So you have decided that you want to become a police officer, or maybe you have known it all along but now you have decided to do something about it. Passing the police test is one of the first steps in the hiring process one must take in order to obtain the career of your dreams. Passing the police test isn't exactly rocket science but more people than you would think fail the initial police entrance exam. The following article will dispense some police exam tips for taking the test as well as some tips for the police hiring process.
Having personally passed numerous police tests in the state of California on my first attempt within the last few years, I will give you exam tips and certain study methods as well as a few informative links that I have found very helpful in my police hiring process. This is a quick no BS look at tips that will actually help you and not just cookie cutter stuff that you can't use.
Before the test
Weeks or even months before the test just read, and then read some more. Read something that you actually enjoy reading so that the experience does not become tedious and un-enjoyable. Make sure to check out any study guides that are offered by the police force you are trying to join. Try not to stress too much, stressing out will not help you out in any way. Passing the test will seem more feasible when you don't stress and do a little reading. Being prepared can do wonders for your confidence and score.
Arriving to the test
Map quest your destination and make sure you arrive early, DO NOT BE LATE to your police exam! Upon arrival to your local police written test remember to act professional, and look the part as well. Don't be a loud mouth, curse or be obnoxious. Come in business or semi business attire. I have seen people get turned away and or ridiculed by recruitment officers that were present at the exam.
The test itself
In all the test that I have taken during my hiring process, reading comprehension as well as vocabulary and spelling are main aspects of the exams. Of all the police tests that I have taken in California I have never come across anything more than a basic math section. Basic in the sense that there is no calculus or trig, do study up on fractions and percentages though.
What helped me out on the comprehension end was to actually read the answer choices first, some people read the paragraph first but I found reading the choices before the paragraph really helped. Don't rush these questions, there's plenty of time.
You may think that you are a good speller and that you understand thinks fairly easily but some aspects of the test are things or words that you have not seen or spelled in a while. An example would be words like Lieutenant, warrant, Wednesday and deceased. Pay special attention to a words suffix, whether or not the word ends in ant, or ent. The links provided will explain when to use which.Also, don't rush the test or worry if you see other people finishing before you, this is not a race.
Conclusion
This was a brief overview of some police exam tips. Follow some links to get more tips and info for passing your police exam. I will write more articles in the future about the other steps involved in becoming a police officer, the police hiring process, as well as some interesting experiences I have had with various police departments. Thanks for reading and check back soon!
