NYPD Police Exam: Practice Questions, Hiring Process and Prep Guide

The NYPD police exam practice is the civil service exam used as an early step in the New York City Police Department police officer hiring process.

The exam is administered through New York City’s civil service testing system, and candidates should always verify the current exam number, filing period, eligibility requirements and testing instructions through official NYC / DCAS and NYPD Recruitment sources.

NYPD police officer applicants should also expect additional hiring steps after the written exam, including physical, medical, psychological, background and academy-related requirements. The NYPD states that police officer candidates must pass a qualifying physical test, and its Police Officer Candidate Job Standard Test is a timed six-station physical endurance test that must be completed in 4 minutes and 28 seconds without stopping. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Recommended prep:

These are original NYPD-style practice questions for study purposes. They are not official questions from NYPD, DCAS, NYC, any police department, civil service commission or test provider.

What Is the NYPD Police Exam?

The NYPD police exam practice is a civil service exam for candidates who want to become New York City police officers.

The exam is usually part of a broader process that may include:

• civil service exam application;
• written or computer-based exam;
• list eligibility;
• candidate processing;
• physical ability / Job Standard Test;
• medical screening;
• psychological evaluation;
• background investigation;
• character review;
• academy training.

DCAS states that taking a City exam is a multi-step process, and that passing an exam can make a candidate eligible for City employment, depending on the exam and hiring process. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

The NYPD Recruitment site describes the NYPD as the largest and one of the oldest municipal police departments in the United States, responsible for policing an 8.5-million-person city across public safety, law enforcement, traffic management, counterterrorism and emergency response roles. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

NYPD Police Exam Quick Facts

Feature	What to Expect
Role	NYPD Police Officer
Exam type	NYC civil service police officer exam
Application system	NYC / DCAS OASys when open
Format	Usually civil service written or computer-based testing
Main skills	Reading, judgment, reasoning, writing, memory and attention to detail
Physical test	Separate Job Standard Test / physical requirement
Hiring process	Exam plus additional screening and investigation
Best prep	Timed police-style practice questions

Always check the current Notice of Examination and NYPD Recruitment instructions before relying on any prep page.

NYPD Police Exam vs General Police Exam

The NYPD police exam is similar to other police written exams, but it is tied specifically to New York City’s civil service and NYPD recruitment process.

NYPD Police Exam	General Police Exam
Used for NYPD police officer hiring	Used by various police agencies
Connected to NYC / DCAS exam process	Varies by city, state or provider
May use specific exam numbers and filing periods	Exam naming varies
Follow NYPD Recruitment and DCAS instructions	Follow local agency instructions
Additional NYPD processing after exam	Additional agency-specific processing

Related guide:

• Police Written Exam

What Is on the NYPD Police Exam?

The exact content can vary by exam notice, but police officer written exams commonly test skills such as:

Section	What It Tests
Reading comprehension	Understanding written passages, rules and procedures
Written communication	Grammar, sentence clarity and report-style writing
Situational judgment	Safe, ethical and professional decision-making
Reasoning	Drawing conclusions from facts and rules
Memory and observation	Recalling people, vehicles, locations and events
Detail accuracy	Names, numbers, addresses, times and descriptions
Map / direction skills	Directions, routes and locations if included
Basic math	Practical arithmetic, time, percentages or word problems if included

Do not assume every NYPD exam includes every section. The current official Notice of Examination is the source of truth.

NYPD Police Exam Practice Test

Answer each question before checking the explanation.

Recommended timing:

30 questions
35 minutes

For a harder timed drill:

30 questions
25 minutes

Section 1: Reading Comprehension

Read the passage and answer Questions 1–5.

Officers responding to a disturbance call should first assess the scene for immediate safety risks. These risks may include weapons, injured persons, aggressive behavior, traffic hazards or a subject attempting to flee. Officers should communicate relevant information to dispatch, follow department procedure and request assistance when necessary.

Question 1: Main Idea

What is the main idea of the passage?

