100+ Free GPS Prisons Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: GPS Prisons Exam

30-60

Average Questions

Ghana Prisons Service

45-60 min

Test Duration

Ghana Prisons Service

65%

Passing Score Estimate

GPS Recruitment Board

1964

Service Autonomy Year

Ghana Prisons History

5 Domains

Test Coverage

GPS Exam Syllabus

The Ghana Prisons Aptitude Test features 30-60 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 60 minutes. It evaluates English Literacy (20%), Numeracy (20%), Logical Reasoning (20%), Ghana Prisons History & Ranks (20%), and Current Affairs & General Science (20%). It is a critical hurdle for recruitment.

Sample GPS Prisons Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your GPS Prisons exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which of the following is the correct spelling for the term representing the act of repeating an offense or returning to criminal behavior?

A.Recidivism

B.Recidivizm

C.Residivism

D.Reccidivism

Explanation: The correct spelling is 'Recidivism', which comes from the Latin word 'recidivus' (falling back). In correctional terminology, it refers to a convicted criminal's relapse into behavior that leads to re-arrest or re-incarceration. Proper spelling is vital for report writing and official documentation in the security services.

2Choose the correct spelling for the senior correctional rank below a Superintendent of Prisons.

A.Assistant Superintendent

B.Assistent Superintendant

C.Asistant Superintendent

D.Assistant Superintendet

Explanation: The correct spelling is 'Assistant Superintendent'. An Assistant Superintendent of Prisons (ASP) is the entry rank into the senior officer corps of the Ghana Prisons Service. Correct spelling of ranks is critical for administrative communication within uniformed services.

3Complete the sentence with the correct preposition: 'The suspect was accused ________ smuggling contraband into the Nsawam Medium Security Prison.'

A.of

B.for

C.with

D.about

Explanation: The verb 'accused' is idiomatically followed by the preposition 'of' (e.g., 'accused of a crime'). In contrast, a suspect is 'charged with' a crime. Understanding these prepositional nuances is essential for writing accurate correctional and incident reports.

4Identify the synonym for the word 'rehabilitation' as used in a correctional framework.

A.Reformation

B.Incarceration

C.Detention

D.Retribution

Explanation: The word 'reformation' is a direct synonym for 'rehabilitation' in correctional contexts, as both refer to reforming or restoring someone to a constructive state of life. Safe custody and rehabilitation/reformation are the dual core mandates of the Ghana Prisons Service. The other options refer to punishment or confinement.

5Identify the antonym of the word 'vigilant', which is a core duty requirement for correctional officers.

A.Negligent

B.Alert

C.Cautious

D.Attentive

Explanation: The antonym of 'vigilant' (watchful and alert to avoid danger) is 'negligent' (failing to take proper care or pay attention). A correctional officer must remain vigilant at all times to prevent jailbreaks, altercations, or security breaches. Negligence in security operations is a serious offense under the Prisons Service Decree.

6Which of the following sentences exhibits correct subject-verb agreement?

A.The Prisons Service Board meets monthly to review administrative policies.

B.The Prisons Service Board meet monthly to review administrative policies.

C.The Prisons Service Board are meeting monthly to review administrative policies.

D.The Prisons Service Board have met monthly to review administrative policies.

Explanation: In this context, 'The Prisons Service Board' is a singular collective noun acting as a single unit, and therefore requires the singular verb 'meets'. Collective nouns are treated as singular unless the individual members are acting independently. Using singular verbs for collective official bodies is the correct form in formal reports.

7What is the meaning of the term 'amnesty' in a legal and correctional context?

A.An official pardon for people who have been convicted of political or criminal offenses

B.A temporary release of a prisoner on the promise of good behavior

C.The reduction of a prisoner's sentence based on good conduct in custody

D.A process of transferring an inmate to another prison facility for security reasons

Explanation: An 'amnesty' is an official pardon granted by the government or state (in Ghana, by the President under constitutional powers) to a group of individuals, restoring their freedom. It is distinct from parole (temporary release) or remission (sentence reduction). Amnesties are occasionally granted to decongest prisons on national holidays.

8Select the word that is correctly spelled to complete the sentence: 'The warden noticed a minor ________ in the security fence during patrol.'

