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LAPD and LASD Candidates serious about becoming an LAPD Officer or LAPD dispatcher, LA County Sheriff Deputy should consider our Practice tests and Exam prep material.  Our online Exam Prep focuses on the written portion of the test and the Department Interview.

The Multiple Choice (MC) Test is an 80-item test that evaluates your ability to read and write. There are four sections on the test: Clarity, Spelling, Reading Comprehension, and Vocabulary.

Effective June 1, 2020, the LAPD began using a Multiple-Choice test format for their entry-level testing instead of the previous PQE (Personal Qualifications Essay.) This Multiple-Choice Test will assess your spelling, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing clarity skills. The test is scored on a pass/no pass basis. Your score is valid indefinitely. If you fail, you are eligible to retake the multiple-choice test after 3 months. Applicants will receive their results in approximately 3-days. Passing the LAPD Multiple-choice test requires a great preparation. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT WE PROVIDE! SIGN UP FOR OUR LAPD TEST PREP HERE!


If you are interested in the LAPD Police officer position or a dispatcher position also known by the Los Angeles Police Department as Police Service Representative, we have the right LAPD Exam prep and interview prep materials to help you score higher on the written exam and the oral interview.

It is crucial to obtain a high score during these tests. This will ensure that you rank amongst the best candidates, at the top of the applicants' eligibility list and it will increase your chances of being selected and recruited. Don't forget that you are competing against many other candidates!

Our LAPD Practice test Prep material contains video tutorials, hundreds of practice test questions and answers via a mobile-friendly website and server. Your preparation experience will be faster and more enjoyable using our latest eLearning technology. Since more than a decade, we have helped thousands of applicants successfully earn their badge, land their dream job and ultimately protect and serve their communities.

Our LAPD Practice Exam materials have been used successfully by many LAPD candidates but also by candidates preparing for various law enforcement entrance exams for other U.S. based Police and Sheriff Departments requiring a passing score for Essay Questions or Multiple Choice questions, and Department Oral Interviews.

Take action today and sign-up to get a solid preparation including interactive practice tests and step by step video tutorial on how to ace your written test and the oral Interview.

How to sign-up for the LAPD Test Prep:

2 easy steps:

Step 1- Click on the "Sign Up" button on this page, you'll be directed to account creation page of our partner school californiarealestatelicenseschool.com  which hosts real estate and law enforcement exam preps on their server including our LAPD test prep.

Step 2- On the Register page, select your subscription level: Select LAPD Test Prep and finish by processing the payment and account creation info. At this stage, you should be able to click on the LAPD Test Prep Tab in the menu and access the video contents and practice materials.

Los Angeles Police Department Officer Requirements

The origin of the first SWAT team in the US as well as the first department to hire a woman police officer with arrest powers, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) today employs 10,000 sworn officers to serve and protect the nearly four million citizens who live within the 473 square mile City of Los Angeles.1 The police officers in the LAPD have diverse backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of Los Angeles. The department is also one of the most prominent in the US, due to the fame of the city that it represents as well as its status as the third-largest police force in the nation and its highly public efforts to overcome common issues in urban policing.

Steps to Becoming an LAPD Officer

How to Become a Los Angeles, California Police Officer

The LAPD has a multi-step process to become a police officer. Once candidates have met residency and education requirements and submitted the application, which is step one, they move on to step two, the Personal Qualification Essay. This essay is administered at a testing site and is designed to determine an individual’s personal qualifications to become an officer. The remaining steps that potential officers will need to pass include a physical abilities test, a background investigation, a polygraph test, a department interview, a medical exam, and a psychological evaluation. Once selected, recruits report to The Los Angeles Police Academy for training.

