Master the NCJOSI & NCJOSI2 Test with Strategic Prep Course & Free Practice Test
The National Criminal Justice Officer Selection Inventory (NCJOSI) is your gateway to a rewarding career in law enforcement. This rigorous exam tests both cognitive skills and behavioral traits, making preparation essential for success in competitive roles like police officer or deputy sheriff.
At Prepterminal, we provide expertly crafted study guides, free practice tests, and proven strategies to help you excel. From sharpening deductive reasoning to mastering selective attention, our resources are designed to prepare you for every challenge the NCJOSI presents.
Take the first step toward your law enforcement dream—start preparing today!
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What is NCJOSI?
The National Criminal Justice Officer Selection Inventory (NCJOSI), developed by Industrial/Organizational Solutions, Inc. (IOS, Inc.), is a standardized exam designed to evaluate candidates for positions in law enforcement and criminal justice, such as police officers and deputy sheriffs. The NCJOSI assesses the essential skills, knowledge, and attributes needed for success in these roles.
The exam is divided into two key sections:
- Cognitive Abilities: This section includes 80 multiple-choice questions that test ten critical skills, such as deductive reasoning, problem sensitivity, selective attention, and verbal comprehension. These abilities are essential for performing the foundational tasks of a criminal justice officer.
- Behavioral Attributes: With 120 questions, this section evaluates your attitudes and behavioral characteristics, which are equally important for excelling in high-pressure and service-oriented environments.
Candidates are given 2.5 hours to complete the NCJOSI, making preparation vital for managing time effectively and achieving a competitive score. Widely used by police departments and law enforcement agencies across the United States, the NCJOSI is a crucial step in the hiring process for many entry-level positions.
Success on the NCJOSI demonstrates your readiness to take on the responsibilities of law enforcement, making it a pivotal milestone in your career journey.
Format of the NCJOSI Test
The NCJOSI Test is a key step in the law enforcement hiring process. It evaluates your cognitive and behavioral competencies across two sections, ensuring you have the essential skills and traits for success in criminal justice roles.
Cognitive Abilities Section
This section evaluates your capacity to think critically, solve problems, and process information effectively. It focuses on key skills such as:
Deductive Reasoning
Can you apply general rules to specific situations? This skill helps in analyzing evidence and drawing logical conclusions, vital for decision-making in investigations.
Inductive Reasoning
Spotting patterns and drawing connections from incomplete information is key here. Whether identifying suspects or solving puzzles, this skill is fundamental in law enforcement.
Problem Sensitivity
Your ability to anticipate potential problems and recognize issues before they escalate is assessed. This is essential for diffusing tense situations and preventing crimes.
Selective Attention
How well can you focus under pressure? This skill evaluates your ability to stay alert and maintain focus while filtering out distractions.
Spatial Orientation
Navigating maps, layouts, or environments quickly and accurately is critical in responding to emergencies and planning patrol routes.
Visualization
This assesses your ability to imagine how objects or scenarios change, such as visualizing a crime scene reconstruction or assessing tactical changes.
Verbal Comprehension
Understanding written or spoken information is essential for following instructions and interpreting laws or procedural guidelines.
Verbal Expression
Clear communication is critical in writing reports or giving statements. This skill tests how effectively you can articulate your thoughts.
Information Gathering
Your ability to collect, organize, and analyze information ensures you can make informed decisions during investigations.
Flexibility of Closure
This tests your ability to identify relevant information amidst distractions, a vital skill in high-stakes environments.
Behavioral Attributes Section
This section measures your attitudes, personality traits, and work habits to determine your suitability for law enforcement roles. There are no “correct” or “incorrect” answers, their sole purpose is to determine whether or not you will be a good “fit” for the job.
They are designed to focus on assessing traits such as::
- Anti-Social Behaviors
- Positive Outlook
- Orderliness / Diligence
- Socialization
Candidates are presented with a five-point agreement scale that ranges from “Strongly Agree” to “Strongly Disagree.” The goal is to evaluate how your behavioral characteristics align with those of successful officers in the field.
