The main components of any law enforcement selection process include a written exam with several components, physical agility test, an oral interview, a psychological evaluation, medical exam, and a background investigation . For the written exam you are not expected to be familiar with specific law enforcement techniques or terminology but you should be able to show basic skills in grammar, math, and logical reasoning. Often the written exam is one of the big hurdles a candidate has to overcome in order to have a reasonable chance at being hired. The minimum score required is 70-80% and anything above is a plus. The sections included in the written exam often include the following:

Memory and facial recognition

Spatial orientation

Situational scenarios and reasoning

Reading comprehension

Grammar, vocabulary and spelling

Basic math and problem solving

We already mentioned that the entrance exam depends on whether you pursue a career as a local,state or federal law enforcement officer, and will also depend upon the specific position you are applying for. Since the position of a police officer is the most common type of career pursued in law enforcement, we have compiled a list of the entrance exam elements and what types of questions to expect when applying for this job.

The selection process tests three main groups: your knowledge and skills, your physical condition, your psychological status and background.

1st Group of police entrance exam tests: Knowledge and Skills

This group can include a written test, writing and essay, and an oral interview. These parts check your basic reading, writing and speaking skills. The aim is to prove that you have the necessary knowledge, skills and conduct to become a police officer, that the academy can further develop in you. So, what to expect in each exam type:

Written exam – this exam includes multiple-choice, true-false, and open-ended questions. It covers a variety of subjects, some of which are related to the job of a police officer. It evaluates your ability to understand and interpret what you read, to give reasons, to write grammatically correct sentences with properly spelled words, your writing ability, if you are able to perform basic math like subtraction, division, percentages and fractions, etc. The academy will not teach you basic grammar and math, it is expected that you have this basic foundation that you learned in school. Therefore, the requirements include having at least high school education. The exam may be either computer-based or in pen-and-paper format, so you need to be prepared for both.

– this exam includes multiple-choice, true-false, and open-ended questions. It covers a variety of subjects, some of which are related to the job of a police officer. It evaluates your ability to understand and interpret what you read, to give reasons, to write grammatically correct sentences with properly spelled words, your writing ability, if you are able to perform basic math like subtraction, division, percentages and fractions, etc. The academy will not teach you basic grammar and math, it is expected that you have this basic foundation that you learned in school. Therefore, the requirements include having at least high school education. The exam may be either computer-based or in pen-and-paper format, so you need to be prepared for both. Essay exam – here the applicants are required to write several paragraphs in the form of an essay on a specific topic. You are being evaluated on your ability to express ideas and information clearly, give reasons, and support your ideas. You need to show that you would be able to handle the paperwork and report writing essential to being a successful law enforcement officer. Proper documentation and reports are vital, especially if a case is taken to court and the officer needs to testify.

– here the applicants are required to write several paragraphs in the form of an essay on a specific topic. You are being evaluated on your ability to express ideas and information clearly, give reasons, and support your ideas. You need to show that you would be able to handle the paperwork and report writing essential to being a successful law enforcement officer. Proper documentation and reports are vital, especially if a case is taken to court and the officer needs to testify. Oral exam or interview – this is an interview with your potential hiring agency. It is conducted by a panel which includes officers or supervisors from the hiring agency, representatives from other departments, and may also include members of the public. The panel evaluates your ability to communicate clearly, express ideas, your reasoning skills, and how you present yourself.

2nd Group of police entrance exam tests: Physical agility and medical status

This group checks if you are physically able to perform the tasks required of a police officer. It consists of:

Physical ability test – this is an test that assesses the physical fitness of each candidate. It includes endurance, strength and flexibility. The aim is for the candidates to prove that they are physically capable of performing the tasks required of a police officers. This test is often pass/fail. Make sure that you are prepare for this test with a training routine prior to applying for a job in law enforcement.

– this is an test that assesses the physical fitness of each candidate. It includes endurance, strength and flexibility. The aim is for the candidates to prove that they are physically capable of performing the tasks required of a police officers. This test is often pass/fail. Make sure that you are prepare for this test with a training routine prior to applying for a job in law enforcement. Medical evaluation – this is a complete physical exam performed by a certified physician. The aim is to determine if there any any medical conditions which would prevent the candidate from the tasks required of a police officer.

3rd Group of police entrance exam tests: Psychological evaluation and background

This group consists of a psychological evaluation and background investigation. The aim is to determine whether the applicant is suited for the job of a police officer.

Psychological evaluation – this can be in the form of a personality questionnaire and/or interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist. The questionnaire consists of statements that assess the candidate’s interests, attitudes, preferences, where you have to choose whether you agree or not to a given statement. Often there is a five-point agreement scale ranging from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree”. The aim of the test is to determine if you can properly handle the tasks required of a police officer. Sgt Godoy created a course Mastering the Psychological.

– this can be in the form of a personality questionnaire and/or interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist. The questionnaire consists of statements that assess the candidate’s interests, attitudes, preferences, where you have to choose whether you agree or not to a given statement. Often there is a five-point agreement scale ranging from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree”. The aim of the test is to determine if you can properly handle the tasks required of a police officer. Sgt Godoy created a course Mastering the Psychological. Background investigation – this is conducted by an investigator based on the information provided by the candidate in the personal history statement. The purpose of this investigation is to verify that the information provided by the application is true an correct, and also to determine if there is anything about the applicant that would cause them to be removed from consideration for the position of police officer. This information will include: criminal history, work history, drug use, and credit history. Some information may automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. Other information will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Now, that you are aware of the components of the law enforcement entrance exam, you know what to expect. One of the reasons why many people fail to pass the exam and become a police officer is simply because they do not prepare for the tests. Don’t become one of these candidates. There are many sources of information and sample tests on the web that can help you. One of the best things to do is to review some police exam study guides. Below you can find a few for your convenience.