Selection Process (written tests)

[steved411]

Hello,

I was wondering if someone could fill me in on how hard the written (math, reading comprehension, grammar and writing) tests are for getting into LE?

If you don't use math very often anymore since school, is it something I would need to brush up on?

Also is it mostly a pass or fail test or do they score you and use that score for selecting applicants?


Thanks!
Steve

[ngcsubutterbar]

that would really depend on where you or the state/area you're testing in is bub .

[steved411]

Either in Raleigh, NC or VA Beach, VA.

[ngcsubutterbar]

well some NC and VA people will be along shortly

[fenderbender]

The one I took was pretty basic. As long as you have a basic understanding of math up to the Algebra I level and possess good grammar skills, you should be fine. There are a couple of really good study guides: Police Officer Exam by Barron's and Police Officer by Arco. These have plenty of practice tests and will give you a good overview of the process. Good Luck!


BTW: My test was for a rural area. I imagine the test for Va Beach may be more intense.

[S43riff]

Get a GED book and go over the math...you will probably need the basic algebra and basic geometry.

[steved411]

Thanks! I've heard of "Police Officer Exam by Barron's" before but not the other one. I loooked at Police Officer by Arco, looks more indepth to me then Barron's... Maybe I'll just get both

Thanks everyone for your reply!

[Mike Romeo]

Our test was basic math with percentages and fractions with some reasoning questions. It was broken into four or five sections and they were all timed. I found myself scrambling. There's practice tests out there that you can purchase at a reasonable price. One is available above ^^^ called the Real Police Training Manual. It's only $9.95.

I personally did nothing to prepare for my exam and passed. But hindsight, if I had been a little better prepared I wouldn't have been so frazzled afterwards. :D

[CA Cop]

The written tests here in CA are easy. Sorry to honestly say, it doesn't require much.

[CA Cop]

The written test is a cakewalk, but we make up for it with a very tough and thorough background investigation, psychological testing, polygraph, medical and other selection criteria.

I would say if 1000 people applied, maybe 30-40 will get hired on to the academy.

The academy standards is also one of the toughest in the nation, regulated by the state of CA POST.

[TALLON]

The written is pretty easy. As to the math portion: It's not like 4+4=8. It's more like: You have three trucks carrying 4 cubic yards of dirt, one truck dumps twice as much as the 2nd but only half as much as the first...how much has the first truck dumped?