© 2009, Stanard & Associates, Inc. All rights reserved.

Study Guide and Sample Test for 

The National Police Officer Selection 

Test

Provided By
© 2009, Stanard & Associates, Inc. All rights reserved.

National Police Officer Selection Test (POST) 

Study Guide

Table of Contents

Introduction.........................................................................................2

Preparing for the Test...........................................................................3

Test Format.................................................................................3

Examination Hints.........................................................................3

Time Limits..................................................................................4

Marking Your Answers...................................................................4

Taking the Test...................................................................................5

Before the Test Begins.................................................................5

Listen Carefully............................................................................5

Test Timing.................................................................................6

Preparing Yourself Physically for the Test........................................6

Sample Test Items................................................................................7

Section I.....................................................................................7

Section II ....................................................................................9

Section III...................................................................................15

Section IV..................................................................................17

Sample Test Answer Key.....................................................................20
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Introduction

This study guide is designed to help you obtain your maximum potential score on 

the National Police Officer Selection Test (POST). It is divided into four parts, 

which provides useful information on preparing to take the test.

Preparing for the Test 

Taking the Test 

Sample Test Items

Sample Test Answer Key
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Preparing for the Test

You will increase your chances of obtaining your best possible score if you spend 

a fair amount of time preparing for the test. This includes finding out as much as 

possible about the test ahead of time, paying proper attention to your physical

well-being before the test, taking care to avoid becoming overly anxious about 

the test and using a good test-taking strategy. Preparation in these areas can 

help you achieve your best possible score on the test.

For optimal test results, read this study guide thoroughly and answer the sample 

test items beginning on page 7. Make sure you read all the directions carefully 

and each test question completely before answering.

Test Format

The POST is made up of four separately-timed test sections. The first three 

sections (Mathematics, Reading Comprehension and Grammar) utilize multiplechoice and true/false formats. The fourth section, Incident Report Writing, 

requires you to write out your answers in complete sentences in the spaces 

provided in the test booklet.

Though most of the questions in this test battery relate to police duty, no prior 

knowledge of law or law enforcement will be needed to answer the questions.

Examination Hints

Attempt to answer every question on the test. There is no penalty for guessing 

because your score is based on the total number of correct answers. This means 

you should respond to every question, even when you are not certain of the 

correct answer. When you are uncertain, your answer should be your best guess, 

and you should then move on to the next question. You will need to balance the 

amount of time you spend on each question with the total amount of time allotted 

to take the test. You will be told when to start and stop each section. If you have 

extra time, you are allowed to check your work in that section of the test only.
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Time Limits

It is important to know the amount of time allowed for each section so you can 

pace yourself and not spend too much time on questions causing you problems. 

Remember there is no penalty for guessing. If you find you are spending too 

much time on a question, you should make your best guess and move on. If you 

finish before time is called, you can go back and check your answers in the 

section you are working on. The number of test items and time limits for each of 

the sections of the test are listed below.

Section Test Number of Items Test Time

I Mathematics 20 20 minutes

II Reading Comprehension 25 25 minutes

III Grammar 20 15 minutes

IV Incident Report Writing 10 15 minutes

Marking Your Answers

The test will be computer scored. Therefore, it is important to follow the 

instructions below to insure your answers are read correctly.

• Use a #2 or softer lead pencil. Do not use ink.

• Make heavy black marks that completely fill the oval.

• Erase completely any marks you wish to change

• Make no stray marks on the test booklet. Scratch paper will be provided in the 

math section to do your figuring.

• Be sure that you blacken only one oval for each question. If you blacken more 

than on oval it will be counted as incorrect, even if one of the answers is 

correct.

• The first three sections of the test are in a multiple-choice format. The ovals 

appear next to the test questions as shown in the example below:

1. A

B

C

D

E
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Notice that for each number there are five ovals labeled A, B, C, D and E. You 

will blacken the oval that corresponds to the answer you think is correct. For 

example, assume that for test question number 1, you feel that B is the correct 

answer. You would blacken the oval labeled B on your answer sheet as shown in 

the example below.

1. A

C

D

E

The fourth section of the test requires the test taker to answer questions in 

complete sentences. The sentences must contain the correct information, be 

grammatically correct and all words should be spelled correctly. Pages 7-19 of 

this study guide give various sample test items and answers.

