Police Entrance Exam FAQs

The police officer entrance exam is the aptitude test used by police academies as an entrance exam in the United States. The exam measures a candidate's competency to become a police cadet and then officer.  Many state and municipal law enforcement agencies use national standardized tests, such as the Police Officer Selection Test (POST) and the Law Enforecement Aptitude Battery (LEAB).

Police entrance exams typically consist of multiple-choice questions. The test usually evaluates one's knowledge and skills in math, grammar, reading comprehension and writing. 

Cadet candidates may schedule their Police Officers Entrance Exam test at their local law enforcement precinct. Every state and/or municipality has its own set of eligibility requirements for adminission to police academies. See your state and local law enforcement website for more information on guidelines.

Every state has its own set of eligibility requirements for admission requirements for law enforcement officers. See your state and local law enforcement website for more information on guidelines. Typically, a 70% is needed on the POST or the LEAB to be considered for admission.

There is a written portion to every test. The written test usually evaluates one's knowledge and skills in math, grammar, reading comprehension and writing. There may also be questions involving inductive and deductive reasoning, as well as problem-solving ability and judgment questions. The question context will usually involve police situations.

There are usually specific dates that the police officer entrance exams are offered and those dates can be obtained by the appropriate departments or agencies. Many times the police officer entrance exam is given once a year. Some jurisdictions require applicants to first register for the exams, while in other cases there is public notice given about the exams and anyone can show up to take the exam. Fees can vary widely, if assessed at all, among locations as well. Every state has its own exams for law enforcement officers programs. See your state and local jurisdiction board website for more information on guidelines.

Police officer entrance exams are the first step in the process of trying to gain employment as a police officer. Entrance exams for police officers are offered by each individual municipality, town, city or county that maintains a police department. There are also exams given at the state and federal levels for state troopers and other state or federally run law enforcement programs and agencies.

Pre-requisites to be eligible for police officer entrance exams can vary, but usually require that candidates be within a specific age range (for example, over 21 but younger than 40), that they be US citizens, and that they meet some minimum educational or military experience requirements.

Contact your local police department on the application requirements. A recruiter can provide information on the police academy entrance exam.

Practice tests, such as Tests.com's Police Practice Exam, are a good way to study as it goes over the material you need to know while giving you a chance to practice your test taking skills. Additionally, study guides, text books, class notes, flashcards and videos are important study tools.  It is best to use a wide range of test prep to get the most comprehensive coverage of the subject matter.

Tests.com has worked with instructors in law enforcement to create a Police Officers Selection and Aptitutude Practice Exam to help you prepare for the Police Officers Entrance Exam. Tests.com's TestSim online interactive platform allows you to tailor tests to the subjects you want to study and to form tests to fit your study schedule. You can even simulate the actual Police Officers Entrance Exam by setting the number of questions and timer to the time period allowed for the actual test. Get experience reading multiple-choice questions and taking timed tests. Tests.com will help you pass your Police Officers Entrance Exam on your way to a successful career as a police officer. Click here for a free Poice Officers Practice Test.