Indiana Police Officer Written Exam Online Preparation and Tips – 2025

Are you considering joining the Indiana (IN) police force? Future Indiana police officers will be required to take a written police officer exam. Each police department in Indiana will have its own prerequisites and requirements, but most of them will administer some version of a police exam. Learn more about the types of Indiana police exams administered to future police officers and the best ways to prepare for them.

What Is the Indiana Police Officer Hiring Process?

Most Indiana police departments will use a similar hiring process. Interested candidates need to first verify their eligibility, followed by applying to their local police department. If you are qualified, the police department may ask you to take a written test. The written test will include questions that help the hiring mangers decide who is most qualified to be a police officer. Those selected to move on in the process may have to take a physical exam and oral interview before being offered a final job offer.

What Is the Indiana Police Officer Written Exam?

A common task required by all police departments is requiring their future employees to complete a police officer written exam. These exams include specific questions designed to gauge a person’s ability to be a competent police officer. Please note that each police department in Indiana will likely have its own testing requirements, so you should always check with them to verify all information. However, most Indiana police departments use one of the following written exams:

• The National Police Officer Selection Test (NPOST)
• National Criminal Justice Officer Selection Inventory (NCJOSI)
• TPS Police Selection Test

Bloomington Police Officer Exam

The Bloomington Police Department often uses the National Police Officer Selection Test, also known as NPOST. The NPOST is the most commonly used exam in the state of Indiana. The Bloomington Police Department often administers the NPOST on the same day as the Physical Agility Test. This means that candidates will be expected to take and pass several exams that will take up the entire day. Testing usually begins at 7:30 a.m. and continues until 3:45 p.m.

The NPOST is developed by Standard and Associates Inc. and includes four individual sections. Candidates will need to complete a mathematics section, a reading comprehension section, a report writing section, and an English grammar section. Candidates will have around one hour and fifteen minutes to finish the entire exam. You are expected to receive at least a 70% on this exam in order to move on in the hiring process.

• Reading Comprehension includes 25 questions with a time limit of 25 minutes. You will read a procedure or policy and respond to questions based on the information found in the passage.
• Mathematics includes 20 questions with a time limit of 20 minutes. You will answer mathematical questions and solve mathematical equations without a calculator.
• Report Writing includes 10 questions with a time limit of 15 minutes. You will read an entire incident report, followed by answering questions using clear and complete sentences.
• English Grammar includes 20 questions with a time limit of 15 minutes. You will choose a word or words that accurately completes a sentence. You may also need to identify any misspelled words.

Lafayette Police Officer Exam

The Lafayette Police Department often uses the TPS Police Selection Test published by the Institute for Public Safety Personnel Inc. Many applicants find this exam difficult to pass, as it covers a wide range of topics. Applicants taking the TPS Police Selection Test will need to accurately answer questions from the seven sections mentioned below:

• Reading Comprehension requires you to read through passages and understand the facts contained within the writing.
• Identifying Information Recollection requires you to remember specific information and tiny details about a person.
• Routine Form Completion requires you to follow instructions and fill out official forms according to the directions.
• Written Grammatical Expression requires you to effectively communicate using correct grammar.
• Written Spelling Expression requires you to effectively communicate using correct spelling.
• Spatial Orientation and Observation requires you to remember the exact locations of objects and use directions to navigate.
• Detail Recollection requires you to remember specific information and tiny details about an event.

Other Indiana Police Officer Written Exams by City or Position

How to Prepare for the Indiana Police Officer Written Exam?

Whether you are asked to take the NCJOSI, NPOST, or TPS exam, it is always a good idea to create a solid preparation plan. If your preparation plan does not include practice exams and example questions, you will not be getting the most out of your time. Practice exams are an excellent way to learn about the various questions you may be asked and how to answer tricky questions. Each of these police exams contain questions and information that you likely aren’t familiar with. Start off by taking advantage of free online resources, such as sample questions, and then work your way towards practice exams. As you prepare with practice exams, you will find yourself feeling more confident about the exam material. On testing day, you should feel 100% confident that you understand the questions you will be asked and know how to answer them. The Indiana police officer hiring process can be rigorous and competitive. Give yourself the best chances of scoring high on the Indiana Police Officer Written Exam by studying and preparing.