Products and Services - Law Enforcement - Entry-level Written Test
What is Selection Solutions?
Selection Solutions is an award-winning entry-level test designed specifically for the Law Enforcement agencies. It has been nationally validated in departments across the country, and provides the most powerful selection process available. With Selection Solutions, you receive all the benefits of a job analysis and validation study, while also receiving a legally defensible written test. All for one low price!
Selection Solutions is designed to provide you with the maximum value for a minimal cost. With this exam your department will receive:
A nationally validated test that was developed based on a thorough job analysis that included law enforcement agencies from across the county. CWH’s validation study demonstrated that there is a high correlation between Selection Solutions test scores and successful performance in law enforcement.
A test that was created using state-of-the-art test development techniques designed to reduce adverse impact against protected groups. As a result, Selection Solutions will help you substantially diversify your department.
Access to CWH consulting services (such as adverse impact analyses and advice on pass points). The CWH consulting team is made up of dedicated professionals who are committed to providing our clients with quality, state-of-the-art personnel assessment services.
By using Selection Solutions, your department will:
Save Money
Hire the Most Qualified Candidates
Improve Performance and Department Morale
Diversify Your Department and Reduce Adverse Impact
Selection Solutions is designed to provide you with the maximum value for a minimal cost. With this exam your department will receive:
A nationally validated test that was developed based on a thorough job analysis that included law enforcement agencies from across the county. CWH’s validation study demonstrated that there is a high correlation between Selection Solutions test scores and successful performance in law enforcement.
A test that was created using state-of-the-art test development techniques designed to reduce adverse impact against protected groups. As a result, Selection Solutions will help you substantially diversify your department.
Access to CWH consulting services (such as adverse impact analyses and advice on pass points). The CWH consulting team is made up of dedicated professionals who are committed to providing our clients with quality, state-of-the-art personnel assessment services.
By using Selection Solutions, your department will:
Save Money
Hire the Most Qualified Candidates
Improve Performance and Department Morale
Diversify Your Department and Reduce Adverse Impact
Selection Solutions Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test: Portrait of a Well-Rounded Individual
What is Being Measured in the Test?
Handling Stress & Responsibility
This component measures the ability to deal effectively with on-the-job stress, such as dangerous situations, conflict, and emotional interactions. In addition, this component measures the degree to which an individual assumes personal responsibility for his or her own actions and decisions.
Emotional Skills, Work Attitude
These skills include Optimism, Personal Influence, Self Control and Impulse Control, Respect for Authority, and Ethics. These are skills and values that are generated within a person and are demonstrated in the person’s integrity, dependability, initiative, and self confidence.
Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal skills have been ignored by traditional selection tests, yet the ability to deal with others is one of the most important skills a Law Enforcement Officer can have. Interpersonal skills refer to the various abilities required to deal effectively and positively with others. These skills include Compassion and Empathy, Teamwork, Conflict Resolution, Oral Communication, Service Orientation, and Flexibility. This test component has a strong multicultural basis and measures an applicant’s ability to work cooperatively and effectively with diverse groups of people, within the department in which they work, and with members of the public.
Practical Skills
Practical skills refer to the ability to handle everyday problems and situations, to understand how to work with people, how to accomplish goals, and how to use good judgment and common sense in everyday work and life. Law Enforcement Officers must be able to think clearly, quickly, and logically in complicated situations. They must be able to identify, analyze, and solve problems. Part of solving complicated problems is the ability to recognize several different ways of solving a problem and choosing the most effective solution in each particular situation. This test component includes Problem Solving and Judgment.
Basic Education Skills
This component of the test includes more traditional measures of ability related to the job, such as Reading, Writing, and Mathematical abilities. Basic education abilities measure a person’s acquired knowledge (such as ability to do basic mathematics), ability to succeed in job training, and ability to comprehend, learn, and retain information necessary for doing the job.
The scores in the different components are combined into a Total Score to provide a final score and ranking for each applicant.
Handling Stress and Responsibility
This component contains items which describe stressful scenarios, such as situations involving conflict or danger, and assess how well an individual is able to choose an effective solution that does not endanger him or herself or avoid one’s responsibility.
A large part of the job-related stress also is related to the concept of Personal Influence or Responsibility. This includes the ability to take initiative and responsibility for solving work problems, even when there is no clear-cut solution or guidelines to follow. In addition, those individuals who are most willing to take personal responsibility for their actions and decisions are more likely to handle stress effectively.
