LAPD written test

[StevieG]

I was wondering if it is similar to the ASVAB, and how to prepare for it.
Any input is much appreciated.

[ankyle62]

Make sure your grammar, and spelling are up to par. It's not that bad.

[The Bacon Eater]

When i took mine it was in essay format. Grammar, spelling, and punctuation are key to passing.

[biochembruin]

It is three essay questions. Things similar to, "Name one person who you respect, and discuss why," "List a choice you made which you regret and, and discuss why," "List an instance you had a conflict with someone and discuss how you dealt with it," or "Name one historical person you would like to meet, and discuss why."

Use a standard essay format: intro paragraph, paragraph for each point supporting your position (2-3 paragraphs), and a conclusion paragraph. A good tip is "tell them what you're going to tell them (intro), then tell them (body of essay),then tell them what you told them (conclusion). They're looking for grammar and the clear and coherent communication of an idea. They don't care that you want to meet Abraham Lincoln, but want to see that you can support your reasoning.

There will not be questions asking if you would write your mom a ticket, or other police procedures for which you have no experience.

Good luck, we need more good cops out there.

[ankyle62]

I dont believe it's appropriate to tell exactly what is on the test and I believe they tell you not to.

[Tacit Blue]

Unless they made you sign a non disclosure statement like Border Patrol, it's not classified or proprietary information. My friend says in BP they ask you in the poly if you've disclosed testing information or oral to anyone, as part of the integrity check. So back to the disclosure statement, if you didn't sign anything its free game!

besides, passing a written isn't the hard part. It's the background investigation that DQ's 90% of the people along the way...

[HAVOC5150]

I took it about 10 years ago and passed, never followed through because I already had a job. I was doing it with a friend to support him. It seemed pretty easy to me, though there was a portion that was opinion questions almost like a psych eval. But spelling, grammar and memory are all part of the test.

[biochembruin]

There are probably two dozen questions they could ask on the written test, and they don't care about discussing the questions. Besides the fact the test is offered 5 days a week, and you can take more than once times, so in effect you can become familiar with the format in short order. Also, the Dept has several programs to help with the physical, written, and interview portions of the application, as well as Dept Mentors to answer any questions.

Check out http://www.joinlapd.com/application.html for more details on the test, as well as various prep programs.

[TrailerparkTrash]

I was wondering if it is similar to the ASVAB, and how to prepare for it.
Any input is much appreciated.

The Armed Services Vocational Apptitude Battery (ASVAB) test doesn't even come close to the LA City or LA County entry tests. i think the ASVAB is more difficult (which is really really sad).

For LA City or County, their tests are very similar. Make sure you understand reading comprehension and can spell. That's it. I'll add one more thing for the County version of the test.... Make sure you have a pulse and you'll probably pass!!!!!

(Hint: both tests are a joke. ) I know because I'm county and my wife is City.

[retired]

Heck, when I applied many moons ago, I slept overnight in the auditorium at Roosevelt High School because they only accepted 500 applicants at 3 different locations.

I then stood in a very long line waiting to give them my name and then take the test. After 1 1/2 hours in line I came to the front and was told since I had a B.A. degree, the written test was waived for me. I sure wish they had done that differently as I was late to my job.

I guess it would be safe to say from what I've read here, they don't do that anymore (waive the test I mean).

[Ford8N]

There are probably two dozen questions they could ask on the written test, and they don't care about discussing the questions. Besides the fact the test is offered 5 days a week, and you can take more than once times, so in effect you can become familiar with the format in short order. Also, the Dept has several programs to help with the physical, written, and interview portions of the application, as well as Dept Mentors to answer any questions.

Check out http://www.joinlapd.com/application.html for more details on the test, as well as various prep programs.

Wow, that's quite a rigorous application process.

"Conditions such as bipolar disorder, recurring major depression, with or without psychotic features or suicidal ideation, recurring anxiety disorders, with or without panic attacks, obsessive/compulsive disorder, and most diagnoses leading to a psychiatric hospitalization require review of relevant medical records. These conditions are frequently accompanied by functional limitations that are difficult to manage, and as a result, tend to result in a psychological disqualification. . Be assured, each candidate receives an individualized assessment of his or her unique circumstances, and no condition or diagnosis is automatically disqualifying." You telling me that a candidate can still have a chance if they are a nut case! LAPD must really be hard up for recruits.

[tyrist]

Wow, that's quite a rigorous application process.

"Conditions such as bipolar disorder, recurring major depression, with or without psychotic features or suicidal ideation, recurring anxiety disorders, with or without panic attacks, obsessive/compulsive disorder, and most diagnoses leading to a psychiatric hospitalization require review of relevant medical records. These conditions are frequently accompanied by functional limitations that are difficult to manage, and as a result, tend to result in a psychological disqualification. . Be assured, each candidate receives an individualized assessment of his or her unique circumstances, and no condition or diagnosis is automatically disqualifying." You telling me that a candidate can still have a chance if they are a nut case! LAPD must really be hard up for recruits.

They are saying they will review all documentation to make sure you are fairly disqualified. If you are a "nut case" you have zero chance. Guess you have never heard of the ADA. You need to prove you fairly treated them prior to disqualification in case you are sued.

[biochembruin]

What he said. It just means they have to review and then disqualify you, as opposed to disqualifying you without review.

[FourLoko]

Heck, when I applied many moons ago, I slept overnight in the auditorium at Roosevelt High School because they only accepted 500 applicants at 3 different locations.

I then stood in a very long line waiting to give them my name and then take the test. After 1 1/2 hours in line I came to the front and was told since I had a B.A. degree, the written test was waived for me. I sure wish they had done that differently as I was late to my job.

I guess it would be safe to say from what I've read here, they don't do that anymore (waive the test I mean).

wish they still had the BA waiver

I have no desire to take another essay test (passed it once already)

[StevieG]

Another question gents (actually two ), from what I know the passing score is 70, what is considered a good score?
Also, how many points will they add for being enlisted in the Army Reserve?
Thanks in advance.