Police Written Exam: Test Format, Practice Questions and Prep Guide

The police written exam is one of the main steps in the hiring process for police officer, deputy sheriff, state trooper and other law enforcement positions.

The exam is used to evaluate whether candidates have the reading, writing, judgment, reasoning and attention-to-detail skills needed for entry-level police work.

Police written exams vary by agency, state, civil service commission and test provider, but they commonly include:

• reading comprehension;
• police situational judgment;
• report writing;
• grammar and spelling;
• basic math;
• memory and observation;
• logical reasoning;
• map reading;
• following written instructions;
• vocabulary or word meaning.

Recommended prep:

These are original police-style practice questions for study purposes. They are not official questions from any police department, sheriff’s office, POST commission, civil service commission or test provider.

What Is the Police Written Exam?

The police written exam is a pre-employment test used to screen law enforcement candidates.

It helps agencies assess whether candidates can:

• understand written policies and procedures;
• apply rules correctly;
• make sound decisions in realistic situations;
• write clear and factual reports;
• solve basic numerical problems;
• remember details;
• observe people, vehicles and locations;
• reason logically;
• communicate professionally.

Passing the written exam does not usually guarantee a job. It is often one part of a larger hiring process that may include a physical ability test, oral board, background investigation, psychological evaluation, medical exam and academy training.

Police Written Exam Quick Facts

Feature	What to Expect
Common format	Multiple-choice, computer-based or paper-based
Common roles	Police officer, deputy sheriff, state trooper, law enforcement trainee
Main sections	Reading, judgment, writing, math, memory and reasoning
Time limit	Varies by agency and provider
Passing score	Varies by agency
Physical test included?	Usually separate from the written exam
Best prep	Timed police-style practice with answer explanations

Always check the official candidate guide or exam announcement for your agency.

What Is on the Police Written Exam?

Police written exams are not identical, but common sections include:

Section	What It Tests
Reading comprehension	Understanding policies, procedures, reports and written passages
Situational judgment	Choosing safe, ethical and policy-based responses
Report writing	Writing or identifying clear, factual incident reports
Grammar and spelling	Professional written communication
Math	Arithmetic, percentages, time, distance, averages and word problems
Memory	Recalling people, vehicles, locations, plates and events
Observation	Noticing details from written or visual information
Logical reasoning	Drawing conclusions from facts and rules
Map reading	Directions, routes, intersections and locations
Following instructions	Applying written rules accurately

Some agencies emphasize reading and judgment. Others include more math, grammar, reasoning or memory.

Police Written Exam Practice Questions

Answer each question before reading the explanation.

Section 1: Reading Comprehension

Read the passage and answer Questions 1–4.

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 suspect attempting to flee. Officers should communicate relevant information to dispatch, follow department procedure and request backup 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 and follow procedure during disturbance calls
• C. Officers should never request backup
• D. Officers should only focus on traffic hazards

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Officers should assess safety risks and follow procedure during disturbance calls

The passage focuses on safety assessment, communication, procedure and backup 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: Unsupported Statement

Which statement is not supported by the passage?

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

Answer and Explanation

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

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

Related guide:

• Police Reading Comprehension

Section 2: Situational Judgment

Question 5: Disturbance Call

You arrive at a disturbance call. Two people are arguing loudly. No weapon is visible, and no one appears injured.

What is the best first response?

• A. Immediately use force on both people
• B. Leave because no one is injured
• C. Stay alert, separate the parties if safe, communicate calmly and gather information
• D. Ignore the quieter person and only speak to the louder person

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. Stay alert, separate the parties if safe, communicate calmly and gather information

The best response prioritizes safety, communication, de-escalation and information gathering.

Question 6: Possible Weapon

A witness says a suspect may have a knife. You have not yet seen the suspect.

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 department procedure
• C. Rush in without communicating
• D. Leave the scene without notifying anyone

Answer and Explanation

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

A possible weapon should be treated as a safety risk.

Question 7: Report Integrity

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

What is the best response?

• A. Ignore it because the detail seems minor
• B. Report or address the issue according to department policy
• C. Change your own report too
• D. Post about it online

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Report or address the issue according to department policy

Report accuracy and integrity are essential in law enforcement.

Question 8: Angry Citizen

A citizen is angry and yelling during a non-emergency contact.

What is the best response?

• A. Yell back to establish authority
• B. Stay calm, listen, maintain safety and communicate professionally
• C. Walk away without considering the situation
• D. Threaten arrest immediately because the citizen is upset

Answer and Explanation

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

A strong response maintains emotional control and avoids unnecessary escalation.

Related guide:

• Police Situational Judgment Test

Section 3: Report Writing

Read the incident details and answer Questions 9–12.

At approximately 9:10 p.m., Officer Harris observed a male subject standing beside a blue Honda Civic in the parking lot of 400 West Pine Street. The subject placed a small black bag under the front passenger seat. Officer Harris approached and identified the subject as Daniel Reed. The vehicle license plate was 8LQZ319.

Question 9: Best Report Sentence

Which sentence is best for a police report?

