In the United States, there is no one standardized police test- several different types are used by police departments nationwide.
These different police officer exams usually have some categories in common: Police form questions, basic math, and situational judgement tests to name a few.
Knowing what you'll be up against beforehand and preparing accordingly will massively increase your chances of passing the tests and becoming a police officer.
This page offers detailed information about the different police tests, sample questions for the most common categories, and clear solutions to help you understand how to answer them. You can also check out more police exam questions and answers.
If you're looking for preparation materials but can't find one for your specific page on this test, click here for our all-inclusive Police preparation pack!
Click on the names of the tests in the table below for more information, as well as preparation packs that will help you pass them. Additionally, you can get all the police exam information in one place by downloading our police exam study guide pdf, updated for 2023.
Good luck!
Asif, Police Exam expert at JobTestPrep.
Have a question? Contact me at: ask_asif@jobtestprep.com
Here is a list of the most common Police Officer Exams. Click on the test’s name to learn more about it:
We have a great page all about the Police hiring process. Give it a read!
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:
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 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!
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.
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.
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!
The following are some of the most critical characteristics that a police officer must have:
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.