Police, military and security service exams almost all include multiple-choice tests covering general knowledge, logic, language and math. Here is a guide to succeed at them.
Typical exams
Police. Local and federal recruitment processes. Multiple choice on general knowledge, math, logic.
Military. Service academies, enlisted personnel selection, officer candidate tests (ASVAB in the US, similar tests elsewhere).
Security services. Border control, customs, intelligence agencies, correctional officers.
Typical program
General knowledge. History, geography, institutions, political life, current events. See our guide to general knowledge for civil service exams.
Language skills. Spelling, grammar, vocabulary, comprehension. Often eliminatory.
Math. Middle school to high school level. Percentages, proportions, conversions, simple geometry.
Logic. Number sequences, logic series, spatial reasoning.
Service-specific knowledge. For some exams: institutional history, values, code of conduct.
Effective method
Know the format. How many questions, how much time, negative marking or not. Many mistakes come from not knowing the format.
Manage time. One minute per question on average. Spot easy questions and answer them first, then return to harder ones.
Master language skills. Spelling or syntax errors cost a lot. Work on this first.
Daily quiz practice. 15 minutes a day for 3 months. SAPIRO offers 2,000+ general knowledge questions perfect for this training.
Physical fitness test
Inseparable from preparation. Running, push-ups, sit-ups, obstacle courses. Varies by service and candidate gender. Not to be neglected: many capable candidates fail the physical test.
Typical preparation: 4 to 6 sessions per week for 4 months minimum. Long runs, interval training, strength training, core work.
Motivation interview
For most exams, oral before a panel. Common questions:
- Why this profession?
- How did you prepare?
- How would you react to such situation?
- What is your view of the institution?
Preparation: research the institution, its missions, its recent history. Practice classic questions with a friend.
Pitfalls to avoid
Random guessing. If no negative marking, OK. If negative marking, careful. Read the instructions.
Physical test stress. Prepare methodically. Most candidates without sports prep fail.
Underestimating language skills. Spelling can make or break a paper.
Neglecting motivation. Panels look for committed candidates. A bland answer sinks the oral.
How to practice
SAPIRO offers general knowledge quizzes covering the typical multiple-choice exam program. 15-minute daily sessions to maintain consistency. Worth reading: preparing a government entry-level exam and how to revise in 30 days.