Prepare for the Written Examination and Physical Agility Test

Written Examination

The written exam is 85 questions and is primarily multiple choice. The test is comprised of five parts:

1. Reading Comprehension---15 questions
2. Vocabulary---15 questions
3. Spelling---20 questions
4. Grammar---15 questions
5. Logical Order/Sequencing---20 questions

You will have two hours to complete the written test. The test is pass/fail and will be scored on site. You will know your test results immediately.

Prepare for the Exam

Download the new police study guide to help prepare you for the next scheduled exam.

Resources

Read test taking tips and other resources to help you prepare for the written exam.

• Test taking tips
• Preparing for an objective exam
• Overcoming test anxiety 

Physical Agility Test

You will be required to pass a five-part physical agility test. The test is pass/fail and you must successfully complete all five sections.

Physical Agility Waiver

You must have a Physical Agility Waiver (PDF) signed by a physician in order to take the physical agility test. Download and print the Physical Agility Waiver form by selecting the link. Be sure to allow your doctor enough time to complete this form. Applicants who fail to bring a completed and signed Physical Agility Waiver with them to the physical agility test will not be allowed to participate in the test.

Learn how to prepare for the Physical Agility Test. (PDF) Before engaging in this process, all participants should consult with a physician.

Test Criteria

Test Breakdown

1. Trigger Squeeze/ Slide Pull - measures hand strength
   Trigger Squeeze is measured in seconds for strong and weak hands (45 seconds per hand with a minimum of 30 squeezes for the strong hand and 20 squeezes for the weak hand). The Slide Pull minimum is five pulls in 20 seconds. Scoring is the same for males and females of all ages.
   
   
2. Sit-up Test -  measures muscular endurance
   The score is the number of bent-leg, military style, sit-ups performed in one minute. Candidates will have their feet/ankles held for support. Hands must be placed behind the candidate's head, without interlocking fingers. If either one or both hands come off the head during testing, the sit-up will not be counted.
   
   
3. Bench Press - measures absolute strength
   One repetition maximum bench press using a Universal Weight System. Candidates will be required to lift a specified percentage of their body weight. Candidates will only be required to lift the minimum weight one time.
   
   
4. 1.5 Mile Run - measures cardiovascular capacity
   Candidates must run 1.5 miles on a flat, paved surface.

How to Prepare for the Physical Agility Test

The following guidelines are presented based on a 12 week period preceding testing. However, before engaging in this process, all participants should consult with a physician. 

1. Preparing for the Muscular Endurance Test
   
   • The progressive routine is to do as many bent-leg sit-ups (hand behind the head with someone holding your feet) as possible in one minute.
     
     • At least three times per week do three sets, (three groups of the number of repetitions you did in one minute).
2. Preparing for the Absolute Strength test
   
   • If you have access to weights, determine the maximum weight that you can bench press at one time. Take 60 percent of that poundage. This will be your training weight.
     
     • You should be able to do eight to 10 repetitions of that training weight.
     • Do three sets of eight to 10 repetitions adding 2 ½ -5 pounds every week.
     • If you do not have access to weights, then the push-up exercise can be used. Determine how many push-ups you can do in one minute. At least three times per week do three sets of the amount you can do in one minute.
3. Preparing for the Cardiovascular Capacity test:
   
   • Below is a gradual schedule that would enable you to perform a maximum effort for the 1.5 mile run. If you can advance the schedule on a weekly basis, then proceed to the next level. If you can do the distance in less time, then that is encouraged. 

Test-Appropriate Clothing

On the day of your test, wear athletic clothing, e.g. a sweatshirt and/or T-shirt and sweatpants and/or shorts, and tennis shoes.
Begin your exercise routine immediately to maximize your opportunity to succeed!

The Baltimore County Police Department is an equal opportunity employer.

Revised September 29, 2011

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