Entry-Level Police Officer Written/Video Test Applicant Orientation and Study Guide - Study Guide

Sep 29, 2026

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Entry-Level Police Officer Written/Video Test Applicant Orientation and Study Guide explains how to prepare for Denver’s Civil Service Commission examination for an entry-level Police Officer role. It outlines the purpose and structure of the written and video components, including computer-based subtests and the specific constructs measured such as writing ability and human relations. The guide provides practical orientation instructions, time-management advice, strategies for answering questions, guidance on skipping and returning to items, and clear rules regarding cheating and test proctor support.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages17

Reading Time43 min

AccessFree to download

Overview

Test day orientation and logistics

Written test format and constructs

How to Prepare for the Test

Essential functions and eligibility check

Following instructions and seeking help

Time limits and question strategy

Answering approach and integrity rules

Practice Test Items

Entry-Level Police Officer Written/Video Test Applicant Orientation and Study Guide Civil Service Commission City and County of Denver Provided by Fire & Police Selection, Inc. (FPSI) and The Denver Civil Service Commission Revised November 10, 2011 Co-copyright © 2008 Fire & Police Selection, Inc. and The Denver Civil Service Commission Overview One of the first steps toward becoming a Police Officer for the City and County of Denver is taking and passing a Civil Service examination which is made up of several test/screening components. This test preparation guide was written specifically to assist you with understanding the components of the written and video tests, to provide you with helpful hints on test taking, and to provide you with sample questions. Upon arrival to take the written test, applicants will need to allot up to four (4) hours of time for the initial testing and screening. Dress comfortably; business attire is not required. You may want to dress in layers in the event the test room is too warm or too cold. The entry-level Police Officer written test is administered via computer and consists of two subtests designed to measure critical constructs required for successful job performance as a Police Officer. You will have an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the computer before you start the actual test. You do not need previous Police or computer experience to pass the written test. The components of this test have been developed and validated by Denver Police Officers and Sergeants who have experience performing the essential functions of the Police Officer job. Each construct measured by this test has been carefully linked to the job description and identified as a critical skill or ability necessary for performance of the job. The constructs measured by the entry-level written test include: • Writing Ability—44 items (to include correct wording, grammar, spelling, punctuation as well as ease of understanding) • Human Relations—58 items (to include: ability to work under stressful conditions, integrity, ethics, decision-making, self-control, the ability to maintain confidentiality, interpersonal skills, teamwork, ability to follow rules, demonstrating respect for others) Subject-matter experts have endorsed every item on the test and have confirmed that the reading level of the passages and the test items are appropriate based upon the materials found on the job and in the academy. How to Prepare for the Test All of the constructs measured on the test are based upon basic skills and abilities that a minimally qualified applicant should possess. You should also familiarize yourself with the essential functions required of a Police Officer as described in the Police Officer Examination Informational Booklet located on our website [at ](at www.denvergov.org/civilservice)[www.denvergov.org/civilservice](at www.denvergov.org/civilservice) and evaluate if you are qualified for the position before testing. This will help you determine which skill sets require additional preparation. Carefully follow any oral and written instructions that are given to you during the orientation session before the test begins. Failure to follow instructions can be detrimental to your testing and you could be disqualified for failure to follow instructions. Therefore, don’t be afraid to ask the test proctor for help if you do not understand the instructions. Familiarize yourself with the time limits for the test and be aware of how much time you have used. You can check your remaining time periodically during the test. It is your responsibility to manage your time. If you do not know the answer to a question, skip it and come back to the question later. Co-copyright © 2008 Fire & Police Selection, Inc. and The Denver Civil Service Commission Do not spend too much time on one question. If you run out of time, questions you do not answer are counted as incorrect. You will be allotted three (

FAQs

How should applicants plan their time for the written test on test day?

Applicants must allot up to four hours for initial testing and screening, and three hours to complete the written test. Monitor remaining time, skip and return later if needed, and review answers only if time remains.

What constructs are measured in the entry-level Police Officer written test?

The written test includes two subtests that measure writing ability and human relations. Writing ability covers correct wording, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and ease of understanding; human relations covers performance under stress, integrity and ethics, decision-making, self-control, confidentiality, interpersonal skills, teamwork, rule-following, and respect for others.

What are the rules regarding assistance during the test?

Applicants must rely on their own ability and must not look at other computer screens for help. Anyone caught cheating or attempting to cheat is disqualified and the testing process is stopped.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Angel