FAQ On Police Promotional Exams

By Stacey Burt


Passing the police promotional test offers a perfect opportunity to advance your career in the force. The challenge lies in adequately preparing for the oral and written test while still at work. The tips below are shared by officers who have successfully completed their police promotional exams.

How do you prepare for the upcoming test for a sergeant, lieutenant, captain and above? The answer is not straight forward since unique promotion procedures are applied in different departments across the country. However, most departments use multiple choice tests. These tests are created from a reading list that is published for the purpose of the first test. An essay component is included in some cases.

The minimum passing score depends on factors such as past practice, contractual language and personnel rules in a town or city, among others. It is mandatory to pass the written examination before you advance to the oral test. Sixty percent of the final score is from the written exam while forty percent is from the oral exam.

The secret to passing the exam is thorough reading of materials indicated in the list. Books and other study materials for each rank are specified in the reading list. Some ranks will examine your grasp of departmental rules and regulations alongside policies and procedures. Candidates who passed cited extensive reading as their secret to good grades.

After passing the written test, what areas should you concentrate on in order to pass the oral test? The main aim of oral tests is to examine your verbal and non-verbal communication skills. The best way to prepare is through practice and coaching. A former officer who passed the test would be a great resource. Practice with a colleague, friend or relative and listen to their feedback. Record your performance and review it as part of your preparation.

The topics or content vary depending on the rank you wish to be promoted into. With this information, you will understand the areas to lay emphasis on depending on target rank. The test also gives you a case scenario for you to solve. The best approach is to be creative without violating any law.

What is expected of you during the in-basket session? This segment provides job related, systematic and real life situations that test your action and creation. The tests are supervised by administrators, supervisors and managers. It is by your response that they judge your readiness to be promoted.

Some of the issues managers, supervisors and administrators deal with on daily basis are oral and written reports, investigative reports, memorandums as well as telephone calls and written documents. This test will be taken at the same time with other officers. You will be required to assume a role and execute it in the best and most procedural way.

Adequate preparation gives you an upper hand when sitting for your test. The best way to prepare for the exam is to understand the role of the position you wish to be promoted into. With the materials provided in your reading list, you are better placed to successfully handle any question.




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