Editor’s note: Welcome to the new Police1 series, “Application to Probation” by Investigator Jesse Cohen of the Westminster (Colorado) Police Department. This series will guide police applicants and police recruits through everything from the initial stages of the testing process to your last day of probation, covering key steps along the way, including academy preparation and tips for working the graveyard shift. All advice is drawn from the author’s firsthand experience, intended to help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a successful start to your career.
The first time I took the SATs as a junior in high school, I received a very average score. That summer, I enrolled in an SAT prep course, then took the test again my senior year. Somehow, I ended up with a worse score the second time around. I remember second-guessing myself, changing a lot of my answers, and making careless mistakes along the way.
That experience taught me something I see play out all the time with entry-level police applicants: success on a test isn’t just about knowing the material — it’s about how you take the test.
What written exams are really testing
Departments use written exams from a variety of companies, but they’re all relatively similar. Some include basic math, some don’t. Most involve reading comprehension. But at the core, these tests are measuring two critical skills that we use every day on the job:
- Common sense
- Decision-making
If you’re like me, you probably haven’t done much math since high school. Even though not every test includes math, it’s a good idea to brush up just in case. For example, the written test we administer at Westminster PD does not include math. But I know other departments do use math-based exams, so it wouldn’t hurt to refresh your memory on things like freshman-year algebra before test day.
How to study for something you’ve never done before
You might be wondering, “Okay, I can study some math, but how am I supposed to study common sense or decision-making for a job I’ve never done?”
Great question — thanks for asking!
Here’s what I recommend:
- Go to Police1 and search for “written test.” There are several helpful articles with tips on how to approach the exam.
- Do a Google search for “police officer written test prep.” You’ll find affordable prep books on Amazon, many with practice exams that closely resemble the real thing.
If you’re testing for Westminster PD, I’ll send you a study guide straight from the company that provides the test. I can’t speak for every department, but I encourage you to ask the agency you’re testing with if they offer similar support.
If you put the time and effort into preparing using these resources, you’ll walk into the test feeling confident — and walk out knowing you did your best.
(Side note: At Westminster PD, only entry-level applicants are required to take a written test. Lateral applicants are exempt.)
The #1 mistake that costs candidates the test
You’ve studied. You’ve taken practice exams. You’re ready.
Now, let’s talk about the most common reason people fail these tests — careless mistakes.
Even though you’ll be given a set amount of time to finish, many applicants run out of time because they don’t keep an eye on the clock. When that happens, they leave questions blank — and that has a major impact on whether you pass or where you rank.
On the other end of the spectrum, some people finish way too quickly. Sure, some test takers are genuinely fast and well-prepared. But more often, rushing leads to misreading questions, skipping important details, and losing points on answers you could have gotten right.
Here’s what I recommend:
- Read each question carefully. Don’t rush.
- Watch your time. Pace yourself so you finish.
- If you’re unsure, take your best guess or come back later.
- When you’re done, proofread. Check for mistakes.
- Don’t change your answer unless you’re absolutely sure you misread the question the first time.
Also, don’t stress about getting a perfect score. Very few people do. What matters is doing your best, minimizing mistakes and walking in well-prepared.
Confidence comes from preparation
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this, it’s this: confidence is built through preparation.
The more you study, practice and understand the test format, the more confident you’ll be when it matters. Sometimes, the difference between moving forward in the hiring process and being cut is one question.
Start preparing now so you get that question right.
Your police exam prep checklist
- Confirm whether your test includes math
- Brush up on basic math and reading skills
- Search Police1 and Amazon for prep materials
- Take at least one full-length practice exam
- If testing with Westminster, request the study guide
- Practice your pacing and time management
- Proofread your test and avoid careless errors
- Go in confident, knowing you’ve prepared
| PREVIOUSLY: From civilian to police officer: How to prepare for the police academy and beyond
If you have any questions about the hiring process or academy preparation, feel free to reach out to Investigator Jesse Cohen at the Westminster (Colorado) Police Department. You can email him at jacohen@westminsterco.gov, or text at 720-705-3732
Find more articles by Investigator Cohen here and listen to him discuss the police applicant process here:
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