Los Angeles Police Officer Job Description

Due to its size – both in population and by land area – as well as its unique history, the City of Los Angeles has diverse policing needs, which are meet by the various departments housed within the LAPD. Patrol officers tend to interact with the public the most; these officers may patrol in cars, motorcycles, by bike, on foot, or even on horseback, enforcing laws, responding to service calls, and forming ties with the communities they patrol. After two to three years of patrol duty, officers become eligible to apply for special assignment, which opens up many exciting opportunities in advanced law enforcement. For example, the LAPD has the largest, and perhaps most-recognizable, airborne patrol unit in the US. The LAPD also maintains units dedicated to specialty areas as art theft, counterterrorism and special operations, gangs and narcotics, and forensic science, among numerous others.

Los Angeles Police Officer Training, Prerequisites, and Educational Requirements

Individuals wishing to become LAPD officers must first meet eligibility requirements. Candidates must be at least 21 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien who has applied for citizenship. One does not have to be a resident of Los Angeles to become an LAPD officer. Upon meeting eligibility requirements, individuals can apply for a position with the LAPD by completing the online application, with includes preliminary background screening questions as well as a job preview questionnaire to assess the candidate’s readiness for police work. Accepted candidates then complete the selection process with additional aptitude, medical, and psychological exams. Those who successfully pass all stages of the process will complete officer training at The Los Angeles Police Academy.

The six-month LAPD officer training program is academically and physically challenging. Courses cover such areas as driving, weapons training, public relations, and law. Recruits also learn Spanish, self-defense, and report writing, and are exposed to the basics of many of the LAPD’s advanced law enforcement areas such as air support and the bomb squad. Academy graduates are considered probationary officers and are assigned to patrol under the supervision of a Training Officer for a one-year period.

Los Angeles Police Officer Salary and Job Outlook

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that as of 2015, the average salary for Los Angeles police officers was $96,810.2 The base salary for LAPD recruits with a high school diploma is $59,717.3 Pay begins the first day of police academy training. After completion of the academy, officers receive a salary increase to $62,974; after completing a probationary period, officers are promoted to the rank of Police Officer II, with a base salary of $67,505.3 Officers promoted to the rank of Police Officer II who hold an associate’s degree receive a higher base salary of $70,136.3 Officers may receive further salary increases based on longevity, special assignment, or promotion in rank. All officers are eligible for health and life insurance benefits, paid time off, and the city’s pension plan

Step 1 - Online Application

The online application consists of two (2) parts:

Sections 1-2 will take you approximately 5 minutes to complete. You must complete BOTH sections before your application can be processed, and must print the Online Application and bring it with you to the written test.

Step 2 - The Multiple Choice (MC) Test is an 80-item test that evaluates your ability to read and write. There are four sections on the test: Clarity, Spelling, Reading Comprehension, and Vocabulary. 


 

If you feel that you may need improvement in your written communication skills, we encourage you to take steps to improve in this area.

Multiple Choice Test

The Multiple Choice Test consists of four sections: Spelling, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, and Clarity. Multiple Choice test scores do not expire, so you will only have to pass the test once! For more information on how to register for the multiple-choice test, visit the following link: https://mypd.joinlapd.com/PQE/

INSTRUCTIONS FOR TAKING THE TEST ONLINE & In-Person

OPTION 1

Before you can be scheduled for the on-line test, you must complete both of the following steps. After you have completed these two steps, you will receive a unique test code for the online Multiple-Choice Test within one week.

NOTE: You MUST present a valid State or Federal issued photo identification card at the beginning of the test session Any candidate who does not have a valid State or Federal issued photo identification card WILL NOT be allowed to take the test.


OPTION 2

In-Person testing, candidates can view In-Person testing locations and dates here: https://mypd.joinlapd.com/Recruitment_Cal/

PREPARATION: 


Effective 11/8/21, Police Officer Candidates attending indoor in-person tests will need to provide proof of Vaccination. 

Types of Acceptable Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination

People who were vaccinated in California can get a free digital COVID-19 Vaccination Record at myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov 

Vaccination Mandate within City facilities.  Patrons entering a City facility must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 72 hours.