This test component contains items which:
1. Describe a dangerous scenario, such as at an emergency scene where further injuries could occur. A Law Enforcement Officer must recognize the danger and address his or her responsibility without taking unnecessary risks.
2. Describe problems and ask the applicant to choose possible action steps to solve the problem. These questions assess the degree to which the individual is able and willing to identify steps which he or she could personally do to solve a problem.
3. Describe a problem or situation for which individuals may have legitimate differing opinions about the cause of the problem. These items assess the degree to which the individual takes responsibility for his or her actions vs. the extent to which he or she attributes blame to others.
4. Describe stressful or dangerous situations and ask the applicant to assess the cause of the problem. This assesses the degree to which an applicant perceives causes of problems that can be solved through corrective action or education, as opposed to believing that problems are inevitable or unsolvable.
A large part of the job-related stress also is related to the concept of Personal Influence or Responsibility. This includes the ability to take initiative and responsibility for solving work problems, even when there is no clear-cut solution or guidelines to follow. In addition, those individuals who are most willing to take personal responsibility for their actions and decisions are more likely to handle stress effectively.
This test component contains items which:
1. Describe a dangerous scenario, such as at an emergency scene where further injuries could occur. A Law Enforcement Officer must recognize the danger and address his or her responsibility without taking unnecessary risks.
2. Describe problems and ask the applicant to choose possible action steps to solve the problem. These questions assess the degree to which the individual is able and willing to identify steps which he or she could personally do to solve a problem.
3. Describe a problem or situation for which individuals may have legitimate differing opinions about the cause of the problem. These items assess the degree to which the individual takes responsibility for his or her actions vs. the extent to which he or she attributes blame to others.
4. Describe stressful or dangerous situations and ask the applicant to assess the cause of the problem. This assesses the degree to which an applicant perceives causes of problems that can be solved through corrective action or education, as opposed to believing that problems are inevitable or unsolvable.
Emotional Skills and Work Attitude
Emotional skills refer to a Law Enforcement Officer’s ability to understand and motivate him or herself. These are referred to as “intrapersonal” skills. There are several facets of understanding oneself. The first is one’s ability to recognize one’s own emotions, without dwelling on them. Law Enforcement Officers must deal with emotionally difficult situations that can evoke strong emotions in themselves. The best Law Enforcement Officers will be aware of and acknowledge these emotions, rather than trying to block out and ignore how they feel. At the same time, becoming self-absorbed and dwelling on these emotions will render a Police Officer useless to the team and the department.
After recognizing his or her own emotions, a Law Enforcement Officer must have the ability to regulate those emotions. There are several acceptable ways of dealing with strong emotions. However, a person who is unable to effectively regulate his or her emotions will hinder the effectiveness of the organization at the least, and may even be dangerous in more severe cases. The most effective Law Enforcement Officers will be able to identify and acknowledge their feelings, deal with those feelings, and move on.
Another part of self awareness is the ability to motivate oneself. Natural talent plays only a small part in a person’s success. Instead, those people who are motivated to work hard, study, and practice are most likely to succeed on the job.
The test presents several situations which measure the ability to recognize feelings in oneself, the ability to deal effectively with various emotions, and a person’s level of self motivation:
1. Stressful situations which can create stress, such as a screaming child, a rude person, or being late. In dealing with people who are upset, a common reaction is to also become upset. A Law Enforcement Officer must recognize when he or she is becoming upset, regulate that emotion, and remain professional.
2. Disappointing situations, such as missing out on a promotion, or failing a test. A Law Enforcement Officer should have an optimistic attitude, and a belief that the best outcome will occur.
3. Situations that present a challenge, such as getting a bad grade on a paper. A good Law Enforcement Officer must believe that his or her actions will affect the outcome of events. An officer cannot believe that the outcome of events is out of his or her control and still be effective.
4. Situations requiring the person to act responsibly in uncomfortable circumstances, such as owning up to a personal mistake. A good Law Enforcement Officer is driven by strong values and ethics, along with a willingness to act upon those values and ethics. The public must be able to trust its public servants to be honest, ethical and responsible.
After recognizing his or her own emotions, a Law Enforcement Officer must have the ability to regulate those emotions. There are several acceptable ways of dealing with strong emotions. However, a person who is unable to effectively regulate his or her emotions will hinder the effectiveness of the organization at the least, and may even be dangerous in more severe cases. The most effective Law Enforcement Officers will be able to identify and acknowledge their feelings, deal with those feelings, and move on.
