Police Testing 101: What Every Applicant Needs to Know Before The Written Test Day
- Earn My Badge
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Understanding the Police Written Exam
The written exam isn’t designed to trick you — it’s designed to measure how you think, read, and follow directions under pressure.Most agencies use variations of standardized tests such as PELLET-B, FrontLine National, or general aptitude exams that assess:
Reading comprehension
Grammar and spelling
Report writing logic
Situational judgment and reasoning
Basic math and data interpretation
The key isn’t brilliance — it’s precision and consistency.
Common Exam Formats
PELLET-B (California POST): Heavy on reading comprehension and CLOZE (fill-in-the-blank) grammar questions.
FrontLine National: Adds video-based judgment scenarios — you watch a clip, then answer questions about appropriate responses.
General Aptitude Exams: Standardized multiple choice covering memory, math, and logic.
A 4–6 Week Study Plan
Week 1: Take a baseline practice test and identify your weak areas.Week 2: Set study sessions for 30–45 minutes each day — alternate between reading comprehension and grammar.Week 3: Add timed sections to build pace. Practice under actual exam conditions.Week 4: Review mistakes and log patterns (e.g., run-ons, word choice).Week 5: Take a full-length simulation exam and grade it objectively.Week 6: Polish weak areas only — no cramming the night before.
Smart Test-Day Tactics
Arrive early and bring ID and spare pens.
Read directions carefully — some agencies penalize for guessing.
Mark “time traps.” If you get stuck, circle and return.
Answer what you know first. Easy points build momentum.
Stay calm and steady. Breathing controls focus better than coffee does.
Sample Scenario Question
A citizen complains that a neighbor has been playing loud music. When you arrive, both neighbors begin arguing with each other. What is your next best action?
Correct answer: Separate the individuals to restore order and gather facts independently.Reasoning: Officers must reduce conflict first before fact-finding.
Final Advice
Consistency beats cramming. Treat your study plan like physical training — short, repetitive sessions with measurable progress. Each session is a step toward walking into the exam confident and ready to earn your badge.
Nervous about your written exam? This step-by-step plan from a former recruiter shows you exactly how to prepare for test day.
About Lt. Skip: With two decades in law enforcement and five years as a department recruiter, Lt. Skip has coached hundreds of applicants to crush their written exams and get hired. He mentors future officers through Earn My Badge to help good people become great cops.
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