• A. The guy was obviously hiding something illegal.
• B. At approximately 9:10 p.m., Officer Harris observed a male subject place a small black bag under the front passenger seat.
• C. Daniel Reed was clearly guilty.
• D. The suspect was acting weird near a car.

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B.

This sentence is factual, specific and based on observed information.

Question 10: Unsupported Statement

Which statement is not supported by the incident details?

• A. Officer Harris observed the subject near a blue Honda Civic
• B. The subject placed a small black bag under the front passenger seat
• C. The subject was identified as Daniel Reed
• D. The bag contained stolen property

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: D. The bag contained stolen property

The details say the subject placed a bag under the seat. They do not state what was inside the bag.

Question 11: Location

Where did the incident occur?

• A. 400 East Pine Street
• B. 400 West Pine Street
• C. 404 West Pine Street
• D. 400 West Oak Street

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. 400 West Pine Street

The incident occurred in the parking lot of 400 West Pine Street.

Question 12: License Plate

What was the license plate?

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

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 8LQZ319

The exact license plate was 8LQZ319.

Related guide:

• Police Report Writing Test

Section 4: Police Math

Question 13: Addition

An officer issues 14 citations in one week and 19 citations the next week. How many citations were issued total?

• A. 29
• B. 31
• C. 33
• D. 35

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 33

14 + 19 = 33

Question 14: 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 15: Average

An officer completes reports in 20, 25, 30 and 35 minutes. What is the average time?

• A. 25 minutes
• B. 27.5 minutes
• C. 30 minutes
• D. 32.5 minutes

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. 27.5 minutes

20 + 25 + 30 + 35 = 110
110 ÷ 4 = 27.5

Question 16: Speed

An officer drives 18 miles in 30 minutes. What is the average speed in miles per hour?

• A. 24 mph
• B. 30 mph
• C. 36 mph
• D. 40 mph

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 36 mph

30 minutes is half an hour.

18 × 2 = 36 mph

Related guide:

• Police Math Test

Section 5: Memory and Observation

Study the details for 45 seconds, then answer Questions 17–22.

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 17: 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 18: 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 19: 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 female and wore a blue jacket.

Question 20: 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 wore a gray hoodie.

Question 21: 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 22: 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.

Related guide:

• Police Memory Test

Section 6: Grammar and Written Communication

Question 23: Subject-Verb Agreement

Choose the correct 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 24: Clear Sentence

Which sentence is clearest and most professional?

• A. The guy did something near the thing.
• B. Officer Rivera 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, specific and factual.

Question 25: Objective Writing

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.

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

Question 26: 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.

Section 7: Logical Reasoning and Instructions

Question 27: 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 policy says photographs must be included when available in property damage cases.

Question 28: 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.

Question 29: Sequence

A procedure requires the following steps:

1. Secure the scene.
2. Check for injuries.
3. Notify dispatch.
4. Begin the report.

What should happen immediately after checking for injuries?

• A. Secure the scene
• B. Notify dispatch
• C. Begin the report
• D. Leave the scene

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Notify dispatch

Step 3 comes immediately after Step 2.

Question 30: Classification

A policy states:

Emergency calls involve immediate threats to life, serious injury, active violence or fire. Non-emergency calls involve delayed reports, minor complaints or administrative requests.

Which call is an emergency?

• A. Report request
• B. Wallet stolen last week
• C. Person unconscious in a parking lot
• D. Noise complaint from yesterday

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. Person unconscious in a parking lot

An unconscious person may involve an immediate threat to life.

Police Written Exam Answer Key

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

How Is the Police Written Exam Scored?

Scoring depends on the agency, civil service commission and test provider.

Your score may be based on:

• total correct answers;
• percentage score;
• section scores;
• pass/fail cutoff;
• eligibility list ranking;
• combined score with interview or physical test;
• civil service rules;
• preference points where applicable.

There is no universal police written exam passing score.

Always check the official exam notice or candidate guide.

What Is a Good Police Written Exam Score?

A good score is one that both passes and makes you competitive.

In some hiring processes, candidates are ranked. This means a higher written score can improve your position on an eligibility list.

Result	Meaning
Below passing	Usually not eligible to continue
Minimum passing	May continue but may rank lower
Strong score	Better chance of moving forward
High score plus strong interview and background	More competitive overall

Because law enforcement hiring can be competitive, aim for the highest score you can achieve.

Is the Police Written Exam Hard?

The police written exam can be challenging because it tests several different skills under time pressure.

Many candidates struggle with:

• reading carefully;
• situational judgment;
• report writing;
• grammar;
• math after years away from school;
• memory and observation;
• time management;
• confusing similar answer choices.

The exam is usually not academically advanced, but it requires broad preparation.

How to Prepare for the Police Written Exam

Step 1: Get the Official Candidate Guide

Start with the official exam announcement or candidate guide.

Look for:

• exam provider;
• sections included;
• time limit;
• calculator policy;
• passing score;
• retest rules;
• physical ability test requirements;
• documents needed on test day.

Do not rely only on generic prep if your agency gives specific instructions.

Step 2: Take a Diagnostic Practice Test

Use a diagnostic test to identify weak areas.