• A. Officers should ignore disturbance calls unless someone is injured
• B. Officers should assess safety risks, communicate and follow procedure
• C. Officers should never request assistance
• D. Officers should only focus on traffic hazards

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Officers should assess safety risks, communicate and follow procedure

The passage focuses on safety assessment, communication, procedure and assistance when needed.

Question 2: Stated Detail

Which risk is specifically mentioned in the passage?

• A. Weather conditions
• B. Weapons
• C. Parking tickets
• D. Court dates

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Weapons

The passage lists weapons as a possible immediate safety risk.

Question 3: Communication

According to the passage, officers should communicate relevant information to:

• A. Dispatch
• B. The media
• C. A neighbor only
• D. No one

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. Dispatch

The passage states that officers should communicate relevant information to dispatch.

Question 4: Assistance

According to the passage, officers should request assistance:

• A. When necessary
• B. Never
• C. Only after leaving the scene
• D. Only if a civilian asks

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. When necessary

The passage says officers should request assistance when necessary.

Question 5: Unsupported Statement

Which statement is not supported by the passage?

• A. Officers should assess safety risks
• B. Aggressive behavior may be a risk
• C. Officers should always ignore a subject attempting to flee
• D. Officers should follow department procedure

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. Officers should always ignore a subject attempting to flee

The passage lists a subject attempting to flee as a safety risk. It does not say to ignore it.

Section 2: NYPD-Style Situational Judgment

Question 6: Angry Member of the Public

A person is angry and yelling during a non-emergency contact. No weapon is visible, and no one appears injured.

What is the best response?

• A. Yell back to establish authority
• B. Stay calm, maintain safety and communicate professionally
• C. Ignore the person completely
• D. Threaten arrest immediately only because the person is upset

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Stay calm, maintain safety and communicate professionally

A strong police judgment answer shows professionalism, emotional control and safety awareness.

Question 7: Possible Weapon

A witness tells you a subject may have a knife. You have not yet seen the subject.

What is the best response?

• A. Ignore the information because the witness may be wrong
• B. Treat the information as a safety concern and follow procedure
• C. Rush in without communicating
• D. Leave the scene without updating anyone

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Treat the information as a safety concern and follow procedure

A possible weapon should be treated as a safety concern until clarified.

Question 8: Report Accuracy

You realize you made an error in an incident report after submitting it.

What is the best response?

• A. Ignore the error unless someone notices
• B. Correct the error according to department procedure and notify the appropriate person if required
• C. Delete the report without telling anyone
• D. Blame another officer

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Correct the error according to department procedure and notify the appropriate person if required

This response shows integrity, accountability and respect for accurate documentation.

Question 9: Coworker Misconduct

You observe another officer adding a detail to a report that did not happen.

What is the best response?

• A. Ignore it because the detail seems minor
• B. Address or report the issue according to policy
• C. Add false details to your own report too
• D. Post about it online

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Address or report the issue according to policy

Report falsification is an integrity issue. The strongest response uses the proper channel.

Question 10: Unclear Instruction

A supervisor gives you a non-emergency instruction, but you are unsure what they mean.

What should you do first?

• A. Guess and act quickly
• B. Ask for clarification respectfully
• C. Ignore the instruction
• D. Complain publicly

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Ask for clarification respectfully

Clarifying instructions helps prevent errors and shows professionalism.

Section 3: Report Writing and Written Communication

Read the incident details and answer Questions 11–15.

At approximately 8:40 p.m., Officer Rivera responded to 1250 East Cedar Road for a reported vehicle break-in. The reporting party, Luis Perez, stated that he parked his black Toyota Corolla in the apartment lot at 7:15 p.m. and returned at 8:30 p.m. to find the front passenger window broken. Perez stated that a gray backpack containing a laptop was missing from the front passenger seat. Officer Rivera observed broken glass on the ground near the passenger door. No suspect was located at the scene.

Question 11: Best Report Summary

Which is the best report summary?

