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by George M. Godoy
Police Officer Test
Tips To Jumpstart Your Career
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 website 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 website 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 the day of test. 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
big 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.
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George Godoy - Police Recruitment Specialist
Sergeant George Godoy (Ret.) is a 22 year police
veteran.  During his police career, Sergeant Godoy served
for 5 years as a police recruitment specialist where he  
personally tested over 1,000 potential police recruits.

Sergeant Godoy has produced unique video presentations where he takes you step
by step through the
Police Examination Process and the U.S. Border
Patrol Exam.  Follow these links to check out his ONLINE VIDEO Police Exam
and U.S. Border Patrol Exam learning systems.
Police Exam Preparation
Police Officer Test - Tips To Jumpstart Your Career