In this
article, Sgt.
George M. Godoy of
Police Exam 911 explains what to expect on the Written
Test and how to deal with some of the questions. Sgt. Godoy runs a very successful
Police Video Training Course for applicants to help
improve their scores on Police Exams. He has
personally tested over 1000 potential applicants.
The police written test
will vary throughout the country. Some police agencies rent the written test
from companies like Stanard & Associates that specialize in the police
entrance test, while other agencies have written tests provided to them by
state run organizations such as POST (Peace Officer Standards & Training).
Still, countless municipalities with smaller budgets write their own.
In the days and weeks prior to taking
the written test it is imperative to study. This
is one phase of the process that you will have the
opportunity to prepare, so don't cut yourself short. A
little preparation will help you excel over your
competition.
Types of Questions
The police written test can comprise of true/ false, essay,
fill in the blank…but the most popular type of written exam
used by police departments today is the multiple choice
test. The reasons are straightforward. It is the simply the
most objective test to measure a candidates ability to
perform the tasks of a police officer. In addition:
It is easy to grade.
It removes subjectivity because there is only one correct
answer.
Any trained person grading the test will have the same
results.
Multiple choice tests can be administered directly from a PC
and graded instantly.
Prepare For The Written Test
1. Find out what’s on the test. Visit the police department
web site you applied to for the basic components of the
written test. Common areas that are tested include: judgment
and problem solving, vocabulary, spelling, grammar,
memorization, mathematics and reading comprehension. If the
web site tells you that you will be taking a civil service
exam, and that’s it, then it is not inappropriate to call
human resources or the recruitment section in larger
department’s and politely ask what components will be on the
test. You will find in most cases that you will be provided
with this information.
2. Establish a study program. Study each component
separately. If the components given to you were math,
reading comprehension, and writing and grammar then start
with your weakest area first. You can find most of the
information needed to tweak your knowledge on the Internet.
For example, if you consider yourself weak in math you can
go to Google and enter the word “math”. You will find a
great site called Math.com. Here you can brush up on basic
math. You can do this with any subject.
3. Take practice police tests. This can reduce your anxiety
and improve your test taking strategies.
4. Organize your schedule so you can perform your best on
test day. Prepare mentally. Stay positive. Negative feelings
of failure are common, but don't allow these thoughts to
enter your head. Being prepared for the written test will
allow you to feel confident in the test room. Study and
practice prior to test day will make a huge difference in
your test score.
5. Get enough sleep. Most adults do best with 7-8 hours. Try
to adopt this pattern several days before the exam. Give
yourself plenty of time to have a light, balanced breakfast.
Minimize your use of caffeine. Arrive at the test 20 minutes
early. Allow enough time to cope with traffic, weather,
parking, etc.
Written Test Tips
1. Understand all verbal and written instructions given by
the test proctor. Ask questions if you're unsure. The time
to ask questions is before the written test begins.
2. Use the time given to complete each section of the test
carefully. Some written tests are given a total time to
complete, others will be timed separately. Divide the time
given by the number of questions. This will tell you how
much time you have on each question, or get you close. Keep
a steady pace throughout the test.
3. Read each question carefully. Don't get bogged down on
any one question. Sometimes a certain question will stump
you. Use your informed judgment to make a choice between
possible answers. This is not guessing. To the extent your
decision is informed you are demonstrating a degree of
knowledge and not just blindly guessing. Answer all
questions.
4. Avoid reading too much into a question. Most questions
require an answer that is most correct. Reason through the
answers to find the most logical answer.
5. Use all the allotted time given to complete the test. If
you finish early go back to problematic questions and
re-think them. Use every second you're given on the written
test.
This
article was written by Sgt. George M. Godoy of
PoliceExam911 and was republished with permission.
Sgt. Godoy offers a Police Training Video Course that
guarantees improved scores and results for police
applicants. RealPolice endorses the PoliceExam911
training method and highly recommends it for police
applicants or students serious about getting into law
enforcement.
You can obtain more information from Sgt. Godoy's
PoliceExam911 program below:
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This
article was written by Sgt. George M. Godoy of
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