Asif, Police Exam expert at JobTestPrep.
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Police Tests in the US
Here is a list of the most common Police Officer Exams. Click on the test’s name to learn more about it:
- PELLET B Test (California) Tests Reading, Writing, and Reading Skills with 9 total subcategories. Consists of 105 questions with a time limit of 105 minutes. Is considered one of the more difficult police officer exams.
- CPCA Test (Conneticut) Tests Critical Reasoning, Basic Math, Language and Grammar & Reading Comprehension. Consists of 100 multiple-choice questions with a time limit of 3 hours. Has 4 versions differing in the role tested for and passing standard.
- FrontLine Test (Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Texas and more) Tests Personal Qualities, Situational Judgement, Report Writing, and grammar. Consists of 100 questions with a time limit of 2 hours and 20 minutes. Includes a unique Video-Based Human Relations and Judgment Test.
- MTA Police Exam (New York) Has 11 subtests inc. Deductive Reasoning, Flexibility of Closure, Information Gathering etc. Consists of 200 questions with a time limit of two hours and 30 minutes. Is based on the NCJOSI format.
- CJBAT Test (Florida) Tests Behavioral Attributes, Memorization, Reasoning Skills, and Writing Skills. Consists of 97 questions with a time limit of 1 hour and 30 minutes. Has a passing score of 70%.
- LEAB Test (Norfolk) Tests Writing Skills, Reasoning Skills, Information Ordering and Problem Sensitivity. Also includes a personality test. The ability test has 48 questions and there are 74-102 statements for the personality test. This test has no time limit, but a three-hour maximum completion time is recommended.
- MCOLES Test (Michigan) Tests Reading & Writing Skills: spelling, word usage, clarity, grammar and more. Consists of 60 Writing Skills questions and 60 Reading Skills questions. Passing is a requirement for any Michigan police officer.
- NCJOSI Test (Chicago, Arkansas, Maine Missouri, New Jersey and more) Has 15 different categories between its two parts: 4 for NCJOSI I and 11 for NCJOSI II. Spans approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. NCJOSI I has 45 multiple-choice questions, NCJOSI II has 80
- Police Psychological Exam (Nationwide) This test is a part of almost every police department's hiring process. Consists of ~100 questions with a duration of ~15 minutes, and is usually based on the Big Five Personality Factors Theory.
- NYPD Exam (New York) 10 subtests: Spatial Orientation, Writing and Reading Skills, Information Ordering etc. The process includes interview, psychological test, physical test, and background check.
We have a great page all about the Police hiring process. Give it a read!
Police Exam Test Categories
Although there isn’t one specific police officer exam used across the board for all departments, this free test sample will give you an idea of the types of questions you'll face.
The most common categories are:
- Map Reading/Spatial Orientation
This question type is all about navigation. You may be asked to find the most efficient routes for transit in an urban environment or perform other similar navigational tasks.
- Math
Math tests for police officers are usually focused on arithmetic and word problems. It is important to have your basics covered for this part to make sure you can pass it!
- Vocabulary/Reading and Writing Skills
Police officers need to be able to communicate written information via reading and writing, so this section is very common and important for you to be able to handle.
- Situational Judgement Test
SJT questions put you in police work-related scenarios and ask you to judge different courses of action. This section is sometimes given extra consideration, because it determines if you are able to make the right calls as a police officer.
- Police Forms
Some police tests include sections that are about reading and understanding various police forms.
If you can't find preparation for the test you need to take, click here for our all-inclusive Police Exam Preparation Pack. This link also offers a catch-all preparation pack, usable and effective for any police exam you might need to take if you don't know what you're up against or can't find a specific preparation pack.
Click here for our free police practice exam!
Police Test FAQ
The following are some of the most critical characteristics that a police officer must have:
- Physical fitness is important.
- The ability to think critically
- Skills in problem-solving
- Ability to communicate efficiently
- Interpersonal skills
- Moral character
There are three different shift times for 8 and 10-hour shifts. The first is referred to as the first shift or day shift. The second shift, swing shift, or mid-shift are all terms used to describe the second shift. Finally, there is the third shift, also known as night shift or graveyard shift hours.
Police Officers have excellent benefit packages. Medical, dental, and life care, as well as retirement plans, are common examples. Vacation, maternity leave, parental leave, and long-term disability pay are also available to employees.