A.anomaly

B.anomally

C.anomily

D.annomaly

Explanation: The correct spelling is 'anomaly' (meaning something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected). In security, identifying anomalies is a key part of guard duties. Misspelling this term in logbooks can undermine the professionalism of official records.

9Complete the sentence with the correct verb tense: 'By the time the reinforcements arrived, the prison guards ________ already secured the cell block.'

A.had

B.have

C.were

D.would have

Explanation: The past perfect tense ('had secured') is required here because the action of securing the cell block was completed before another past event (the arrival of reinforcements). This structure correctly establishes the sequence of past events in report writing.

10What is the correct spelling of the term used to describe the release of a prisoner temporarily or permanently before the completion of a sentence, on the promise of good behavior?

A.Parole

B.Paroll

C.Payrole

D.Perole

Explanation: The correct spelling is 'Parole'. Originating from the French phrase 'parole d'honneur' (word of honor), it refers to the conditional release of an offender under supervision. Safe custody officers must understand and spell parole procedures correctly in administrative work.

About the GPS Prisons Exam

The Ghana Prisons Service Recruitment Aptitude Test is a key screening stage for candidates applying to join the service. The test assesses general cognitive ability, communication skills, arithmetic capability, logical thinking, and essential knowledge regarding the history, ranks, and structure of the Ghana Prisons Service, along with civics and current events in Ghana.

Questions

45 scored questions

Time Limit

60 minutes

Passing Score

65% or above

Exam Fee

None (free for applicants) (Ghana Prisons Service / Ministry of the Interior)

GPS Prisons Exam Content Outline

20%

English Language and Literacy

Tests spelling correctness, vocabulary, grammar rules, synonyms/antonyms, reading comprehension, and basic report writing structure.

20%

Mathematics and Quantitative Aptitude

Includes arithmetic calculations, fractions, decimals, percentages, numerical sequences, and reasoning word problems.

20%

Logical Reasoning and Situational Judgment

Assesses non-verbal reasoning, pattern completion, logical deductions, and situational judgment scenarios relevant to prison ethics.

20%

Ghana Prisons Service History and Structure

Covers history of colonial prisons, establishment of GPS in 1964, rank structures (DGP, DDGP, Superintendent, Chief Officer), the Prisons Service Decree 1972 (NRCD 46), and key facilities like Nsawam and Ankaful.

20%

Current Affairs, Civics, and General Science

Covers the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, three branches of government, heads of state, history of Ghana's independence, and general science principles.

How to Pass the GPS Prisons Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 65% or above
Exam length: 45 questions
Time limit: 60 minutes
Exam fee: None (free for applicants)

Keys to Passing

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

GPS Prisons Study Tips from Top Performers

1Brush up on basic mathematics including percentage, ratio, and sequence patterns without using a calculator.

2Understand the hierarchical structure of prisons ranks, from Recruit up to Director-General of Prisons.

3Review historical milestones: autonomy gained on January 1, 1964, and the enactment of the Prisons Service Decree 1972 (NRCD 46).

4Read up on national civics, such as the structure of the Ghanaian government, the names of key national leaders, and significant historical dates.

5Practice reading comprehension and spelling checks, which are common sections in the English section.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ghana Prisons Service Recruitment Aptitude Test?

It is a standardized exam designed to assess the general aptitude and cognitive abilities of applicants. It helps ensure candidates possess the basic literacy, numeracy, reasoning, and general knowledge needed for correctional training and duties.

What subjects are covered in the GPS Prisons Test?

The test covers five main areas: English Language & Literacy, Mathematics & Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Ghana Prisons Service History & Structure, and Civics/Current Affairs/General Science.

What is the format of the exam?

It is a multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam administered electronically via the C-SERP portal or at designated exam centers across Ghana.

Are there any official study resources for the GPS exam?

The Ghana Prisons Service does not publish official study guides, but candidates are expected to study standard Senior High School (SHS) level English and Mathematics, stay updated on Ghanaian current affairs, and understand the history of the prisons service.

Who leads the Ghana Prisons Service?

Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie was sworn in as the Director-General of Prisons in March 2025, succeeding Mr. Isaac Kofi Egyir. She is the second female to hold this position after Mrs. Matilda Baffour Awuah.