NCJOSI Police Mastery
Why Choose Our NCJOSI Prep Course?
Succeeding on the NCJOSI Police Exam requires the right tools, focused preparation, and a clear strategy. That’s where we come in! Our prep course is designed to equip you with everything you need to excel:
Comprehensive NCJOSI Study Guides: Master all the critical skills with detailed lessons that cover cognitive abilities and behavioral traits, ensuring you’re ready for every part of the exam.
Targeted Practice Modules: Sharpen your strengths and improve weak areas with focused practice on essential skills like reasoning, spatial orientation, and problem sensitivity.
Realistic Practice Tests: Simulate the NCJOSI experience with timed practice exams and detailed feedback to track your progress and boost your confidence.
Behavioral Section Guidance: Approach the behavioral section effectively with strategies that align your responses with those of successful officers.
Flexible Learning Options: Study anytime, anywhere with mobile-friendly materials and personalized study plans that fit your schedule.
With expert guidance, practical tools, and proven strategies, our course is your key to excelling on the NCJOSI and starting your law enforcement career!
Ready to Transform Your Future?
Take the lead—enroll today and achieve success on your NCJOSI Test!
1 Week
1 Month
3 Months
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions): NCJOSI
The main difference between NCJOSI1 and NCJOSI2 lies in the number of sections and the depth of evaluation. NCJOSI1 tests candidates across 4-5 cognitive and behavioral sections, including 45 cognitive questions and 42 behavioral statements, offering a focused assessment. In contrast, NCJOSI2 evaluates candidates in 10 cognitive and behavioral sections, with 80 cognitive questions and 120 behavioral statements, providing a more comprehensive and detailed measure of skills and traits critical for law enforcement roles.
The NCJOSI is used by numerous law enforcement agencies across the United States to assess candidates for entry-level positions. Some of the agencies utilizing the NCJOSI include:
- Chicago Police Department
- San Antonio Police Department
- Missouri State Highway Patrol
- Anchorage Police Department
- Tulsa Police Department
- Abington Township Police Department
- Wayne Township Police Department
- Ada County Sheriff’s Office
- Greenville Police Department
- Thornton Police Department
- Alaska Police Department
- Rogers Police Department (Arkansas)
- Fort Smith Police Department
- Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office
*Some departments, such as the Chicago Police Department, use the NCJOSI format but label it under a different name, such as the CPOE (Chicago Police Officer Exam). Similarly, many departments adopt the NCJOSI format but rebrand it to fit their own naming conventions. To confirm if a department uses NCJOSI, check whether the exam’s structure and sections align with the NCJOSI framework.
Yes, you can retake the NCJOSI if you fail. Generally, after your first attempt, you can retake the exam immediately without any waiting period. However, if you fail a second time, a 14-day waiting period is required before you can attempt the exam again. It’s important to check with the specific law enforcement agency administering the test, as retake policies may vary.
The pass rate for the NCJOSI is typically 70%, the minimum score required by most police departments. In certain studies evaluating its effectiveness, a pass rate of 88% has been reported, though this often reflects well-prepared candidates in controlled settings. Pass rates and score requirements may vary by agency, making thorough preparation and familiarity with the test format essential for success.
No, the NCJOSI test does not adjust its difficulty based on performance. The difficulty level stays constant, though some sections may feel harder due to the mental effort required for complex reasoning and problem-solving tasks. This is a result of the test’s design, not an adaptive feature.
The best way to prepare for the NCJOSI test is by focusing on improving cognitive skills, understanding the behavioral section, and using targeted practice tests. Candidates who practice with realistic test simulations and targeted exercises see score improvements of up to 60 – 70%, compared to those who rely solely on general study methods.
Our NCJOSI prep course provides comprehensive lessons and practice tests that closely replicate the exam, helping you master the format, build confidence, and significantly enhance your performance.
*Note: NCJOSI, NCJOSI-2, I.O. Solutions and other trademarks are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of the trademark holders are affiliated with PrepTerminal or this website.