Another part of self awareness is the ability to motivate oneself. Natural talent plays only a small part in a person’s success. Instead, those people who are motivated to work hard, study, and practice are most likely to succeed on the job.
The test presents several situations which measure the ability to recognize feelings in oneself, the ability to deal effectively with various emotions, and a person’s level of self motivation:
1. Stressful situations which can create stress, such as a screaming child, a rude person, or being late. In dealing with people who are upset, a common reaction is to also become upset. A Law Enforcement Officer must recognize when he or she is becoming upset, regulate that emotion, and remain professional.
2. Disappointing situations, such as missing out on a promotion, or failing a test. A Law Enforcement Officer should have an optimistic attitude, and a belief that the best outcome will occur.
3. Situations that present a challenge, such as getting a bad grade on a paper. A good Law Enforcement Officer must believe that his or her actions will affect the outcome of events. An officer cannot believe that the outcome of events is out of his or her control and still be effective.
4. Situations requiring the person to act responsibly in uncomfortable circumstances, such as owning up to a personal mistake. A good Law Enforcement Officer is driven by strong values and ethics, along with a willingness to act upon those values and ethics. The public must be able to trust its public servants to be honest, ethical and responsible.
Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal skills refer to the ability to understand others and to respond appropriately. These skills go hand-in-hand with self awareness skills. In fact, people who are able to recognize and regulate their own emotions tend to also be better able to recognize and accurately read emotions in others. However, recognizing emotions in others is only a part of good interpersonal skills. Officers must also be able to deal effectively with others in several types of situations. For example, a frightened child would need to be handled differently than an angry co-worker. Interpersonal skills also include respect and tolerance of differences between people and an ability to work cooperatively with people of different cultures.
One of the most important pieces of good interpersonal skills is a person’s ability to be flexible in thoughts and actions. This includes being willing to change and modify one’s own communication style. It also includes a demonstrated willingness to be patient, non-judgmental, and accepting of other people. A Law Enforcement Officer with good interpersonal skills will recognize and respect different styles and approaches to dealing with daily situations. Law Enforcement Officers with good interpersonal skills have the ability and desire to serve and help people, regardless of who they are, where they live, and what they believe. The test presents several situations which measure one’s ability to be flexible and to demonstrate good interpersonal skills:
1. Stressful situations involving a conflict. A Law Enforcement Officer spends a great deal of time with his or her partner and others while on duty. In such situations, occasional conflicts are inevitable. An officer must be able and willing to work through the conflict by offering ideas, listening effectively, and by helping to achieve an acceptable resolution.
2. Situations requiring the person to function as a team member. A Law Enforcement Officer who tries to work separately from the rest of the crew will not be successful, and could put others in danger. An officer must demonstrate an ability to take orders, to contribute to the efforts of the team, to compromise, and to put the best interest of the team and the organization above personal interests or differences.
3. Situations in which simply being sympathetic is the best response. Law Enforcement Officers often deal with people who are in a crisis, and who are emotionally distraught. Officers need to demonstrate a genuine caring attitude toward all people, and to have a general orientation toward providing service to citizens.
4. Situations in which there is a cultural barrier. Law Enforcement Officers interact with people from all different cultures, which can present challenges in the form of communication barriers and value differences. Sometimes, what is simply a cultural difference can be perceived as a conflict. Police Officers must have an awareness and understanding of the differences between different cultures, the difficulties these differences can cause, as well as the positive and rewarding aspects of dealing with different cultures.
One of the most important pieces of good interpersonal skills is a person’s ability to be flexible in thoughts and actions. This includes being willing to change and modify one’s own communication style. It also includes a demonstrated willingness to be patient, non-judgmental, and accepting of other people. A Law Enforcement Officer with good interpersonal skills will recognize and respect different styles and approaches to dealing with daily situations. Law Enforcement Officers with good interpersonal skills have the ability and desire to serve and help people, regardless of who they are, where they live, and what they believe. The test presents several situations which measure one’s ability to be flexible and to demonstrate good interpersonal skills:
1. Stressful situations involving a conflict. A Law Enforcement Officer spends a great deal of time with his or her partner and others while on duty. In such situations, occasional conflicts are inevitable. An officer must be able and willing to work through the conflict by offering ideas, listening effectively, and by helping to achieve an acceptable resolution.