Step 3 - Background Investigation and Polygraph Exam

Prior to the Initial Background you will be required to complete Personal History Statement, which requires the compilation of extensive biographical information. On the day of the Initial Background, a background investigator will review the Personal History Statement and interview you about any issues noted. You will also be fingerprinted. If, based on the information obtained, it appears that you may meet the City's background standards, a thorough field investigation will be conducted. The field investigation includes checks of employment, police, financial, education, and military records and interviews with family members, neighbors, supervisors, co-workers, and friends. The investigation may take from 60 to 180 days to complete. You will be evaluated on your past behavior and the extent to which your behavior demonstrates positive traits that support your candidacy for Police Officer. The findings of the background investigation are valid for 12 months.

Plain talk about this test part: Honesty is the best policy. Everyone has done things they're not proud of, but the worst possible action is to try to cover it up. Please take time to carefully evaluate your background and experiences before you get started. Click here to see what types of things might negatively impact your progress.

Quick Tips

Background Standards

The Background Standards for public safety positions in the City of Los Angeles reflect the very high standards demanded of candidates for public safety job classifications and safety sensitive positions within City service. They are designed to identify the kinds of behaviors which are required of Public Safety Officers serving the citizens of the City of Los Angeles. Each candidate's past choices, judgments, and behaviors will be compared to these demanding standards. Candidates who fall short of demonstrating consistently sound decision making, maturity, and responsible past behaviors in each of these areas will not be further considered for employment in these critical positions.

Each Standard represents an area that is essential for success in public safety employment. Positions such as Police Officer, Police Specialist, Port Police Officer, Special Officer, and Firefighter, along with other public safety positions designated by the General Manager, are positions of special public trust for which these exacting standards have been designed. The City identifies and selects only those individuals with the highest chance of success in their training and in continuing employment in these critical positions.

Candidates are asked to critically assess their own background in light of these Standards before beginning the examination process.

THE STANDARDS

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS, SENSITIVITY, AND RESPECT FOR OTHERS

Public Safety Officers must be able to draw on extraordinary levels of tact and diplomacy to achieve their goals while dealing with the diverse population of the City of Los Angeles. They must be able to use advice, appropriate warnings and persuasion to engender cooperation from the public. Additionally, they must be able to work effectively either as an individual or as a member of a larger team. Each candidate shall demonstrate an understanding of the skills necessary to deal effectively with others in a cooperative and courteous manner. Desired behaviors may include, but are not limited to:

DECISION MAKING AND JUDGEMENT

Public Safety Officers must possess extraordinarily good sense and must demonstrate through their past behavior that they can analyze a situation quickly, make sound and responsible decisions, and take appropriate action. Desired behaviors may include, but are not limited to the ability to:

MATURITY AND DISCIPLINE

Public Safety Officers must present a background which demonstrates maturity and readiness for such employment. Their past choices must be free from behavior inappropriate to the position being sought. A significant degree of personal discipline must be displayed to ensure that candidates can consistently refrain from taking actions which may be detrimental to their own health and well-being or the health and well-being of others. They must be able to maintain their composure and stay in control during critical situations, maintain a positive attitude, and accept constructive criticism without becoming defensive. Desired behaviors may include, but are not limited to the ability to:

HONESTY, INTEGRITY AND PERSONAL ETHICS

Public Safety Officers are required to demonstrate the highest possible personal integrity through their honesty and ethical conduct. They must be able to maintain high standards of personal conduct, abide by the law, and demonstrate attributes such as truthfulness and fairness in relationships with others. Each candidate must demonstrate a willingness to work within "the system". Examples of behaviors which meet this standard include, but are not limited to:

SETTING AND ACHIEVING GOALS

Public Safety Officers are required to demonstrate the ability to set and achieve personal and professional goals. Candidates for public safety positions can best position themselves for positive consideration through continuing achievement in the workplace, educational environment, volunteer activities and/or community involvement. Each candidate must demonstrate initiative and the ability to follow through on all commitments without constant supervision and detailed instruction. Candidates have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to set and achieve goals, their ability to work in a diligent, reliable, and conscientious manner in accordance with specific rules and policies, and their readiness for, and commitment to, public service through the following:

RECORD CHECKS

Candidates for public safety positions are held to exacting standards of behavior throughout all aspects of their lives. Candidates can expect specific inquiry to be made into their past behavior regarding:

It is in every candidate's best interest to be completely forthcoming and truthful during the background investigation process. Many candidates are disqualified during the background portion of the selection process as a result of dishonesty. These candidates purposely omit information they think will result in their removal from the selection process, when that may not have been the case. When this information is later discovered during the background investigation, the candidate is disqualified, but not necessarily for the behavior he or she failed to disclose. Rather, the candidate is disqualified for what the failure to provide complete, accurate, and honest information reveals about his or her character.

The Polygraph Examination is conducted to confirm information obtained during the selection process.

Plain talk about this test part: For some, this is the most frightening part of the examination. Relax, be yourself, and tell the truth.

Quick Tips

 

Step 4 - The Physical Fitness Qualifier

Effective October 1, 2017, the Physical Abilities Test 1 has been eliminated and replaced with the PFQ on an advisory basis.

In order to better prepare for the exam and the physical demands of the academy, you are required to attend the Candidate Advancement Program (CAP) and complete the Physical Fitness Qualifier (PFQ). Your score on the PFQ is advisory. You must complete the PFQ at least once prior to appointment. You are welcome to retake the PFQ as many times as you like, and the score is valid for 12 months. If you score less than a 50 on the PFQ, you are strongly encouraged to attend CAP more regularly and retake the PFQ.

Being part of CAPs will significantly increase your success in the academy. CAP will also make transitioning to Academy life much easier. If you currently live more than 150 miles away from the Los Angeles area, you should contact your mentor to arrange a PFQ while you are in town completing other test parts. For information regarding CAP and the PFQ, click here.  For a demonstration of the PFQ, click here.

Prepare for the PFQ with the Candidate Advancement Program (CAP).

The ACADEMY PHYSICAL TRAINING PROGRAM is intense and demanding, and the first physical fitness test occurs during the first week of the Academy. Therefore it is critical that candidates don't wait until they are in the Academy to get into good physical shape. It is recommended to begin a physical conditioning program as soon as you apply.

For Physical Preparation Tips to help candidates who want to work out on their own, click here. To help you track your fitness click here to download the Fitness Log.

The PFQ consists of four events: 1) maximum sit-ups in on minute, 2) 300-meter sprint, 3) maximum push-ups in one minute, and 4) 1.5 mile-run. This is the same physical fitness test that academy recruits take the third day of the police academy.

The Treadmill Test

This test measures aerobic capacity. The treadmill is programmed to SIMULATE running 1.5 miles in 14 minutes on a track. During the test, the speed and incline of the machine will vary and, as a result, the actual test time is 10 minutes and 20 seconds. The pass/fail score for this test is based upon your completion of this test for the specified period; it will usually be administered after the Medical Evaluation.

Step 5 - The Department Interview

A panel interview will be conducted to assess your personal accomplishment, job motivation, continuous learning orientation, instrumentality, interpersonal skills, and oral communication skills. Only those candidates who are selected during this part of the process will receive a Conditional Job Offer.

If you fail, you may retake the interview after 3 months. If you subsequently attend an Orientation/Oral Prep Seminar, you will not be required to wait 3 months for another interview.

Oral Prep is 2nd Thursdays from 6-7:30 PM

Personnel Department Building

700 E. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012

Step 6 - Medical Evaluation and Psychological Evaluation

Medical Evaluation

The medical examination is thorough and it is essential that you be in excellent physical, emotional, and mental health with no conditions that restrict the ability to safely perform the essential functions of the police officer job. Good physical condition is necessary, as training in the Academy is rigorous. Failure to be in excellent physical condition may delay or disrupt training and result in a dismissal from the Academy. Medical examination results are valid for up to 12 months, at the discretion of the City's medical staff. Written psychological tests (valid for up to 18 months) and the second portion of the PAT will be administered at this time.