Taking the Test

This part of the POST study guide provides some common sense advice for the 

day you take the test. Although these points may seem obvious, it is attention to 

details such as these that will increase your probability of obtaining your 

maximum potential score.

Before The Test Begins

Arrive early. You may be assigned a seat or you may be able to pick your own. 

Either way, settle in and put your things away. Try to relax, but concentrate on 

the test you are about to take. Put outside distractions out of your mind. Give the 

test you are about to take your complete attention.

Listen Carefully

The test administrator will provide you with complete and detailed instructions for 

taking each section. Be sure that you pay close attention to what this person has 

to say. Do not read ahead because you may miss something very important. If 

you do not hear or do not understand the directions, ask the test administrator to 

repeat them. It is extremely important that you completely understand the 

directions before the test begins.
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Test Timing

Just before the signal to begin each section is given, make a mental note of what 

time it will be when the time limit for the section is up. For example, if the time

limit is 15 minutes and it is currently 4:15, make a mental note that time will be up 

at 4:30. This will allow you to pace yourself while working through the test. 

Remember, your score on the test will be the total number correct. Therefore,

you will want to work both quickly and accurately.

You should balance the amount of time you spend on each question. You should 

devote enough time to work through the question, but you should not spend too 

much time on any one question that is giving you difficulty. When this occurs, 

make your best guess and move on to the next question. If you finish before time 

is up, you can always go back and check the questions on which you guessed.

Preparing Yourself Physically for the Test

• Avoid junk food and concentrate on a well balanced diet for at least several 

days before the test.

• Avoid tranquilizers and stimulants, such as coffee, especially on the day of 

the test.

• Get a good night’s sleep before the test.

• Do not drink a lot of liquids or eat a big meal before the test.

• Avoid alcohol several days prior to and especially on the day of the test.
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Sample Test Items

Section I In this section of the exam you will be provided with situations that 

require the use of basic arithmetic. You will read each situation 

and solve the problem. You are not allowed to use a calculator in 

this section; scratch paper will be provided in the test booklet to do 

all of your figuring.

1. Officer Milton visits local area businesses as part of a theft prevention 

program. If Officer Milton visits three area businesses every week, except 

for his three-week vacation, how many groups does he visit in one year?

A. 49

B. 98

C. 147

D. 150

E. 166

Questions 2 and 3 are based on the following information.

In preparing a report on a burglary in a dentist’s office, Sgt. Kramer listed the 

following stolen items and their values.

Digital camera $810

Laptop computer $650

Printer $325

Paper shredder $125

2. What was the total value of all the stolen goods?

A. $1800

B. $1810

C. $1860

D. $1910

E. $2010

3. What was the value of all the stolen goods EXCEPT the paper shredder?

A. $1100

B. $1260

C. $1585

D. $1685

E. $1785
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4. During one 5-day period, Officer Fernandez drove his patrol motorcycle

225 miles. If he drove 85 miles on one day, how many miles did he 

average on each of the other days?

A. 28 miles 

B. 35 miles 

C. 40 miles 

D. 70 miles 

E. 140 miles

5. Burglars broke into an electronics store and left with 30 global navigation 

systems with a total retail value of $6,750. What is the average retail value 

of each navigation system?

A. $225

B. $250

C. $275

D. $325

E. $350

There are 20 questions like these in Section I of the test, and you will have 20 

minutes to answer them. There is no penalty for guessing. Your score will be the 

percentage of problems you answer correctly. Therefore, you should try to 

answer each problem.
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Section II This section measures reading comprehension. You will read 

passages relating to police duty and then answer questions based 

on these passages. NO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF LAW OR LAW 

ENFORCEMENT WILL BE NEEDED TO ANSWER THESE 

QUESTIONS. All the information needed to answer the questions 

will be provided in the passage.

THE PASSAGES IN THIS SECTION ARE NOT INTENDED TO 

REPRESENT ACTUAL LAW OF ANY PARTICULAR STATE. 

THE PASSAGES PRESENT POTENTIAL RULES AND LAWS 

RELATING TO POLICE WORK.

Three different types of questions will be asked in this 

section.

(1) True/False questions in which a statement will be given 

concerning a passage or sample report form. The statement 

will either be accurate and true based on the passage or form, 

or the statement will be inaccurate and false according to the 

passage or form.

