Testing

Best Practices for Personnel Testing During the COVID-19 Crisis
As our nation’s public safety agencies work on the front lines to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, Stanard & Associates (S&A) understands that now more than ever, it is critical for departments to keep staffing at appropriate levels. There have been many changes over the last month to our individual routines with social distancing requirements and how we go about everyday tasks. At the department level, this includes how agencies are conducting roll calls, training, and the way in which they administer their new hire and promotional processes. As we assist our client agencies with their testing processes, we wanted to share what we have learned and provide the following guidance and solutions so that your testing processes can remain uninterrupted. Click HERE for more information.

Stanard Testing Flyer

Officers

Police Officer Selection Test (POST)

Are you looking to improve your selection process? Use The National Police Officer Selection Test developed by Stanard & Associates, Inc.! The Police Officer Selection Test (POST) is a valid, cognitive test designed especially for law enforcement positions testing skills that pertain to law enforcement jobs. Each section of the POST contains questions that measure the basic skills critical for success as a police officer. Increase your department's cost effectiveness and productivity by using the POST as your initial selection tool in identifying candidates whose capabilities match your job requirements.

An online version of the National Police Officer Selection Test (POST) candidate Study Guide, as well as an online practice version of the POST itself is available for purchase directly by applicants.  The exam provides candidates with an opportunity to complete a full-length, timed practice version of the same POST exam currently available to agencies though the Association.  The content of the practice exam is 100% unique and contains no overlap with any content of POST versions A, B, C or D.  The practice version of the POST contains detailed feedback for any test item answered incorrectly by the applicant, giving them a better understanding of personal areas of strength, and opportunities for development.  For more information, please CLICK HERE.   

Why use the POST?

  • Inexpensive and effective selection tool
  • Easy to administer
  • Based on extensive research and development
  • Developed in accordance with federal government (EEOC) and professional guidelines
  • Complies with ADA requirements
  • Predicts academy success

  

Dispatcher

National Dispatcher Selection Test (NDST)

As the first point of contact in an emergency, dispatchers play a critical role in keeping the public safe, as well as responding law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel. Selecting the best person for such a demanding position requires more than an interview and background check. It requires a reliable, validated measurement tool that will ensure the person you select possesses the important skills required to perform effectively as a dispatcher.

Stanard & Associates' National Dispatcher Selection Test (NDST) gives call centers the ability to objectively assess a candidate's skill level in five important areas: Reading Comprehension, Listening, Problem Solving, Prioritizing, and Multi-Tasking. And in keeping with Stanard & Associates' commitment to rigorous standards in test development, the NDST is backed by an extensive research and development effort involving input from hundreds of incumbent dispatchers across the country. So you can enjoy the ease of using an off-the-shelf test that targets the areas you need most - those that have been shown to be important to the position of dispatcher.

Increase your communication center's efficiency by using the NDST as your initial screening tool to identify candidates meeting your requirements. The NDST is an inexpensive and efficient selection tool, consisting of questions and content directly related to dispatcher tasks, such as listening to simulated 9-1-1 calls. Backed up by extensive research and development, the NDST is valid, job-related and legally defensible and was developed in accordance with professional, ADA and EEOC Testing Guidelines.

  

Supervisor

National First-Line Supervisor Test and Second-Line Supervisor Test (NFLS and SLST)

Stanard & Associates' National First and Second-Line Supervisor Exams help law enforcement agencies identify promotional candidates who possess the relevant job knowledge to be successful supervisors and managers. The exams assess candidates' knowledge in areas such as management/supervision, major court cases affecting law enforcement, community policing, criminal investigation, and patrol tactics. Both exams are the result of an extensive research and development effort. First, S&A conducted a nationwide job analysis to identify critical first and second-line supervisory duties and responsibilities, as well as the knowledge required to competently perform those duties. Based on the input of over 600 law enforcement professionals nationwide, S&A developed a bank of test questions designed to measure candidates' mastery of key supervisory concepts. Finally, five separate geographically diverse panels of experts, composed of over 50 police chiefs and commanders reviewed the test questions, contributing their invaluable expertise to refine the test questions. The end result is two cost-effective examinations that can easily be integrated into your agency's promotional process. The First-Line Supervisor Test measures critical knowledge areas associated with first-line supervisor positions (e.g., Corporal, Sergeant), while the Second-Line Test measures knowledge areas associated with many second-line supervisor positions (e.g., Lieutenant, Captain).

Exam Features

  • Each exam has 100 questions (multiple-choice and true/false).
  • A candidate study guide is available to provide test takers with a recommended reading list, study tips and sample test questions.
  • An administration guide is available to ensure standardization of the testing process across agencies.
  • All exams will be sent to and scored by S&A.

Promotional Examination Process

  • A Candidate Study Guide is released to all eligible candidates.
  • Candidates are given a minimum of 30 days to study for the promotional exam.
  • The exam is administered.
  • All testing materials (used and unused exams) are sent back to S&A via a traceable carrier for processing.
  • S&A scores completed examinations and provides a report of the results within 5-10 business days.

  

Investigator

National Detective/Investigator Test (NDIT)

The National Detective/Investigator Test (NDIT) is similar to The National First & Second Line Supervisor Tests, but is intended for agencies that are looking to select/assign officers to the rank of Detective or Investigator. The NDIT is a 75-question, content-valid, written exam derived from three textbooks covering the topics of Criminal Investigations, Major Court Cases and Investigative Interviewing.  A study guide will be required for each candidate that will provide a detailed breakdown of the Areas of Measurement (i.e., a listing of the chapters or sections from each book that candidates should study for the exam).  Please note: Candidates will still need to obtain the actual textbooks to prepare for the exam.  A study period of 30 days or more is suggested. All exams will be scored by Stanard & Associates, Inc. and results will be provided to the authorized point of contact overseeing the selection process for the agency.