Psychological Evaluation

The Psychological Evaluation consists of an individual oral interview and evaluation by a City psychologist on factors related to successful performance in the difficult and stressful job of Police Officer. The information evaluated includes the written psychological tests completed during the medical evaluation along with information obtained in the background investigation process.

Plain talk about this test part: If you know you had prior treatment or a major injury, go to your doctor in advance and bring your records with you to the examination.

Step 7 - Certification and Appointment

Certification and Appointment are the final steps in the selection process. To be considered, you must have successfully completed all steps in the process. Certification of a candidate's name to the Police Department does not guarantee appointment to the Police Academy. More names are provided to the Police Department than there are vacancies so that the Department can select those best qualified for appointment based on results of the interview and test process. Appointments to the Police Academy are made by the Police Department from the civil service eligibility list. In accordance with City Policies, a pre-employment substance screening for drugs and alcohol may be required prior to appointment because this classification has been designated as Safety Sensitive.

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Here are the currunt requirements tojoin LAPD as a dispatcher also known as Police Service Representative:

REQUIREMENT(S)/MINIMUM QUALIFICATION(S)

 

 NOTES:

1. In addition to the regular City application that includes a job preview, all applicants must complete the Preliminary Background Application (PBA) at the time of filing.  Applicants who fail to submit the application, job preview, PBA and typing certification within the time required will not be considered further and their application will not be processed.

2. A typing certification is required at the time of filing.  Applicants who fail to submit this document at the time of filing by attaching it to the online application will not be considered further in this examination.  A typing certification may be in the form of a certificate, letter, or test results form.  Detailed information regarding the typing certification requirements and a list of agencies where you may obtain your typing certification, are available at http://per.lacity.org/exams/PSR-Typing-Requirement.pdf(Download PDF reader).

3. The Preliminary Background Application (PBA) will help you determine whether your background is suitable for the position of Police Service Representative.  Prior to appointment, a thorough and comprehensive Background Investigation will be conducted by the Los Angeles Police Department.  The information provided in your PBA and typing certification will be referenced during this investigation. 

4. Some positions may require a valid California driver's license.  Candidates may not be eligible for appointment to these positions if their record within  the last 36 months reflects three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents, or a conviction of a major moving violation (such as DUI).

SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION

 

In accordance with Charter Section 1010 (b) and Civil Service Rule 5.31, selective certification will be used for some positions that require special skills and/or training in the following area. Only persons possessing the following as of the close of the filing period may be considered for appointment to fill such positions:

 

The ability to speak or write a language other than English. Proficiency in Spanish is especially desired.

 

 

WHERE TO APPLY & APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications, typing certification and the Preliminary Background Application Forms will only be accepted on-line. When you are viewing the on-line job bulletin of your choice, simply scroll to the top of the page and select the "Apply" icon. On-line job bulletins are also available at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacity for Open Competitive Examinations.

 

NOTE:

 

Applicants are urged to apply early to ensure you have time to resolve any technical issues you may encounter.

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

 

This examination may close without prior notice at any time after a sufficient number of applications have been received.  For administrative purposes, filing may close periodically and reopen the following day. 

In accordance with Civil Service Rule 4.2, all applicants who apply may not be tested in this examination. To meet anticipated hiring needs, only a limited number of qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the written test in the following order: 1) Applicants currently employed by the City of Los Angeles who meet the minimum requirements, or are on a reserve list; 2) Remaining applicants who meet the minimum requirements in sufficient numbers to meet hiring needs in the order that applications were received.  Applications submitted during the filing period will be kept on file for two years from May 13, 2016 in the event that additional applicants need to be tested to meet hiring needs

SELECTION PROCESS

 

Examination Weights:       

Written Test   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Qualifying              

Interview  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100%

                                     

The qualifying written test, which will consist of multiple-choice questions, will include a series of short, separately timed subtests, which measure verbal skill, reasoning, memory, and perceptual ability.  Approximately one-half of these subtests are presented on audio recording.

