Testing

Civil Service Testing is usually conducted 4 times a month.  The Civil Service Test consists of a written exam and a physical agility test. Both tests are completed the same day. After applying, you will be required to attend a test date within 2 months.

The written portion of the test is comprised of four categories:

• Basic Education
• Interpersonal Skills
• Self-Awareness
• Practical Intelligence

Tips for the written exam.

• Base all of your answers on the information and guidelines provided in the test.
• Knowledge of police procedures is not required to answer the questions correctly.
• Attempt to answer every question. If you are unsure of the correct answer, mark the one which you think is the best.
• Read carefully and follow the directions given in the booklet.
• Do not spend too much time on any one question.
• No question is meant to be a “trick” or “catch” question.
• Interpret words according to their generally accepted meaning.
• Check carefully to be sure that you have not skipped any questions.
• Plan your time so that you complete the examination within the time allowed. You will be told when to start and stop. If you have extra time, check your work.
• Relax and work steadily.

Physical Agility Testing (PAT)

The physical agility test is comprised of 5 separate events. Applicants must score a minimum of 384 points to be considered eligible.

• 99 Yard Agility Run – Run a 99 yard obstacle course consisting of several sharp turns, three curb height obstacles, and a 34 inch high obstacle that must be vaulted.
• Rescue Simulation – Lift and drag a 100 pound, lifelike simulated person a distance of 32 feet.
• Chain Link Fence Climb – Run five yards to a 4 foot chain link fence, climb over, and continue running another 25 yards.
• Solid Fence Climb – Run five yards to a 4 foot solid wall, climb over, and continue running another 25 yards.
• 500 Yard Run – Run 500 yards
• Physical Agility Test Instructional Video

Tips for the PAT

• Applicants should keep in mind these are the entrance standards to proceed in the applicant process.
• Applicants should refer to our instructional video  for proper technique, course overview, and safety.
• Applicants should be aware that all 5 stations of the Physical Agility Test will be conducted in succession with only a few minutes of rest between each.
• Applicants should wear outdoor athletic shoes and clothing.
• Applicants should practice training outdoors in various weather conditions and terrain prior to testing. Training outdoors is different than training indoors or just on a treadmill.
• Once an applicant has completed a station, they will be afforded an opportunity to re-do that station to attempt a better time.
• The 500 yard run will be the last station completed and may only be completed one time. Once an applicant has completed the 500 yard run, they will not be allowed to re-do any station.

Passing Score

Applicants must have 6 or more points to continue in the application process.

Written test score values:

• 94 – 100 = 5 points
• 86 – 93 = 4 points
• 78 – 85 = 3 points
• 70 – 77 = 2 points

Anything below 70 is zero points. The applicant cannot proceed.

Physical agility test score values

Total test score of 384 or above = 4 points

Because a participant’s total test performance is the best indication of their overall ability to perform the physical demands of the job, scores on the individual events of the PAT are combined to arrive at a total test score for each participant. Scoring the events in this manner, as opposed to scoring each individual event on a pass/fail basis, allows participants to compensate for performing less than optimally on one event by performing extremely well on other events.

Prior to combining scores, the scores on each individual event must be converted to T-scores and then weighted. This procedure places scores on the different events on the same scale of measurement and assures that they carry a weight proportionate to their actual importance or likelihood of occurrence on the job. Since this procedure necessarily entails the use of statistical formulas requiring a working familiarity with advanced mathematical principles, a score conversion table will be utilized.