Track mistakes by section:

reading comprehension
situational judgment
report writing
math
memory
observation
grammar
reasoning

Study your weakest section first.

Step 3: Practice Reading Comprehension

Police reading questions may involve policies, procedures, reports and witness statements.

Key rule:

Use only the passage.

Do not add outside assumptions.

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;
• documentation.

Related guide:

• Police Situational Judgment Test

Step 5: Practice Report Writing

Police report writing requires factual, chronological and objective language.

Avoid:

obviously
probably
crazy
guilty
bad person
acting weird

Use observable facts instead.

Related guide:

• Police Report Writing Test

Step 6: Review Police Math

Review:

• arithmetic;
• percentages;
• averages;
• time;
• distance;
• speed;
• ratios;
• tables;
• word problems.

Related guide:

• Police Math Test

Step 7: Practice Memory and Observation

Practice remembering:

• people;
• clothing;
• vehicles;
• plates;
• locations;
• times;
• direction of travel;
• weapons;
• injuries;
• sequence of events.

Related guide:

• Police Memory Test

Step 8: Practice Under Time Limits

Timed practice is essential.

Use:

• section drills;
• short mixed practice sets;
• full-length practice exams;
• answer review.

The goal is to improve both speed and accuracy.

Common Police Written Exam Mistakes

Avoid these mistakes:

• not identifying the exact test provider;
• using outside knowledge on reading passages;
• choosing overly aggressive situational judgment answers;
• writing opinions instead of facts;
• ignoring grammar and spelling;
• rushing simple math;
• forgetting exact memory details;
• failing to practice under time limits;
• not reviewing wrong answers;
• assuming all police exams are identical.

Related guide:

• Common Public Safety Test Mistakes

Police Written Exam vs Police Interview

The written exam and interview test different skills.

Police Written Exam	Police Interview Assessment
Tests reading, writing, judgment, math and reasoning	Tests spoken communication, maturity and fit
Usually multiple-choice or written	Usually oral board or structured interview
Focuses on aptitude and job-related skills	Focuses on motivation, ethics and professionalism
Can be timed and standardized	Often scored by panel
Requires practice questions	Requires spoken answer practice

Related guide:

• Police Interview Assessment

Best Police Written Exam Prep

JobTestPrep is useful for police written exam preparation because it provides law enforcement-style practice across major written exam sections.

Use JobTestPrep for:

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

Recommended prep:

Free vs Paid Police Written Exam Prep

Prep Type	Best Use
Official candidate guide	Confirm exact test format
Free police questions	Learn common question types
Agency study guides	Understand local requirements
Timed drills	Build speed
Paid JobTestPrep	More practice volume and explanations
Full practice exams	Build test readiness

Free resources help with orientation. Paid prep is more useful when the exam is competitive, ranked or includes several sections.

7-Day Police Written Exam Study Plan

Day	Study Focus
Day 1	Read official guide and take diagnostic practice
Day 2	Reading comprehension and grammar
Day 3	Situational judgment
Day 4	Report writing
Day 5	Math and reasoning
Day 6	Memory, observation and map reading
Day 7	Full timed practice and review

24-Hour Police Written Exam Study Plan

If your exam is tomorrow:

1. Read the official test instructions.
2. Review the major test sections.
3. Practice 10 reading questions.
4. Practice 10 situational judgment questions.
5. Practice 5 report writing questions.
6. Review basic math formulas.
7. Practice one memory set.
8. Complete one short timed mixed practice set.
9. Prepare ID, documents and logistics.
10. Rest.

Police Written Exam Test-Day Checklist

Before the exam, confirm:

[ ] I know the exact test provider.
[ ] I know the test location or online setup.
[ ] I know the time limit.
[ ] I know whether calculators are allowed.
[ ] I know what ID is required.
[ ] I have practiced reading comprehension.
[ ] I have practiced situational judgment.
[ ] I have practiced report writing.
[ ] I have practiced math.
[ ] I have practiced memory and observation.
[ ] I have taken timed practice.

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
How to Pass Police Exam	Strategy guide
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
Sheriff Exam	Sheriff / deputy exam prep
Common Public Safety Test Mistakes	Mistakes to avoid
Public Safety Test Study Plan	Study schedule

Sources / Information to Verify Before Publication

Before publication, verify police written exam details with current official and agency sources.

Use sources such as:

• official police exam announcement;
• official police candidate guide;
• city or county civil service exam notice;
• POST-style study guides;
• agency study guides;
• Honolulu PD written exam guide;
• DART Police study guide;
• DPS careers POST resources;
• GoLawEnforcement police written exam guide;
• Peterson’s law enforcement prep;
• JobTestPrep police exam prep;
• PoliceTest.info police exam resources.

Verify:

• exact exam name;
• test provider;
• sections included;
• time limits;
• passing score;
• retest rules;
• whether calculator use is allowed;
• whether report writing is included;
• whether situational judgment is included;
• whether memory or observation is included;
• whether grammar is included;
• whether physical ability testing is separate;
• current JobTestPrep product contents;
• current affiliate URL;
• access duration and refund terms.

FAQ