Printable View
I applied for a position with a department in the area and was chosen to come in and take a written test, what should I expect from this? I do have a bachelors degree in criminal justice but I’ve never taken a test for a department before.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
They can be all different, the one I took for my department was like 4 parts and a lot like the ACT / SAT. Not near as long but the same type of content.
do you remember how it was graded like pass fail etc?Quote:
Originally Posted by Snowman78
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
72 % seems to be a norm as far as I know.
No knowledge but I would guess it’s one of those quirky psychological tests. You know, the ones where you answer what seems like pretty basic questions and they can look at the results and tell you if you frustrate easily or if you like young boys.
For me you had to score 80% or better on all four categories. Ray, you are talking about a psychology test which is done later in the application process.
Good luck, Gunner! :)
Another kinda random thing, what did you wear to the test? I know it’s not an interview etc just not sure what’s over dressed and what’s underQuote:
Originally Posted by Snowman78
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Usually you're not the only one testing that day. Weld cty was anyone who applied, tested on one of 2 days they offered.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gunner
I did business casual, khaki slacks with a black button-down collared shirt .
Some people were wearing suits, some people were wearing jeans I felt like I was right in the middle.
Yeah I fully expect anyone who meets the Min requirements to be there and from what I saw there were two days to choose from.Quote:
Originally Posted by Great-Kazoo
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Do you know anyone working for the department? If they were hired within the past five years they would be the best source of information you can find. There is a POST certification prep book that can be found in most public libraries. It may be helpful.
No advice from me as my experience on the hiring panel for a department back east is several decades old. I'm sure the way we ran the testing, interviews would now be completely illegal. I will say that getting hired may seem like a hurdle now and it is, but the real hurdle is navigating the 20+ years on the job.
Remain calm, don't quit on anything as there are still parts of the process designed to see who will quit. If I could make it, anyone with a spare brain cell or two can make it.
Be safe.
Good luck with it. I'm sure you'll do just fine.
Tested with two local departments, pretty much same test both times. Reading comprehension, some which word fits best, think there was some math and one other basic component. None of it was really LE related. The sentences or paragraphs may reference law enforcement topics, but LE knowledge was not required from what I remember. Your particular department may be different though.
Business casual was the norm for people that were testing. Some came in full suits, but it didn't matter for that portion of the testing.
I talked with my buddy about some of his written test he had to take for fire departments around here and he said this
4 sections. Simple math - like painfully simple like how to read a ruler. Reading (i.e. choose the best word). HR section (hardest) that are video situations and you answer how you would react given the same situation. Mechanical aptitude - shows a work plant and makes you tell what is wrong at each stage and how to optimize it. All multiple choice. Really no way to study for it unfortunately.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yeah, good luck Gunner. I agree that you'll probably do just fine.
A retired officer down here told me last weekend that due to EOE requirements there is a pre-test that all applicsnts can request. All you have to do is ask. I couldn't find confirmation during a quick Google search however. Might be worth some research though.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
I'm sure you'll do great anywayQuote:
Originally Posted by 3beansalad
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Good luck!
If it's anything like the Border Patrol exam (minus the made up language I'd assume), you'll be fine.
My experience is far too old to be much good for you. But good luck anyway.
You got this! [Awesom]
Most of the ones I've seen have been a basic education test on reading, writing, spelling, and math. Each section will have a time limit that must be met then a combined score is made. Math is what get's most people when I went through the testing.
From my experience (hired 3 years ago this Nov, and have applied to another agency this year)- most Denver Metro area agencies utilize the POST (Police Officer Selection Test- by Stanard & Associates) test (not the same as the Colorado POST-Certification Test)- which is the most prominent testing resource used in Colorado/Metro area. It covers basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, division, and math comprehension), reading comprehension, grammar memory, and some agencies do a report writing portion of the test (Park County does). Other agencies- like Thornton- do a different entrance test with some of the same, including map reading (they show a map and ask what is the best route from A to B), facial recognition, and sample law questions (that don't require any legal knowledge, they provide definitions). Usually it's 70% and higher that moves on. The test isn't all that hard (for me it wasn't), and having basic knowledge and common sense you should be fine. With a degree you should be good to go, so long as college wasn't 20 years ago and you forgot a lot of basic arithmetic.
I dress business casual (slacks and polo) for these, and then for the interview I wear a suit and tie. The process differs with each agency, but for the most part it's test, interview, background/CVSA/Poly, psych, physical fitness, UA/medical, follow-up interview.
Good luck! Any other questions about the process you have I'd gladly answer. Don't be discouraged if you don't get it, despite the lull in the market, it's still pretty competitive, and having a degree doesn't hurt.
+1. I was planning on giving a similar answer, but why try when it's been so thoroughly covered? Most of the basic math, grammar, and reading comprehension are stuff that don't require a college degree to understand. The degree can for sure help. (It helped me for sure)Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronin13
Years ago when I was getting out of the army I was told by some former cops, wear a suit for every step of the process except the physical. Believe me you are being judged at every step and I will pass that recommendation on as well.
+1!Quote:
Originally Posted by KevDen2005
Testing I dress nice, but not in a suit, but I think from here on out, I will just wear the suit, can't hurt.