Ace the National Police Officer Selection Test (NPOST) with Expert Study Guides & Free Practice Tests
Preparing for the National Police Officer Selection Test (NPOST) is your first step toward a rewarding and impactful career in law enforcement. This test isn’t just a requirement—it’s a gateway to joining the ranks of those who serve and protect with honor and integrity. With the right tools and guidance, you can approach the challenge with confidence and clarity.
At Prepterminal, we recognize the challenges this test presents and the importance of your success. Our expertly crafted preparation program is tailored to equip you with the tools and confidence to excel, ensuring you’re ready to take on the demands of the NPOST and rise as a standout candidate.
Join countless others who have trusted us to guide them in achieving their law enforcement dreams. Your dedication, combined with our proven methods, is the key to unlocking your potential and advancing your journey in public service.
Take the Free NPOST Practice Test
The variety of question types on the NPOST exam can be daunting for first-time test-takers. Take advantage of our free NPOST practice test to get acquainted with the test format and identify areas for improvement. Each question includes detailed explanations to help you grasp the reasoning behind different question styles.
What is NPOST?
The National Police Officer Selection Test (NPOST) is a widely recognized examination developed by Stanard & Associates, a leader in public safety testing and assessment. Designed to identify top candidates for law enforcement, the NPOST serves as a critical benchmark for evaluating essential skills required for police work.
This test format is trusted by over 100 police departments across the United States, making it one of the most widely used tools in law enforcement hiring. By standardizing the evaluation process, the NPOST ensures that only the most qualified individuals advance to serve their communities with integrity and professionalism.
Format of the NPOST Test
The National Police Officer Selection Test (NPOST) is carefully designed to assess the essential skills required for a successful career in law enforcement. The test, consisting of a total of 75 questions and a duration of 75 minutes, is divided into four distinct sections, each targeting a specific area of competency.
Here’s an overview of the test format:
Section I – Mathematical Skills
This section tests your arithmetic skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as solving real-world problems. You’ll also encounter word problems that simulate scenarios requiring quick and accurate calculations.
Section II – Reading Comprehension Skills
Measures your ability to read, understand, and analyze written information, critical for interpreting reports and legal documents. Success in this section ensures you can follow detailed instructions and comprehend essential information in fast-paced situations.
Section III – Grammar Skills
Evaluates your proficiency in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure to ensure effective written communication. Strong grammar skills are essential for preparing accurate and professional reports in law enforcement.
Section IV – Incident Report Writing Skills
Assesses your ability to write clear, concise, and professional reports based on specific scenarios, a vital skill for law enforcement officers. This section ensures you can convey crucial information accurately and maintain a professional tone under time constraints.
NPOST Prep Course
Course Content
Introduction2 StepsBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Maths2 StepsBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Grammar2 StepsBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Reading Comprehension2 StepsBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Incident Report Writing2 StepsBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Bonus - Interview Process1 StepBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.- Bonus - Background Screening Procedure1 StepBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- Bonus - Polygraph Test1 StepBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- Bonus - Medical Evaluation1 StepBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Why Choose Our NPOST Prep Course?
Excelling on the National Police Officer Selection Test (NPOST) requires focused preparation, a solid strategy, and the right resources. That’s exactly what our prep course delivers!
Here’s why it’s your ultimate partner in success:
Comprehensive NPOST Study Guides: Master every aspect of the NPOST with detailed lessons that cover all four sections: Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, and Incident Report Writing. Our guides ensure you build the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle every question with confidence.
Targeted Practice Quizzes: Focus on your strengths and improve weak areas with specialized practice quizzes. From sharpening your arithmetic skills to enhancing your report-writing abilities, our course is tailored to your individual needs.
Realistic Practice Tests: Simulate the real NPOST experience with timed, full-length practice exams. Receive detailed feedback to track your progress, identify areas for improvement, and boost your confidence before test day.
Time-Management Strategies: Learn proven strategies to optimize your time during the test, ensuring you can complete all questions efficiently while maintaining accuracy.
Flexible Learning Options: Study on your schedule with mobile-friendly materials and personalized study plans. Whether you have weeks or days to prepare, our course adapts to fit your timeline.
Expert Support and Guidance: Benefit from guidance crafted by professionals with deep expertise in law enforcement testing. With our proven strategies and practical tools, you’ll be fully prepared to excel.
With a focus on personalized preparation, practical tools, and expert insights, our course is designed to help you achieve a standout performance on the NPOST and advance your law enforcement career. Let us help you take the first step toward success!
Ready to Transform Your Future?
Take the lead—enroll today and achieve success on your NPOST Test!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How is the NPOST scored?
Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 70% in each section to pass the NPOST. If a candidate fails any single section, it is considered a failing score for the entire test.
Is the NPOST timed?
Yes, the NPOST is a 75 minutes timed test, with each section having its own time limit.
Do I need prior police experience to take the NPOST?
No, prior police experience is not required to take the NPOST. The test is designed for entry-level candidates and assesses basic skills that are relevant to the role of a police officer
Where can I take the NPOST?
The NPOST is administered at various testing centers, often located in academic institutions or designated testing facilities within states that utilize this exam for law enforcement hiring processes.
Can I transfer my scores from another department?
Yes, if you have taken the NPOST within the last 12 months for another department, you may be able to transfer your scores when applying to a new agency.
Is the NPOST the same in every state?
While the test format and content remain consistent, specific requirements, passing scores, and retake policies may vary depending on the hiring agency or state regulations.
What happens after I pass the NPOST?
Passing the NPOST is one step in the hiring process. Successful candidates typically proceed to other stages, such as interviews, background checks, physical fitness tests, and psychological evaluations.
Can I retake the NPOST if I fail?
Yes, candidates may retake the NPOST; however, they must wait at least 60 days before retaking the same version of the test. Generally, candidates can only take the same version twice within a 12-month period.
Which police departments use the NPOST in their hiring process?
The National Police Officer Selection Test (NPOST) is widely used by over 100 law enforcement agencies across the United States. It is trusted by city, county, state, and specialized agencies to evaluate candidates for law enforcement roles. Here are some departments that use the NPOST:
Utah
- Utah Police Department
- West Valley City Police Department
- Salt Lake City Police Department
- Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake
Iowa
- Iowa Department of Public Safety
- City of Des Moines Police Department
- Cedar Rapids Police Department
- Sioux City Police Department
- City of Davenport Police Department
- Numerous other city and county police departments across the state
Wyoming
- Cheyenne Police Department
- Casper Police Department
- City of Laramie Police Department
Pennsylvania
- City of Harrisburg Police Department
- Patton Township Police Department
Illinois
- Montgomery Police Department
- Cass County Police Department
- City of Kankakee Police Department
Specialized Agencies
- Maryland Department of Natural Resources
- Pentagon Force Protection Agency
- Maryland State Police Department
What is the best way to prepare for the NPOST Test?
The best way to prepare for the NPOST is to focus on mastering the core areas: Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, and Incident Report Writing. Using structured study plans, targeted practice, and realistic test simulations can significantly boost your performance, with candidates often seeing score improvements of up to 60 – 70%.
Our NPOST prep course provides detailed study guides, realistic practice tests, and focused exercises to strengthen weak areas. With the right tools and preparation, you’ll build confidence and be fully equipped to excel on test day.