• A. Luis Perez was careless and someone probably stole his laptop.
• B. Officer Rivera responded to 1250 East Cedar Road for a reported vehicle break-in. Perez stated that his black Toyota Corolla had a broken front passenger window and that a gray backpack containing a laptop was missing. Officer Rivera observed broken glass near the passenger door.
• C. Some guy said his stuff was gone and there was glass.
• D. The suspect was obviously a professional thief.

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B.

This summary is factual, clear and includes key details without unsupported opinions.

Question 12: Reporting Party

Who was the reporting party?

• A. Officer Rivera
• B. Luis Perez
• C. Marcus Hill
• D. Daniel Reed

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Luis Perez

Luis Perez was the reporting party.

Question 13: Vehicle

What vehicle was involved?

• A. Black Toyota Corolla
• B. Gray Toyota Camry
• C. Black Honda Civic
• D. White Toyota Corolla

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. Black Toyota Corolla

The scenario states that the vehicle was a black Toyota Corolla.

Question 14: Officer Observation

What did Officer Rivera observe?

• A. The suspect running away
• B. Broken glass near the passenger door
• C. A weapon on the front seat
• D. The laptop inside the vehicle

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Broken glass near the passenger door

Officer Rivera observed broken glass on the ground near the passenger door.

Question 15: Unsupported Statement

Which statement is not supported by the incident details?

• A. Perez stated that a gray backpack was missing
• B. The front passenger window was broken
• C. No suspect was located at the scene
• D. Officer Rivera identified the suspect at the scene

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: D. Officer Rivera identified the suspect at the scene

The scenario says no suspect was located.

Section 4: Memory and Observation

Study the details for 45 seconds, then answer Questions 16–21.

Vehicle: red Ford Escape
License plate: 8LQZ319
Driver: female, blue jacket
Passenger: male, gray hoodie
Direction: west on Pine Avenue
Time observed: 8:35 p.m.
Location: 5th Street and Pine Avenue

Question 16: Vehicle

What vehicle was observed?

• A. Red Ford Escape
• B. Blue Ford Escape
• C. Red Ford Explorer
• D. Red Honda Civic

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. Red Ford Escape

The vehicle was a red Ford Escape.

Question 17: License Plate

What was the license plate?

• A. 8LQZ391
• B. 8LQZ319
• C. 8LZQ319
• D. 8LQX319

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. 8LQZ319

The exact license plate was 8LQZ319.

Question 18: Driver Description

What was the driver wearing?

• A. Blue jacket
• B. Gray hoodie
• C. Black coat
• D. Red shirt

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. Blue jacket

The driver was described as wearing a blue jacket.

Question 19: Passenger Description

What was the passenger wearing?

• A. Blue jacket
• B. Gray hoodie
• C. Black backpack
• D. White shirt

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Gray hoodie

The passenger was described as wearing a gray hoodie.

Question 20: Direction

Which direction was the vehicle traveling?

• A. East on Pine Avenue
• B. West on Pine Avenue
• C. North on 5th Street
• D. South on Oak Street

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. West on Pine Avenue

The vehicle was traveling west on Pine Avenue.

Question 21: Time

What time was the vehicle observed?

• A. 8:25 p.m.
• B. 8:35 p.m.
• C. 8:53 p.m.
• D. 9:35 p.m.

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. 8:35 p.m.

The time observed was 8:35 p.m.

Section 5: Basic Math and Reasoning

Question 22: Addition

An officer completes 14 reports in one week and 19 reports the next week. How many reports are completed total?

• A. 29
• B. 31
• C. 33
• D. 35

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 33

14 + 19 = 33

Question 23: Percentage

What is 25% of 120?

• A. 20
• B. 25
• C. 30
• D. 35

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 30

25% is one quarter.

120 ÷ 4 = 30

Question 24: Time

A shift begins at 6:45 a.m. and ends at 3:15 p.m. How long is the shift?

• A. 7 hours 30 minutes
• B. 8 hours
• C. 8 hours 30 minutes
• D. 9 hours

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 8 hours 30 minutes

6:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. = 8 hours
2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. = 30 minutes
Total = 8 hours 30 minutes

Question 25: Rule Application

Policy:

If a report involves property damage, photographs must be included when available. The incident involves property damage, and photographs are available.

