Tuesday 23 December 2014

FAQ On Police Promotional Exams

By Stacey Burt


Thousands of cops study for their promotional examinations every year to better their chances of advancing their career in the force. Many have had concerns on how to approach and prepare for both written and oral tests. Here are three most popular questions about police promotional exams.

How does one prepare for captain, lieutenant, sergeant and such ranks? Each county or city has a different criterion for administering the exam and promoting their officers. This means that a straight forward answer does not exist for this question. The common feature with tests in most departments is the use of multiple choices in their questions. The departments provide a detailed reading list for officers to prepare. Some have incorporated essay components in their tests.

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.

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.

Each rank has specific topics and content to be tested. This should be your area of focus. When giving your answers, provide all the details possible. You will be given case scenarios to solve. This will require creativity within the legal framework.

What is an in-basket and how do you score a high mark? Part of the test is a series of real life, job related and systematic situations where you will be expected to perform under the supervision of managers, supervisors and administrators. This segment seeks to provide a test that is not academic. The real life situation tests your action and reaction in the field.

The issues presented at the in-basket stage are those that administrators, supervisors and managers face on daily basis. You will be required to deal with phone calls, written documents, memorandums, verbal confessions and investigative reports. It is your performance at this level that will be used to judge whether you deserve a promotion or not.

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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