(2) Questions in which you will be asked to choose the correct 

answer according to the information presented in the passage 

or on a sample report form.

(3) Questions in which you will be asked to choose the alternative 

that best completes the sentence. Again, answers should be 

based on the information in the passage or on the report form.
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Questions 6-10 are based on the following passage.

In an effort to conserve fuel, reduce traffic congestion and encourage greater use 

of public transportation, police in Central City are enforcing new driving 

restrictions through the use of specially marked license plates. These restrictions 

apply to all vehicular traffic within a two-mile radius of the city center and are 

effective Monday through Friday.

Vehicles with an “A” license plate are considered essential to city services and 

may travel and park freely in the city center. Police, fire and emergency vehicles 

are examples of vehicles that would be issued an “A” license plate. Public 

transportation vehicles such as buses and taxis will be issued a “K” license plate, 

and they too may travel freely through the city center, though they may not park 

anywhere within the city center.

Delivery vehicles will be issued a “B” license plate which allows them access to 

the city center for loading and unloading between 8 and 10 am and 4 to 6 pm 

only. There is no restriction on deliveries over the weekend. Shop and business 

owners within the city center will be issued a “Q” license plate which allows them 

access to their place of business; however, parking within the city center must be 

off-street.

Privately-owned vehicles with an “X” license plate may be driven and parked 

within the city center on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday only. Vehicles 

issued a “Z” license plate may be driven and parked within the city center on 

Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday only.

Central City police are authorized to ticket and arrange for the immediate towing 

of vehicles violating these new license ordinances. The objective of these 

changes is to make the city center less congested and more shopper-friendly.

6. According to the passage, a package delivery service may deliver a 

shipment of medications to a pharmacy in the city center

A. at any time of day

B. on weekends only

C. between 8 am and 10 am

D. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday only

E. between 8 am and 6 pm only
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7. According to the passage, what type of license plate will be assigned to

Lucy, who owns a clothing store in the city center?

A. Q license plate 

B. X license plate 

C. A license plate 

D. B license plate 

E. Z license plate

8. According to the passage, Mrs. Jackson drives a Volvo with a Z license 

plate and may drive and park within the city center

A. on any Monday

B. on any Friday

C. before 9 am or after 7 pm on any day

D. for loading and unloading purposes only

E. at any time

9. According to the passage, drivers with an X or Z license plate may drive 

and park in the city center on any Wednesday.

A. True

B. False

10. According to the passage, which of the following statements would be 

accurate?

A. The newly enacted driving restrictions apply to all vehicular traffic 

driving within the boundaries of Central City.

B. Central City police may choose to either ticket or tow vehicles 

violating these new license ordinances.

C. Vehicles with an A license plate may travel freely in the city center 

but may not park on the street there.

D. The goal of these new driving restrictions is to create a pedestrianonly shopping area.

E. The purpose of these newly issued plates is to reduce traffic 

volume in the city center during the time when shoppers frequent 

the businesses.
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Question 11 is based on the statements below. Do not assume anything to 

be true that is not stated in the passage or in the question.

The First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion, speech and press, as 

well as the right to assemble peacefully.

The Fifth Amendment protects citizens against violations of due process in 

criminal proceedings. No person may be compelled to testify against him/herself, 

a grand jury process is required for criminal indictments and double jeopardy is 

prohibited.

The Sixth Amendment guarantees a speedy, fair trial by an impartial jury and 

the right to counsel in all criminal cases.

The Eighth Amendment prohibits excessive bail or fines, as well as cruel or 

unusual punishment.

11. Which of the following best describes the Fifth Amendment?

A. George, who has little money, has a court-appointed lawyer to 

defend him in his manslaughter trial.

B. Because Juan is a flight risk, Judge Bailey has set bail at one 

million dollars.

C. During interrogation, Drew incriminates himself because a lawyer 

was not present to advise him.

D. Manuel, who was found not guilty in the murder of his wife, cannot 

be tried again after new evidence is found.

E. Spencer has waited three years for his burglary charge to go to 

trial.
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Questions 12 and 13 are based on the incident report form and the incident 

description below.

