Most questions will be multiple choice and true / false.
Detective Lieutenant Barry M. Baker (ret.) is a 32 year veteran of the Baltimore Police Department.
Police entrance exam subject matter is similar to all police departments in the United States, but the methods of testing are evolving. The Baltimore Police Department had a simple process when I joined in 1971. The civil service exam was given in the morning, and the test was graded immediately afterward. I passed the test, and my oral interview was scheduled for that afternoon.
The police entrance exam will consist of questions to test your skills in math, grammar, spelling and reading comprehension. They’ll also be situations to test your analytical skills. Most questions will be multiple choice and true / false. Some questions may require written answers, and you must use complete sentences with proper grammar and punctuation.
Technology and the Police Entrance Exam
Many police departments now contract with third party vendors to prepare and administer tests. I thought my process was simple, and it was for its time. Today, you may take your exam online, and you’ll get your results when you get them.
National Testing Network directly contracts with public safety departments across the country to test candidates for jobs. Once a candidate completes this simple process, information and test scores will be sent directly to each department.
The National Testing Network is one of a number of third party test publishers. Others include:
I’m really impressed with this site, because I don’t think there’s a question that isn’t addressed. For example, click on By State and then click on your state. You’ll see a list of police agencies with the third party test publisher serving each agency. This is a good place to start, because you want to know the police exam format used for your potential choice for employment.
Free Practice Tests
These practice tests are relatively difficult, and they are probably more difficult than those you’ll find on your police entrance exam. But, that’s a good thing.
Deductive Reasoning assesses logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Inductive Reasoning assesses your ability to get to the right conclusion based on a series of events or examples.
Numerical Aptitude assesses your ability to handle numbers and perform arithmetic operations effectively.
Spatial Orientation assesses your ability to read and use simple maps for navigation.
Verbal Aptitude assesses how well a person can communicate and understand ideas through written words. It encompasses spelling; grammar; vocabulary; word relationships and comprehension.
Free Police Entrance Exam Practice Tests and Study Guides
Of course, you’ve probably got a police department in mind, and you can go directly to that department’s website. Some are helpful in providing tutorials and practice tests. For Example, New York City provides a tutorial for its police entrance exam. The tutorial covers memorization, deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, information ordering and visualization.
More Study Guides and Free Practice Tests
These links provide insight to the police entrance exam, and you’ll have a better understanding of the process after you review them.
Related Content for Police Entrance Exam
(ad) Norman Hall’s Police Exam Preparation Book ˃ test-taking strategies ˃ practice tests ˃ full-length exams. Complete coverage of ALL test subject areas. Including ˃ basic math ˃ directional orientation ˃ grammar ˃ vocabulary ˃ spelling ˃ memory ˃ reading comprehension ˃ report writing ˃ situational judgment and reasoning.
Career Police Officer is an Amazon Associate and receives commission on qualifying purchases.
Advertisements
