How To Pass Police Promotional Exams

By Stacey Burt


Promotional examinations give thousands of police officers an opportunity to advance their career. The challenge is especially in preparing for the written and oral tests. Popular questions on how to pass the police promotional exams are discussed below by officers who have successfully completed theirs.

As a sergeant, lieutenant, captain or any rank above, how do you prepare for the test? The variation in promotion procedures for different cities and counties make it difficult to give a straight forward answer. The most common format is the use of multiple choices. A reading list is published to assist learners during preparation. Some departments have incorporated an essay component in their test.

The pass mark is subject to personnel rules in each department, contractual language and individuals past practice. Each city or town has specific rules for their promotional examination. In all departments, only officers who pass in the written paper are allowed to proceed to the oral test. While oral tests accounts for forty percent of the overall score, written test contributes sixty percent.

The materials provided in the reading list must be exhausted if you are to pass these test. This includes books and specific documents and procedural manuals. Higher ranks demand thorough understanding of policies and procedures as well as departmental rules and regulations. It is mandatory to extensively read the materials provided.

What sections should you read when preparing for the oral exam? The idea behind the oral test is to evaluate your verbal and non-verbal skills. The best approach in this case is to make numerous presentations during practice and engage the assistance of a coach. The coach could be a former officer who passed his tests well. Friends, colleagues and relatives can help you when preparing for presentations. They will listen to you and comment on areas where improvements are needed. You also can record your presentation and review it.

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.

How do you tackle the in-basket case and get a good score? The in-basket case provides systematic, job related and real life situations where your response is tested. The test is carried out as managers, administrators and supervisors watch. They will be judging the appropriateness of your action and reaction.

The in-basket case presents common issues handled by administrators, managers and supervisors on daily basis. They include written documents and phone calls, memorandums, investigative reports as well as verbal confessions. By assuming the role, you will be expected to give your best performance to warrant a promotion.

Thorough preparation is the secret behind passing the promotional exam. There are unique expectations for each rank. Each candidate must meet these expectations through the written exam as well as oral test. The questions are derived from the materials indicated in the reading list. Only an excellent performance will warrant a promotion.




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