Michelle Wilson, owner of the Coffee Bean at 1535 Madison Avenue, Park 

Center called police headquarters at 6:30 am, Friday, April 13, to report that her 

coffee shop had been broken into during the night. Officers Keith Michaels and 

Toby Manelli arrived at the store at 6:40 am to investigate the incident. Ms. 

Wilson was able to report immediately that an espresso machine and $78 from 

the cash register were missing.

12. The incident report can be fully completed based on the information in the 

paragraph.

A. True

B. False

13. The incident was reported on April 13.

A. True

B. False
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There are 25 questions like these in Section II of the test, and you will have 25 

minutes to answer them. There is no penalty for guessing. Your score will be the 

percentage of problems you answer correctly. Therefore, you should try to 

answer each problem.
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Section III This section of the exam requires you to identify errors in grammar, 

punctuation, or spelling. There are two types of questions

presented in this section. The first type presents incomplete 

sentences and you are to choose the alternative that best 

completes the sentence. For these items, be sure to read carefully 

any material appearing before or after the item. The right answer 

may be dependent on this material. The second type of question 

presents sentences that contain a spelling error and you are to 

choose the alternative that contains the misspelled word.

14. There were three at the accident scene.

A. witness

B. witnesses

C. witness’s

15. The Lieutenant decided was enough evidence to issue an arrest 

warrant.

A. there

B. their

C. they’re

16. Officer Perez and arrested the suspect.

A. me

B. I

17. A recent study found that alcahol was a common factor in traffic accidents.

Which word in the above sentence is misspelled?

A. recent 

B. found 

C. alcahol

D. common

E. accidents

18. On Tuesday, September 18, Officer Daniels investigated a complaint filed 

by the secretery of an insurance company.

Which word in the above sentence is misspelled?

A Tuesday

B. September 

C. investigated 

D. secretery

E. insurance
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There are 20 questions like these in Section III of the test. You will have 15 

minutes to answer them. There is no penalty for guessing. Your score will be the 

percentage of problems you answer correctly. Therefore, you should try to 

answer each problem.
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Section IV Section IV tests your writing skills. On the following page is a 

completed sample incident report form. Use the information 

contained on the form to answer the questions that follow. You 

should write your answers in the spaces provided. All your answers 

must contain the correct information and be written in complete 

sentences. The sentences must be grammatically correct and all 

words should be correctly spelled.

EXAMPLE QUESTION

Read the sample question and answer below.

What is the victim’s date of birth?

EXAMPLE OF CORRECT ANSWER

The victim’s date of birth is August 5.

Note that the answer above contains the correct information and is a complete 

sentence and the grammar and spelling are correct.

EXAMPLES OF INCORRECT ANSWERS

August 5

The answer above is not a complete sentence and does not contain the correct 

information.

Victim’s date of birth is August 5.

The answer above is not grammatically correct. The word “the” is missing.

The victim’s date of berth is August 5.

In the above answer, “birth” is spelled incorrectly.
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Questions 19-23 are based on the incident report form below.

19. When did the incident take place?

20. What is the name of the suspect?
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21. What is the victim’s phone number?

22. How much does the suspect weigh?

23. What is the value of the stolen jewelry?

There are 10 questions like these in Section IV of the test and you will have 15 

minutes to answer them. To receive maximum credit, answers must contain the 

correct information, be in complete sentences, contain no misspelled words and 

be grammatically correct.
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Sample Test Answer Key

Section I 1. C. 147

2. D. $1910

3. E. $1785

4. B. 35 miles

5. A. $225

Section II 6. C. between 8 am and 10 am

7. A. Q license plate

8. B. on any Friday

9. A. True

10. E. The purpose of these newly issued plates is to

reduce traffic volume in the city center during

the time when shoppers frequent the

businesses.

11. D. Manuel, who was found not guilty in the murder

of his wife, cannot be retried after new

evidence is found.

12. B False

13. A. True

Section III 14. B. witnesses

15. A. there

16. B. I

17. C. alcahol – the correct spelling is alcohol

18. D. secretery – the correct spelling is secretary

Section IV 19. The incident took place on November 11.

20. The suspect’s name is Eric Harvey.

21. The victim’s phone number is 753-9267.

22. The suspect weighs 180 pounds.

23. The stolen jewelry is valued at $600.

Note: The correct answers in Section IV may be written in several formats.