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Free Practice Questions for AZ POST

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Key Facts: AZ POST Exam

70%

Passing score on each CE section

Ariz. Admin. Code R13-4-110

7 days

Retake window for a failed section (one retake)

Ariz. Admin. Code R13-4-110

8

Official content areas (60 testable topics)

Ariz. Admin. Code R13-4-116(E)(1)

672 hours

Minimum basic training curriculum

AZPOST

124

Free practice questions

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The AZPOST Comprehensive Examination (CE) is the written test academy recruits and waiver candidates must pass for Arizona peace officer certification: each section is scored separately with a 70% pass mark, a failed section may be retaken once within 7 days, and the content follows the eight areas in Ariz. Admin. Code R13-4-116 — criminal and constitutional law, patrol procedures, traffic control, crime scene management, community relations, records and reports, and police proficiency skills. AZPOST publishes no item count, time limit, or fee.

Sample AZ POST Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the AZ POST exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 124+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 13-1105, what mental state is required for first-degree murder?
A.Recklessly
B.Negligently
C.Intentionally or knowingly
D.With criminal negligence
Explanation: ARS 13-1105 defines first-degree murder as an act committed intentionally or knowingly. Arizona law requires the highest culpable mental state for this most serious homicide charge, distinguishing it from second-degree murder or manslaughter.
2In Arizona, a Class 3 felony carries a presumptive sentence of how many years for a first offense?
A.2.5 years
B.3.5 years
C.5 years
D.7.5 years
Explanation: Under ARS 13-702, a Class 3 felony carries a presumptive sentence of 3.5 years for a first offense. The sentencing range extends from a mitigated term of 2 years to an aggravated term of 8.75 years.
3Under ARS 13-404, a person may use physical force in self-defense when they reasonably believe it is immediately necessary to protect against another's use of what?
A.Verbal threats only
B.Unlawful physical force
C.Any offensive language
D.Property damage
Explanation: ARS 13-404 permits a person to use physical force when and to the degree they reasonably believe it is immediately necessary to protect themselves against another's use or attempted use of unlawful physical force. Verbal threats alone do not justify physical force.
4Under ARS 13-1001, which of the following best describes the crime of attempt in Arizona?
A.Planning to commit a crime without any overt act
B.Intentionally engaging in conduct that constitutes a substantial step toward commission of a crime
C.Thinking about committing a crime
D.Discussing criminal plans with another person
Explanation: ARS 13-1001 defines criminal attempt as intentionally doing or omitting to do anything that, under the circumstances as the person believes them to be, is a step in a course of conduct planned to culminate in the commission of an offense. A substantial step beyond mere preparation is required.
5Under ARS 13-1805, shoplifting in Arizona involves taking goods from a retail establishment with a value under what amount to be charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor?
A.$500
B.$1,000
C.$2,000
D.$2,500
Explanation: Under ARS 13-1805, shoplifting merchandise valued at less than $1,000 is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor in Arizona. Shoplifting goods valued at $1,000 or more is charged as a felony (Class 6 from $1,000 to under $2,000; Class 5 at $2,000 or more).
6Under ARS 13-1203, assault in Arizona can be committed by which of the following?
A.Only by causing physical injury
B.Only by threatening physical injury
C.Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing physical injury, threatening injury, or touching to insult or provoke
D.Only through the use of a deadly weapon
Explanation: ARS 13-1203 defines assault broadly to include three modes: intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing physical injury; intentionally placing another in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury; or knowingly touching another with intent to injure, insult, or provoke.
7The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Under Arizona law, which of the following is NOT an exception to the warrant requirement?
A.Search incident to arrest
B.Consent search
C.Plain view doctrine
D.Officer's hunch without articulable facts
Explanation: An officer's hunch without articulable facts does not constitute an exception to the warrant requirement. The Fourth Amendment and Arizona courts require reasonable suspicion or probable cause, not mere hunches, for lawful searches and seizures.
8Under the Fifth Amendment and Arizona law, when must Miranda warnings be given to a suspect?
A.At any point during an investigation
B.Only after formal charges are filed
C.When a suspect is in custody and subject to interrogation
D.Only when a suspect requests an attorney
Explanation: Miranda warnings are required when a suspect is both in custody and subject to interrogation. This dual requirement means that voluntary statements made before custody or outside interrogation may still be admissible. Arizona follows federal Miranda standards.
9The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to counsel. In Arizona, at what stage does the right to appointed counsel attach for felony cases?
A.At the time of arrest
B.At the initial appearance or arraignment
C.Only at trial
D.When the suspect is booked into jail
Explanation: The Sixth Amendment right to counsel attaches at the initiation of adversarial judicial proceedings, which in Arizona typically occurs at the initial appearance or arraignment. This is distinct from the Fifth Amendment right to counsel during custodial interrogation.
10Under the Fourteenth Amendment, which standard of review applies to Arizona law enforcement practices that classify individuals based on race?
A.Rational basis review
B.Intermediate scrutiny
C.Strict scrutiny
D.No review is required
Explanation: Strict scrutiny is the highest level of judicial review and applies to government classifications based on race under the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. Law enforcement practices based on racial classifications must serve a compelling government interest and be narrowly tailored.