What must the officer do?

• A. Include photographs
• B. Ignore the photographs
• C. Submit no report
• D. Wait one month

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. Include photographs

The rule says photographs must be included when available.

Question 26: Must Be True

Statement:

All officers assigned to Zone 3 must attend the briefing. Officer Lee is assigned to Zone 3.

What must be true?

• A. Officer Lee must attend the briefing
• B. Officer Lee is a supervisor
• C. All officers are assigned to Zone 3
• D. The briefing is optional

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. Officer Lee must attend the briefing

The conclusion follows directly from the statement.

Section 6: Grammar and Clarity

Question 27: Subject-Verb Agreement

Choose the correctly written sentence.

• A. The officers was reviewing the report.
• B. The officers were reviewing the report.
• C. The officers is reviewing the report.
• D. The officers be reviewing the report.

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. The officers were reviewing the report.

“Officers” is plural, so the correct verb is “were.”

Question 28: Professional Sentence

Which sentence is clearest and most professional?

• A. The guy did something near the thing.
• B. Officer Harris observed the subject place a black bag under the passenger seat.
• C. It was weird and probably bad.
• D. Someone handled the situation somehow.

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B.

This sentence is clear, factual and specific.

Question 29: Unsupported Opinion

Which sentence should be avoided because it contains an unsupported opinion?

• A. The subject was wearing a gray hoodie.
• B. The vehicle was parked near the entrance.
• C. The subject was obviously planning a crime.
• D. The officer arrived at 9:10 p.m.

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. The subject was obviously planning a crime.

This sentence states a conclusion that is not supported by observable facts.

Question 30: Spelling

Choose the correctly spelled word.

• A. Suspiscious
• B. Suspicious
• C. Suspicous
• D. Suspishous

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Suspicious

“Suspicious” is the correct spelling.

NYPD Police Exam Answer Key

Question	Section	Correct Answer
1	Reading comprehension	B
2	Reading comprehension	B
3	Reading comprehension	A
4	Reading comprehension	A
5	Reading comprehension	C
6	Situational judgment	B
7	Situational judgment	B
8	Report integrity	B
9	Ethics	B
10	Communication	B
11	Report writing	B
12	Detail accuracy	B
13	Detail accuracy	A
14	Observation	B
15	Unsupported statement	D
16	Memory	A
17	Memory	B
18	Memory	A
19	Memory	B
20	Memory	B
21	Memory	B
22	Math	C
23	Math	C
24	Time calculation	C
25	Rule application	A
26	Logical reasoning	A
27	Grammar	B
28	Written communication	B
29	Objective writing	C
30	Spelling	B

NYPD Police Officer Hiring Process Overview

The NYPD hiring process can change, but candidates should generally expect multiple steps beyond the exam.

Typical stages may include:

Stage	What It Means
Apply for the exam	Submit application through the official NYC system when open
Take the civil service exam	Complete the written or computer-based exam
Candidate processing	Follow NYPD / NYC instructions after exam eligibility
Physical requirement	Complete the NYPD Job Standard Test or required physical step
Medical evaluation	Meet medical standards
Psychological evaluation	Complete required psychological screening
Background investigation	Character, employment, education and history review
Academy training	Paid training if appointed

The NYPD Recruitment site states that police officer candidates must pass a qualifying physical test, while DCAS explains that City exams are part of a multi-step process for City employment eligibility. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

NYPD Physical Requirements and Job Standard Test

The NYPD’s Job Standard Test is a physical endurance test designed to evaluate whether an applicant can perform physical tasks associated with police work.

The NYPD Recruitment site states that the Police Officer Candidate Job Standard Test is a timed event with six stations that must be completed in 4 minutes and 28 seconds without stopping. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

The written exam and physical test measure different skills.

