Applicant Preparation Guide

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APPLICANT PREPARATION GUIDE FOR THEPOST ENTRY-LEVEL LAW ENFORCEMENT TEST BATTERYPREPARING FOR THE EXAMThe POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) measures skills that are associated withsuccessful performance as a California peace officer. Because the PELLETB is an aptitude test, the skillsmeasured are acquired gradually over a long period of time (usually years). There is no quick or easyway to improve these skills in preparation for the exam. The only way to predictably improve scores onan aptitude test is through extensive learning and practice (e.g., coursework, training).Because the PELLETB is primarily a language aptitudtest, one must already possess solid languageskills to perform well on the test. There are a few exercises that can be helpful in maximizingperformance if solid language skills are already in place. This test preparation guide has beendeveloped to provide helpful information about test format and content. This guide explains exactlywhat is tested in the exam and provides sample questions that can be used for practice. This guide alsoprovides research-based information on the best strategies for answering test questions.WHAT THE EXAM MEASURESThe two components of the PELLETB focus on language ability: one evaluates writing ability and theother tests reading ability. The writing component of the test measures clarity, vocabulary, andspelling. The reading component measures reading comprehension.1.Writing AbilityEach of the three writing sub-tests contains between 15 and 18 items. In theclarity sub-test ,sentences are presented, and the test-taker is asked to identify which sentence is most clearlyand correctly written. Only common writing errors (e.g., unclear references, misplacedmodifiers, sentence fragments, and run-on sentences) are included in the clarity portion of theexam.The spelling sub-test uses a standard multiple-choice format. A sentence is given with one wordomitted. A blank indicates the location of the omitted word. Four alternative spellings of thesame word are given. The test-taker is asked to identify the word that is correctly spelled forthe given context.The vocabulary sub-testalso uses a standard multiple-choice format. One word in a sentence isunderlined and the test-taker is instructed to select the alternative that is the most accuratesynonym or definition. The words included in the spelling and vocabulary tests are commonwords that may be encountered in law enforcement work.1

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2.Reading AbilityReading ability is measured through a reading comprehension sub-testthat contains between20 and 24 items. This sub-test presents passages which vary in length from a single paragraphto one page. After reading the passage, test-takers answer multiple-choice questions about theinformation contained in the passage. All passages cover common concepts and contain theinformation necessary to answer the questions.Please note, the CLOZE reading comprehension sub-test is no longer part of the PELLETB,effective January 1, 2025. The Applicant Preparation Guide reflects this change.2

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HOW THE EXAM IS SCORED AND INTERPRETEDWhen POST electronically scans test answers, statistical calculations are performed to convert rawscores (the number of items answered correctly) into a "T-score." A T-score is a standardized score thatplaces an individual's performance on the test into a distribution (bell-shaped curve) with a midpoint(average) of 50 and a standard deviation of ten. If the individual's score falls around 50, theirperfonnance is considered "average" when compared to other applicants who have taken the test.Scores of 40 or below are considered "below average." Scores of 60 or above are considered "aboveaverage." Research shows that the likelihood of successful academy completion increases for everypoint scored above 42.All responses provided by the test taker are a part of the ongoing analyses of the test battery.ParcgnlafiB ofcasas n 8 portonfiof IflQ cwvcStandard DeviationsCumulativePercentagesPeroentlesZ scores7 scoresStward NinoISlatwrcs]Perceclagein $1anineThe graph above provides a visual representation of T-scores. The bell is comprised of many individualtest scores. The bell is widest in the middle because most scores fall in and around the middle. This iswhy scores near the midpoint of 50 are considered "average."3

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PRACTICE TESTThe following shortened version of the test is provided to prepare potential test-takers for the types ofitems they will encounter on the actual test. Familiarity with the structure and content of the testshould reduce anxiety associated with taking the exam. The covers of the test, as well as allinstructions and directions, have been presented exactly as they appear on actual tests. Following eachpractice sub-test, the correct responses are provided along with an explanation of why the otherchoices are incorrect. For item formats where test-taking strategies can improve one's final score, thestrategies are presented.4

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NAME:(Last)(First)(MI)SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER--TEST LOCATION:DATE:(Month)(Day)(Year)ENTRY-LEVEL LAW ENFORCEMENT TEST BATTERYForm Version: 2025CALIFORNIA COMMISSION ONPEACE OFFICER STANDARDS AND TRAINING860 STILLWATER ROAD, SUITE 100WEST SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95605ALL RIGHTS RESERVEDDO NOT TURN THIS PAGE UNTIL TOLD TO DO SOCONTROL NUMBER5

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WRITING ABILITY TESTThe Writing Test is comprised of a multiple-choice examination containing between 45 and 54 items.This test measures three aspects of good writing: clarity, vocabulary, and spelling. Remember to markall responses to test questions on the answer sheet.Make no marks in the test booklet.Suggestions for Taking the Test:•Be sure you mark the space on your answer sheet that has the same number as the question inthe test booklet.•Keep your answer sheet on a hard surface while you are marking an answer.•Firmly press down the pencil point until you completely darken the circle on the answer sheet.Do not use any other means of marking your answer sheet.•If you wish to change your answer, be sure to erase your first answer completely to ensureproper scoring.•It is to your advantage to answer all questions. If it takes an unreasonable amount of time toanswer a question, it is better to skip it and go back to it after the other questions have beenanswered.•Read and consider all choices to each question before deciding which one is correct.6

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CLARITYInstructions:In the following pairs of options, identify the option which is most clearly written. If option "a" is moreclear than option "b," mark "a" on your answer sheet. If option "b" is more clear than option "a," mark"b" on your answer sheet.1.a. The officer was hoping to get a new partner, one that had a great deal of experience.b. The officer was hoping to get a new partner. One that had a great deal of experience.2.a. Bullet fragments were gathered by officers in envelopes.b. Bullet fragments were gathered in envelopes by officers.3.a. The suspect disliked the officer as did the judge.b. The suspect disliked the officer as much as the judge.4.a. The officer had probable cause to arrest the suspect when he arrived at the scene.b. When the officer arrived at the scene, he had probable cause to arrest the suspect.5.a. Jail is not a pleasant place to be, but they do get their basic necessities met.b. Jail is not a pleasant place to be, but inmates do get their basic necessities met.Correct Answers:1, a; 2, b; 3, a; 4, b; 5, bExplanation of Incorrect Alternatives:In item #1, alternative "b" is incorrect because "One that had a great deal of experience" is a sentencefragment.In item #2, alternative "a" is incorrect because it contains a misplaced modifier. The way this sentenceis written, it sounds like the officers collecting the bullet fragments were themselves in theenvelope.In item #3, alternative "b" is incorrect because it is confusing and ambiguous. Statement "b" couldeither mean that the suspect disliked both the officer and judge, or that the judge andsuspect both disliked the officer.In item #4, alternative "a" is incorrect because it has an unreferenced pronoun. The way the pronoun"he" is used in this sentence makes it unclear if "he" is referring to the officer or thesuspect.In item#5,alternative "a" is incorrect because it is unclear who is referred to by the pronoun "they." Insentence "b", the noun "inmates" makes the sentence clear.7

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