Police Aptitude and Character Test (PACT) Candidate Orientation Guide - Test Preparation and Practice

Sep 29, 2026

Police Aptitude and Character Test™ (PACT™) Candidate Orientation Guide explains the structure and purpose of the entry-level written test for applicants to become police officers. It outlines five scored sections covering reading ability, mathematical reasoning, reasoning/analyzing, writing ability, and situational judgment/human relations, including item counts and key competencies. The guide also provides practical advice on preparation, following orientation instructions, sample practice items, managing test-day logistics, and maintaining rules during the three-hour exam window.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages17

Reading Time43 min

AccessFree to download

Overview

Test Structure and Measured Constructs

How to Prepare for the Test

Practice Test Items

Prepare for Your Test Day

Test-Day Logistics and Restrictions

The Day of the Test

Timing, Identification, and Scoring Rules

Police Aptitude and Character Test™ (PACT™) Candidate Orientation Guide Reading Ability, Mathematical Reasoning, Writing Ability, Reasoning Ability and Human Relations Provided by Fire & Police Selection, Inc. (FPSI)—2021 This download is intended for a single use guide and has a 2020 Copyright License. Reproducing, communicating or making photocopies of any of the material contained herein is against FPSI policy and federal Copyright laws. Overview One of the first steps towards becoming a Police Officer begins with passing the written test which is made up of several test/screening components. This candidate orientation guide was written specifically to assist you with understanding the components of the written test, to provide you with helpful hints on test taking, and to offer you practice test questions. The entry-level Police Aptitude and Character Test™ (PACT™) consists of five sections designed to measure critical constructs required for successful job performance as a Police Officer. You do not need previous police experience to pass the PACT™ . The components of this test have been developed and validated by 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 an entry-level police officer job description and identified as a critical skill or ability necessary for performance of the job. The PACT™ entry-level written test is a 100-item test. The constructs measured in this test include: • Reading Ability—10 items (to include: the ability to read and retain written information) • Mathematical Reasoning—10 items (to include: basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) • Reasoning/Analyzing—9 items (to include: sequential ordering and logical thinking) • Writing Ability—15 items (to include: correct wording, grammar, spelling, punctuation as well as ease of understanding) • Situational Judgment/Human Relations—56 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. Carefully follow any oral and written instructions that are given to you by the department or during any orientation sessions (if applicable) given before the test. Failure to follow instructions can eliminate you from the testing process. In addition to this orientation guide, there are a variety of preparatory publications available that maybe helpful to those applicants who could use a refresher in basic math, reasoning, and writing skills. FPSI cannot endorse any particular publication or resource in terms of preparing for the test. Test Yourself for Success with the Practice Test Items Sample questions from the constructs being measured on the written test are included in this orientation guide. These sample test items are very similar to the types of items found on the actual test. Prepare for Your Test Day To decrease test anxiety, avoid junk food and concentrate on a well-balanced diet for several days before the test. A good night’s sleep the night before the test and a healthy breakfast the morning of the test is strongly recommended. Familiarize yourself with the test location and the parking requirements. Don’t be late for the test. Plan on arriving a few minutes early. Please refer to your particular scheduled appointment date and time. If you do visit the testing site in advance, be aware that on t

FAQs

What are the five sections of the PACT written test and what do they measure?

The test includes Reading Ability, Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning/Analyzing, Writing Ability, and Situational Judgment/Human Relations. Each section targets specific job-relevant skills such as comprehension, basic math, logical thinking, grammar and punctuation, and decision-making under stress.

How many items are in each construct on the PACT test?

The guide specifies Reading Ability (10), Mathematical Reasoning (10), Reasoning/Analyzing (9), Writing Ability (15), and Situational Judgment/Human Relations (56). Together they form a 100-item test.

What should candidates do on test day regarding identification and preparation materials?

Candidates must arrive early, bring photo identification, and follow instructions from the testing agency. The guide states that test preparation materials or notes are not allowed in the testing area, and candidates may not refer to practice materials during the test.

Sep 29, 2026

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