NYPD Police Exam	NYPD Job Standard Test
Measures written, reasoning and judgment skills	Measures physical ability
Civil service exam step	Physical endurance test
Practice with written questions	Practice with physical conditioning
Reading, writing, judgment, memory	Timed physical stations
Usually taken through exam process	Completed during candidate processing

NYPD Police Exam Eligibility and Qualifications

NYPD police officer qualifications can change, so candidates should always verify the current requirements on the official NYPD Recruitment qualifications page and the current DCAS Notice of Examination.

The NYPD Recruitment qualifications page states that candidates must meet physical standards and pass a qualifying physical test, and lists disqualifying factors such as felony conviction, domestic violence misdemeanor conviction or dishonorable military discharge. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

DCAS Notices of Examination also include important information such as application instructions, proof of identity and right to work requirements, fee information and exam-specific qualifications. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Before applying, verify:

age requirement
education requirement
residency requirement if applicable
citizenship / work authorization requirements
driver license requirement if applicable
disqualifying history
application fee or waiver
exam number
filing period

How to Prepare for the NYPD Police Exam

Step 1: Read the Current Notice of Examination

Start with the current DCAS Notice of Examination.

Check:

• exam number;
• filing period;
• application fee;
• how to apply;
• minimum qualifications;
• test format;
• exam date or scheduling process;
• passing score if listed;
• list eligibility rules;
• retest or reapplication rules.

Do not rely on an old exam notice.

Step 2: Review NYPD Recruitment Requirements

Use the official NYPD Recruitment site to confirm:

• police officer qualifications;
• physical requirements;
• candidate process;
• training expectations;
• FAQ answers;
• recruiter contact options.

Step 3: Practice Reading Comprehension

Police exams often include policy-style passages, reports or procedural text.

Key rule:

Answer from the passage, not from outside knowledge.

Related guide:

• Police Reading Comprehension

Step 4: Practice Situational Judgment

Strong police judgment answers usually prioritize:

• safety;
• law and policy;
• ethics;
• communication;
• de-escalation when appropriate;
• backup when needed;
• chain of command;
• report accuracy.

Related guide:

• Police Situational Judgment Test

Step 5: Practice Report Writing

Police report writing should be:

• factual;
• chronological;
• objective;
• specific;
• professional;
• free of unsupported opinions.

Related guide:

• Police Report Writing Test

Step 6: Practice Memory and Detail Accuracy

Train yourself to remember:

• names;
• addresses;
• times;
• vehicles;
• license plates;
• clothing;
• directions;
• sequence of events.

Related guide:

• Police Memory Test

Step 7: Practice Timed Mixed Sets

The best prep combines:

• reading;
• judgment;
• report writing;
• grammar;
• memory;
• reasoning;
• math if included.

Use timed practice to build speed and accuracy.

Common NYPD Police Exam Mistakes

Avoid these mistakes:

• applying for the wrong exam number;
• missing the filing period;
• relying on an old Notice of Examination;
• ignoring NYPD physical requirements;
• preparing only for the written exam;
• using outside knowledge on reading passages;
• choosing aggressive judgment answers;
• writing opinions instead of facts;
• ignoring grammar and spelling;
• rushing memory details;
• failing to practice under time limits.

NYPD Police Exam vs NYPD Physical Test

The written exam and physical test are different steps.

Written Exam Mistake	Physical Test Mistake
Not practicing reading and judgment	Not conditioning early
Misreading questions	Underestimating timed stations
Poor grammar or report writing	Ignoring endurance
Rushing memory details	Practicing too late
Missing filing deadline	Missing physical prep instructions

Prepare for both.

Best NYPD Police Exam Prep

JobTestPrep is useful for NYPD police exam preparation because it provides police-style practice across major written exam skills.

Use JobTestPrep for:

• NYPD police exam-style practice;
• reading comprehension;
• situational judgment;
• report writing;
• grammar;
• math;
• memory and observation;
• logical reasoning;
• timed practice tests;
• answer explanations.