 

All candidates who receive a passing score on the qualifying written test will be invited to participate in the interview. The examination score will be based entirely on an evaluation of the candidate's personal and professional qualifications by interview. In the interview, emphasis will be placed on the adequacy of the candidate's experience, training, and personal qualifications as they relate to: judgment, decision-making ability, oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, and other necessary skills and abilities. 

 

Candidates will be notified later by e-mail of the date, time, and location of the written test, which will be administered in a single, half-day session in Los Angeles.

NOTES:

 NOTICE

 

If you receive and accept an offer of employment to a regular position with the City of Los Angeles, your employee benefit coverage (including health and dental coverage as well as life insurance) will commence approximately six weeks after your original regular appointment.  Not all positions in the City receive benefit coverage; you should inquire regarding the availability of employee benefits prior to accepting a position.

 

THIS EXAMINATION IS TO BE GIVEN ONLY

ON AN OPEN COMPETITIVE BASIS

 

The City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, creed, color, ancestry, medical condition (cancer), or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. 

References:

1. Los Angeles Police Department: http://www.lapdonline.org

2. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_31080.htm

3. Los Angeles Police Department Officer Recruitment: https://www.joinlapd.com/

LAPD 2020 Tests, Exam Events and Hiring Seminars

The LAPD is hosting a WOMEN’S Hiring Seminar on Saturday March 21, 2020    

All are welcome.    

at Ahmanson Recruit Training Center

5651 W. Manchester Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045 

 

AGENDA

7:00am - 8:00am   myPD Check-In  •   8:00am - 8:45am   Info session

8:45am - 9:30am   LAPD Women Leadership Panel  •   9:30am - 10:00am   Women’s CAP Preview

10:00am - 11:30am   Written Exam Complimentary  •  11:30am - 12:30am   Complimentary Professional  Trainer Workout

12:30am   Q&A with Officers

         

Military Testing Events

Camp Pendleton

Feb 12th 5PM • Written Exam at Leatherneck Lanes RM 2 (Bldg 1339)

 

LAPD candidates are required to wear Business Attire during all test parts and meetings with Recruitment and Employment Division unless otherwise instructed.

 

Mondays & Wednesdays 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Saturdays 7:30 am to 10:30 am

Ahmanson Recruit Training Center

5651 W. Manchester Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90045

 

Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

LAPD Academy at Elysian Park

1880 N. Academy Road (near Dodger Stadium), Los Angeles, CA 90012

Elysian Park Morning CAP

Tuesdays 5:00 am

 

Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

LA Mission College

13356 Eldridge Ave., Sylmar, CA 91342

CAP Meeting Location:

Regular workout sessions meet on fourth level of Mission College’s parking structure.

 

Thursdays 5:00 am

LA Southwest College Morning CAP

1600 W. Imperial Hwy, Los Angeles, CA 90047

Meet on the football field

 

Rainy Day Schedule: 

If it is raining 2 hours prior to start time, CAP will be canceled.

Oral Prep

Personnel Building, 700 East Temple Street

Check in at the lobby

 

Every Monday 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (exept Holidays)

Every Second Thursday 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

 

Saturdays at 11:30 am on the dates listed below

Mar 21 • Apr 11 • May 16 • June 13

How to sign-up for the LAPD Test Prep:

2 easy steps:

Step 1- Click on the "Sign Up" button on this page, you'll be directed to account creation page of our partner school californiarealestatelicenseschool.com  which hosts real estate and law enforcement exam preps on their server including our LAPD test prep.

Step 2- On the Register page, select your subscription level: Select LAPD Test Prep and finish by processing the payment and account creation info. At this stage, you should be able to click on the LAPD Test Prep Tab in the menu and access the video contents and practice materials.