About the AZ POST Exam

The AZ POST exam is required for peace officer candidates in Arizona. It covers Arizona criminal law under Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) Title 13, constitutional procedures, patrol operations, use of force, and professional standards as mandated by the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST).

Exam sponsor: Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Question count not published by the exam provider

Time Limit

Not published by AZPOST

Passing Score

70% on each Comprehensive Examination section, scored separately (Ariz. Admin. Code R13-4-110)

Exam / Certification Fees

Not published by AZPOST (the examination is administered through the academy or appointing agency; no separate candidate exam fee is published)

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not published by AZPOST. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

Not published

Introduction to Law Enforcement

6 testable topics under Ariz. Admin. Code R13-4-116(E)(1); AZPOST publishes no section weights

Not published

Law and Legal Matters

12 testable topics under Ariz. Admin. Code R13-4-116(E)(1); AZPOST publishes no section weights

Not published

Patrol Procedures

12 testable topics under Ariz. Admin. Code R13-4-116(E)(1); AZPOST publishes no section weights

Not published

Traffic Control

6 testable topics under Ariz. Admin. Code R13-4-116(E)(1); AZPOST publishes no section weights

Not published

Crime Scene Management

10 testable topics under Ariz. Admin. Code R13-4-116(E)(1); AZPOST publishes no section weights

Not published

Community and Police Relations

5 testable topics under Ariz. Admin. Code R13-4-116(E)(1); AZPOST publishes no section weights

Not published

Records and Reports

1 testable topic under Ariz. Admin. Code R13-4-116(E)(1); AZPOST publishes no section weights

Not published

Police Proficiency Skills

8 testable topics under Ariz. Admin. Code R13-4-116(E)(1); AZPOST publishes no section weights

Preparing for the AZ POST Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% on each Comprehensive Examination section, scored separately (Ariz. Admin. Code R13-4-110)
  • Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
  • Time limit: Not published by AZPOST
  • Exam / certification fees: Not published by AZPOST (the examination is administered through the academy or appointing agency; no separate candidate exam fee is published) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 124 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

AZ POST: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) Title 13 covering criminal offenses and classifications
2Study Fourth Amendment search and seizure exceptions as applied in Arizona courts
3Know Arizona use-of-force standards and deadly force justification under state law
4Review Arizona DUI laws under ARS 28-1381 including implied consent provisions
5Practice with timed full-length tests to build exam stamina; AZPOST publishes no time limit, so train to finish each section comfortably

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AZ POST passing score?

Each section of the AZPOST Comprehensive Examination is scored separately and requires 70% to pass (Ariz. Admin. Code R13-4-110). A failed section may be retaken once within 7 days of the original exam date while the candidate is still appointed or enrolled; failing the retake means repeating the full-authority basic training course.

How hard is the Arizona peace officer exam?

The AZ POST exam is considered moderate in difficulty. It requires thorough knowledge of Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) Title 13, constitutional law, and patrol operations. Most candidates who complete academy training pass on their first attempt.

What are the prerequisites for the AZ POST exam?

Completion of an AZPOST-approved basic training academy (672-hour minimum curriculum), 21 years of age at appointment, a high school diploma or GED, U.S. citizenship, no felony conviction, no dishonorable discharge, drug-use standards, and a background investigation under Ariz. Admin. Code R13-4-105. Candidates sit the CE as agency-appointed recruits, community-college open enrollees, or through the agency-initiated waiver process.

How many attempts do I get on the AZ POST exam?

A failed Comprehensive Examination section may be retaken once, within 7 days of the original exam date, while the recruit is still appointed or enrolled. Failing the retake means repeating the full-authority basic training course (R13-4-110, effective September 5, 2025).