Wednesday 24 December 2014

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.

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.

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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