions.

Scoring & Passing Requirements

The Pellet B uses a scoring system called the T-score. A T-score of 42 or higher is generally considered passing, but different agencies may have different requirements. The higher your score, the better your chances of getting hired.

The good news? There’s no penalty for wrong answers, so always make your best guess if you’re unsure!

Another important factor is that, 89% of Northern California law enforcement agencies accept Pellet B results, and scores remain valid for three years.

Additionally, The Academy allows candidates to securely transmit their Pellet B scores to different agencies, making it easier to apply to multiple departments without retaking the test.

See the following page for more information about Pellet B scores.

How to Prepare for the Pellet B Exam

Success on the Pellet B exam depends on strong reading, writing, and reasoning skills. While the test is challenging, the right preparation can make a big difference. When preparing for the Pellet B test you should focus on the following areas:

• Law Enforcement Situational Judgment – Understanding real-world police scenarios.
• Reading Comprehension – Practicing timed passages with multiple-choice questions.
• Grammar & Vocabulary – Reviewing sentence structure and common writing errors.
• Police Report Writing – Strengthening clarity and precision in written responses.

Test-Taking Strategies

1. Time Management – Answer easier questions first and don’t spend too much time on one section.
2. Process of Elimination – If you’re unsure, eliminate incorrect answers before making a choice.
3. Watch for Trick Questions – Some questions include small details meant to mislead.
4. Practice Under Real Conditions – Simulate the test by working under time limits.

The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll feel on test day. JobTestPrep offers a full preparation covering the most important areas of the Pellet B test.

Exam Logistics & Registration Process

Now that you know what the Pellet B exam covers, let’s go over the logistics—where and when you can take it, how to register, and what to bring on test day.

When & Where to Take the Pellet B Exam

The Pellet B is offered from February to June 2025 at several locations in California, including San Mateo, San Jose, Walnut Creek, Seaside, Milpitas, Richmond, and Fremont. COY-San Jose is the busiest center, with bi-weekly Saturday sessions, while other locations have fewer dates.

Since spots fill up fast, it’s best to register as early as possible.

Registration

Registration is done through The Academy’s online system and follows a three-step process:

1. Primary Registration (60 days before the test) – The best time to secure a seat.
2. Waitlist Activation (45 days before the test) – If a session is full, candidates can join the waitlist.
3. Last-Minute Vacancies (72 hours before the test) – If seats open up, waitlisted candidates get priority.

What to Bring on Test Day

• A valid government-issued photo ID
• Exam confirmation email or proof of registration
• Two sharpened pencils
• Water and snacks

Not to Bring

• Phones, smartwatches, or calculators
• Study materials or notes
• Outside assistance (the test is strictly proctored)

The Physical Agility Test 

The Pellet B exam is only one part of the selection process for law enforcement candidates. To fully qualify, candidates must also pass a Physical Agility Test (PAT), which assesses their ability to handle the physical demands of the job.

How the Physical Agility Test is Structured

The test includes four main exercises designed to measure strength, speed, and endurance:

1. Obstacle Course – Simulates real-world pursuit situations.
2. Weight Drag Exercise – Tests strength for rescue operations.
3. Wall Vaults – Assesses climbing and mobility skills.
4. Timed Sprints – Measures acceleration and speed.

Candidates must meet specific time or strength requirements in each category to pass.

Scheduling & Coordination with the Pellet B Exam

Most Physical Agility Test dates are paired with the Pellet B exam, meaning you can complete both on the same day. For example, at CSM-San Mateo, the Pellet B is scheduled at 9:00 AM, followed by the agility test at 12:30 PM.

This scheduling minimizes travel and helps candidates manage both tests efficiently. However, some standalone PAT sessions are available for those who prefer to take them separately.

Practice Sessions

To help candidates prepare, The Academy offers optional practice sessions at specific locations, such as:

• Fremont PD (March 27)
• Richmond Auditorium (June 21)

These sessions focus on technique improvement and do not count toward official test scores. Separate registration is required.

Both the Pellet B and the Physical Agility Test are essential for progressing in the hiring process. Next, we’ll go over how to prepare for the Pellet B exam with study materials and test-taking strategies. Let me know if you’d like me to continue!

How the Pellet B Compares to Other Law Enforcement Exams

The Pellet B isn’t the only test used in public safety hiring. Depending on the role, candidates may take different exams that assess specialized skills. Here’s how the Pellet B compares to other law enforcement and emergency services tests.

Pellet B vs. Other Public Safety Exams

Each exam is tailored to the demands of the job. The Pellet B, for example, emphasizes written communication and reasoning, which are crucial for writing reports and making quick decisions. In contrast, CritiCall focuses on handling multiple inputs at once, while the NTN Fire Exam assesses problem-solving in high-stress environments.

Optimizing Your Path to a Law Enforcement Career

The Pellet B exam is a crucial step for anyone pursuing a law enforcement career in California. It evaluates reading comprehension, writing ability, and critical thinking, all of which are essential for police work. Paired with the Physical Agility Test, it ensures that candidates meet both the mental and physical demands of the job.

Final Tips for Success

• Start preparing early. Give yourself enough time to practice reading comprehension, grammar, and report writing.
• Use study guides and practice tests. Even though the exact questions aren’t public, similar test materials can help you get familiar with the format.
• Take advantage of workshops. If available, enroll in a preparation course for test-taking strategies.
• Manage your time wisely. Don’t spend too much time on one question—move forward and return if needed.

Stay calm and focused. Get enough rest before the test and arrive prepared with the necessary documents.