5 Strategies to Ace the Police Written Exam

The police written exam is one of the first hurdles in the hiring process. It assesses critical skills like reading comprehension, logic, math, and decision-making—key abilities for law enforcement officers. With proper preparation and the right mindset, you can confidently tackle this step. Here’s how to succeed.

1. Understand the Exam Format

Each department’s written exam varies slightly, but most include sections on reading comprehension, situational judgment, memory, and basic arithmetic. Knowing what to expect will help you focus your preparation and avoid surprises on test day.

Tip: Reach out to the department or review online resources about their specific written exam to get a clear picture of the format and topics covered.

2. Practice with Sample Tests

Practicing with sample questions is one of the best ways to prepare. It helps you get familiar with the question styles, improve your timing, and identify areas where you need extra focus.

Tip: Dedicate at least 30 minutes a day to practice exams. Many free and paid resources are available online to simulate the real test.

3. Strengthen Your Reading and Comprehension Skills

Reading comprehension is a big part of the exam, as police work often involves understanding reports, laws, and procedural documents. Practice reading and summarizing texts quickly and accurately.

Tip: Read news articles or short reports, then summarize the main points. This will improve your ability to extract key information quickly.

4. Brush Up on Basic Math Skills

Many written exams include basic arithmetic and problem-solving questions, such as percentages, ratios, and word problems. Even if math isn’t your strong suit, a little review can go a long way.

Tip: Use free apps or websites like Khan Academy to review key math concepts. Focus on solving problems efficiently to save time during the test.

5. Manage Test Day Stress

On the day of the exam, staying calm and focused is crucial. Get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy meal, and arrive early to give yourself time to settle in. Avoid rushing through questions, and if you get stuck, move on and come back to it later.

Tip: Practice deep breathing exercises before the test to calm nerves. Confidence comes from preparation, so remind yourself of the work you’ve done to get ready.

The written exam is a challenge, but with these strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle it. For more tips on police hiring and training, visit www.armoganct.com.

Best,
Barbara
Armogan Training Team