2. Situations requiring the person to function as a team member. A Law Enforcement Officer who tries to work separately from the rest of the crew will not be successful, and could put others in danger. An officer must demonstrate an ability to take orders, to contribute to the efforts of the team, to compromise, and to put the best interest of the team and the organization above personal interests or differences.
3. Situations in which simply being sympathetic is the best response. Law Enforcement Officers often deal with people who are in a crisis, and who are emotionally distraught. Officers need to demonstrate a genuine caring attitude toward all people, and to have a general orientation toward providing service to citizens.
4. Situations in which there is a cultural barrier. Law Enforcement Officers interact with people from all different cultures, which can present challenges in the form of communication barriers and value differences. Sometimes, what is simply a cultural difference can be perceived as a conflict. Police Officers must have an awareness and understanding of the differences between different cultures, the difficulties these differences can cause, as well as the positive and rewarding aspects of dealing with different cultures.
Practical Skills
Practical skill refers to one’s ability to know how to solve problems, rather than knowing the right answer to a particular problem. Practical intelligence refers to the ability to solve real life problems based on incomplete information. In real life, problems have some of the following characteristics:
• they are related to everyday life and work
• they are poorly defined - they may lack some information necessary to solve the problem
• there may be multiple methods or ways to solve the problem
• there may be multiple correct or possible solutions
Practical intelligence has the characteristics of:
• being procedurally based, that is, knowing how, not knowing what
• being practically useful for accomplishing one’s individual goals
• being acquired on one’s own, through experience rather than through training or academic education
The test measures 4 aspects of practical intelligence related to the job of Law Enforcement Officer:
1. Practical skills in handling school or career goals. These items involve problem solving related to how to study, how to prepare for a career, how to behave in a job, etc. This predicts how successful a person will be in the training for the job and in understanding and following the job requirements in order to be successful in the job.
2. Practical skills in handling people. These items involve problem solving related to interpreting people’s attitudes and behaviors. This also includes items related to understanding how to work with others, how to work in teams, how to accomplish group goals, and other related items. This predicts how well a person can understand others’ behaviors and cooperate with others in a work environment.
3. Practical skills in using judgment and reasoning to handle everyday activities, such as buying a car, hunting for an apartment, or other common experiences. These items involve choosing from among many plausible actions to select the actions that would be most effective in accomplishing the goal presented. This predicts how effective a person is at solving everyday, but varied, problems that occur in the job, but which do not have standard, trainable responses.
4. Practical skills in using common sense and reasoning by using clues and partial information to draw conclusions about a person or statement. This predicts how well an applicant can analyze and solve problems based on incomplete information and without explicit instructions.
• they are related to everyday life and work
• they are poorly defined - they may lack some information necessary to solve the problem
• there may be multiple methods or ways to solve the problem
• there may be multiple correct or possible solutions
Practical intelligence has the characteristics of:
• being procedurally based, that is, knowing how, not knowing what
• being practically useful for accomplishing one’s individual goals
• being acquired on one’s own, through experience rather than through training or academic education
The test measures 4 aspects of practical intelligence related to the job of Law Enforcement Officer:
1. Practical skills in handling school or career goals. These items involve problem solving related to how to study, how to prepare for a career, how to behave in a job, etc. This predicts how successful a person will be in the training for the job and in understanding and following the job requirements in order to be successful in the job.
2. Practical skills in handling people. These items involve problem solving related to interpreting people’s attitudes and behaviors. This also includes items related to understanding how to work with others, how to work in teams, how to accomplish group goals, and other related items. This predicts how well a person can understand others’ behaviors and cooperate with others in a work environment.
3. Practical skills in using judgment and reasoning to handle everyday activities, such as buying a car, hunting for an apartment, or other common experiences. These items involve choosing from among many plausible actions to select the actions that would be most effective in accomplishing the goal presented. This predicts how effective a person is at solving everyday, but varied, problems that occur in the job, but which do not have standard, trainable responses.
4. Practical skills in using common sense and reasoning by using clues and partial information to draw conclusions about a person or statement. This predicts how well an applicant can analyze and solve problems based on incomplete information and without explicit instructions.
Basic Educational Skills
The cognitive component is comprised of traditional intelligence measurements, including reading comprehension, writing ability, and math ability. Cognitive skills are strong predictors of future success on the job. A Law Enforcement Officer cannot be effective without these basic abilities. In addition, these skills determine how “trainable” a person is. This test predicts the ability to comprehend and learn technical information, the ability to learn and understand the basic math and formulas required for the job, and the ability to write the reports and paperwork required on the job.
