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NPOST (National Police Officer Selection Test)
Overview
Summary
The NPOST evaluates math, reading comprehension, grammar, and report writing for police officer candidates across the U.S.
75-90 minutes depending on agency
4
sections
75
questions
Quick Facts
Aliases:
National Police Officer Selection Test
Applicant Type:
Police Officer
Agencies:
Various Police Departments across the United States
Exam Sections
Section
Description
# of Questions
Math
Basic Math computations such as multiplying
20 questions
Reading Comprehension
Passage comprehension
25 questions
Grammar
Sentence corrections
20 questions
Incident Report Writing
Evaluate report clarity and accuracy
10 questions
Scoring
Scoring Method:
Percentile
Tips:
Scores are reported as percentiles; agencies set cutoffs.
Difficulty:
Moderate
Retake Policy:
Retake policies vary by state/agency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the NPOST exam?
The National Police Officer Selection Test is a common exam for police officer applicants across the U.S.
How long does the NPOST take?
The exam takes about 75 minutes in total. Some agencies provide up to 90 minutes.
What sections are on the NPOST?
Math, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, and Incident Report Writing.
How is the NPOST scored?
Scores are reported as percentiles; passing cutoffs vary by agency.
Can I retake the NPOST?
Yes, but retake rules depend on your state or agency.
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