Recommended prep:

Free vs Paid NYPD Police Exam Prep

Prep Type	Best Use
Official DCAS Notice of Examination	Confirm exam number and application rules
NYPD Recruitment pages	Confirm qualifications and process
Free police practice questions	Learn common question types
Timed drills	Build pacing
Paid JobTestPrep	More practice volume and explanations
Full practice tests	Build readiness

Free official sources are essential for requirements. Paid prep is more useful for practice volume and test simulation.

7-Day NYPD Police Exam Study Plan

Day	Study Focus
Day 1	Read current Notice of Examination and take diagnostic practice
Day 2	Reading comprehension
Day 3	Situational judgment
Day 4	Report writing and grammar
Day 5	Memory, observation and detail accuracy
Day 6	Math, reasoning and mixed timed drills
Day 7	Full timed practice and review mistakes

24-Hour NYPD Police Exam Study Plan

If your exam is tomorrow:

1. Review your exam notice and test instructions.
2. Confirm testing time, location or online setup.
3. Practice 10 reading questions.
4. Practice 10 judgment questions.
5. Practice 5 report writing questions.
6. Review grammar and objective writing.
7. Practice one memory scenario.
8. Complete one short timed mixed set.
9. Prepare ID and logistics.
10. Rest.

NYPD Police Exam Test-Day Checklist

Before the exam, confirm:

[ ] I know the exam number.
[ ] I know the test date, location or scheduling process.
[ ] I know what ID is required.
[ ] I know the application and exam instructions.
[ ] I have reviewed reading comprehension.
[ ] I have practiced situational judgment.
[ ] I have practiced report writing.
[ ] I have practiced memory and observation.
[ ] I have practiced under time limits.
[ ] I know the next steps after the written exam.

When your hiring step includes mixed sections, pre-employment assessment practice can support broader review before test day.

Yes. Situational judgment test practice can offer practice materials for similar assessment formats.

Police exam practice can support extra practice with explanations when you want more timed drills.

For additional preparation, pre-employment assessment practice may be useful when your invitation includes similar question types.

Before test day, situational judgment test practice can help you rehearse timed sections and build answer consistency.

Police exam practice can help candidates become familiar with common question formats before the live assessment.

When your hiring step includes mixed sections, pre-employment assessment practice can support broader review before test day.

Yes. Situational judgment test practice can offer practice materials for similar assessment formats.

Police exam practice can support extra practice with explanations when you want more timed drills.

For additional preparation, pre-employment assessment practice may be useful when your invitation includes similar question types.

Before test day, situational judgment test practice can help you rehearse timed sections and build answer consistency.

Police exam practice can help candidates become familiar with common question formats before the live assessment.

Related Police Exam Guides

Use these related pages to continue preparing:

Guide	Best For
Police Exam Practice Test	Full police practice test
Police Written Exam	Police exam overview
How to Pass Police Exam	Police exam strategy
Police Reading Comprehension	Reading passages
Police Situational Judgment Test	Judgment scenarios
Police Report Writing Test	Report writing
Police Math Test	Math practice
Police Memory Test	Memory and observation
Police Interview Assessment	Oral board prep
Common Public Safety Test Mistakes	Mistakes to avoid

Sources / Information to Verify Before Publication

Before publication, verify NYPD police exam details with current official sources.

Use sources such as:

• NYPD Recruitment police officer page;
• NYPD Recruitment police officer qualifications page;
• NYPD Recruitment FAQ;
• NYPD physical requirements / Job Standard Test page;
• current DCAS Notice of Examination for Police Officer;
• NYC OASys exam application page;
• NYC DCAS open competitive exam schedule;
• JobTestPrep NYPD police exam prep;
• official NYPD candidate communications.

Verify:

• current exam number;
• filing period;
• application fee;
• how to apply;
• minimum qualifications;
• disqualifying factors;
• exam format;
• passing score if listed;
• list eligibility rules;
• physical test requirements;
• current Job Standard Test details;
• medical, psychological and background steps;
• current JobTestPrep product contents;
• current affiliate URL;
• access duration and refund terms.

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