Alabama Police Officer Written Exam Online Preparation and Tips – 2025

If you live in the state of Alabama (AL) and are considering applying for a police officer position, you may be wondering what the basic requirements are and whether or not an exam will be required. In order to become a police officer in Alabama, you will likely be required to take a written exam. It is important to learn how to study and prepare for the Alabama Police Officer Written Exam in order to achieve a passing score.

What Is the Alabama Police Officer Hiring Process?

To be considered for an Alabama Police Officer role, applicants must first complete an application form found on the state of Alabama’s website. The application will be reviewed by a team of hiring managers, and if qualified, candidates will be asked to complete a Pre-Employment Physical Assessment. This assessment, also known as the Physical Ability/Agility Test (PAAT), consists of several physical exercises designed to test the applicant’s ability to perform laborious work. Following the successful completion of the PAAT, candidates may undergo a background investigation and potentially receive a job offer.

What Is the Alabama Police Officer Written Exam?

The Alabama Police Officer Written Exam is also known as the ACT WorkKeys Assessment or Basic Abilities Test (BAT). This test is administered by the Alabama Peace Officer’s Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC). The BAT is not only offered at every community college in Alabama, but also through the Workforce Development Program.

In order to be considered for a position with the Alabama Police Department, candidates will need to attach a copy of their results from the BAT assessment to their initial application form. Candidates that do not complete the BAT assessment will not be eligible to apply for a Police Officer position, with the exception of applicants who have earned at least an Associate’s degree or who are already APOSTC certified.

The BAT is made up of three individual subsections. Each subsection is designed to test each candidate’s ability to complete basic functions expected of a Police Officer.

• Applied Math Subsection: This subsection requires candidates to be able to complete basic mathematical operations in a timely manner. Typically, this subsection will include 34 questions with a time limit of 55 minutes. Applicants will be expected to solve basic mathematical problems and identify mathematical solutions.
• Graphic Literacy Subsection: This subsection requires candidates to be able to read maps and identify topographical components. Typically, this subsection will include 38 questions with a time limit of 55 minutes. Applicants may be expected to identify shortest routes or be able to identify alternative routes.
• Workplace Documents Subsection: This subsection requires candidates to be able to understand work memorandums, policies, notices, and other applicable written text. Typically, this subsection will include 35 questions with a time limit of 55 minutes. Applicants will be expected to read through provided texts and documents, understand the main points of the text, and answer questions based off of the information provided.

Alabama Police Officer Exams by City

Depending on the county or city that you live in, you may be applying for a specific police officer position that requires specific testing. Each city will have their own individual requirements concerning the application and testing process. The largest police officer employers in the state of Alabama include the following cities:

• Auburn Police Officers
• Birmingham Police Officers
• Decatur Police Officers
• Dothan Police Officers
• Hoover Police Officers
• Huntsville Police Officers
• Madison Police Officers
• Mobile Police Officers
• Montgomery Police Officers
• Tuscaloosa Police Officers

How to Prepare for the Alabama Police Officer Written Exam?

The Alabama Police Officer Written Exam is the first step towards applying for a Police Officer position. Candidates cannot apply for a position with the Police Department unless they have successfully completed the Alabama BAT assessment. If you are unfamiliar with the type of material that you will be tested on, you risk receiving a low score on the exam. Because of this, future applicants need to be aware of the type of questions and material the written exam will cover. Online practice exams offer test takers a taste of what the actual exam would look like by providing free sample questions that mirror real questions. Moreover, practice exams also include useful explanations that teach the test taker about why questions must be answered in a particular way. Practice exams should be repeatedly taken until the test taker feels confident and comfortable with the testing material. Make sure to allow yourself several weeks to study and learn the material. Once you’ve practiced with practice exams and example questions, you will be able to confidently ace the Alabama Police Officer Written Exam.