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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Met Police Exam Exam

SJT Scenarios (national sift)

College of Policing

BSQ Statements

College of Policing

6 + 3

CVF Competencies & Values

College of Policing CVF 2024

£0

Application Fee

Metropolitan Police

Unique

London Factor Assessment (Met only)

Careers Met Police

18 yrs

Minimum Age to Join

Metropolitan Police

The Met Police constable assessment is an online, CVF-based selection process. The national sift pairs a 15-scenario Situational Judgement Test (rate four actions each) with an 80-statement Behavioural Styles Questionnaire; both are untimed (about 30 and 20 minutes). The Met also runs the unique London Factor Assessment about policing the capital. There is no application fee, no prior policing knowledge is needed, and scores are reported as a percentile against fellow applicants rather than a fixed pass mark.

Sample Met Police Exam Practice Questions

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1The Metropolitan Police 'National Sift' is the first online assessment stage in police constable recruitment. Which two exercises make it up?

A.A Situational Judgement Test (SJT) and a Behavioural Styles Questionnaire (BSQ)

B.A numerical reasoning test and a verbal reasoning test

C.A medical questionnaire and a fitness self-assessment

D.A written report and a face-to-face panel interview

Explanation: The College of Policing national sift consists of two exercises: a Situational Judgement Test (SJT) and a Behavioural Styles Questionnaire (BSQ). Both reflect the competencies and values relevant to the police constable role and are completed via one invitation link.

2In the police Situational Judgement Test (SJT), what task are you asked to perform for each scenario?

A.Rate the effectiveness of each of the four possible actions presented

B.Write a short essay explaining what you would do

C.Choose only one correct legal answer

D.Rank candidates against each other

Explanation: For each SJT scenario you are given four possible actions and must rate the effectiveness of each one against the Competency and Values Framework. You rate every action independently before moving to the next scenario.

3The London Factor Assessment (LFA) is a stage unique to which police force's recruitment?

A.The Metropolitan Police Service (policing London)

B.Police Scotland

C.The Police Service of Northern Ireland

D.All UK forces use it identically

Explanation: The London Factor Assessment is unique to the Metropolitan Police recruitment process. It presents statements about policing in London and asks candidates to choose the response most like them, gauging suitability for the distinctive demands of policing the capital.

4You are on patrol when an elderly man stops you, visibly distressed, saying he cannot find his way home and is becoming confused. What is the MOST effective action?

A.Calmly reassure him, check for ID or contact details, and arrange to safely return him home or to a place of safety

B.Tell him you are busy and direct him to the nearest bus stop

C.Ask him to come back to the station the next day when you have time

D.Ignore him because welfare matters are not police business

Explanation: Public service and emotional awareness require you to safeguard a vulnerable person. Reassuring him, identifying him, and arranging safe return or a place of safety protects his welfare and reflects the caring, problem-solving approach expected of an officer.

5How many scenarios are presented in the current College of Policing national sift Situational Judgement Test?

A.15 scenarios

B.5 scenarios

C.40 scenarios

D.100 scenarios

Explanation: The College of Policing online assessment candidate guide states the SJT presents 15 scenarios that police constables may face. Each scenario has four actions to rate, and the exercise typically takes about 30 minutes although it is untimed.

6On the SJT effectiveness rating scale, which rating describes an action that will actively make the situation worse?

A.Counterproductive

B.Very effective

C.Fairly effective

D.Neutral and harmless

Explanation: The SJT rating scale runs from 'very effective' down to 'counterproductive'. A counterproductive action is inappropriate and has a negative impact, making the situation worse rather than resolving it.

7The Behavioural Styles Questionnaire (BSQ) asks you to do what with each of its 80 statements?

A.Indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree, reflecting your typical behaviour at work

B.Rate the effectiveness of four policing actions

C.Write a paragraph response to each statement

D.Select the single statement that is factually correct

Explanation: The BSQ explores your typical workplace behaviour and preferences. You are presented with 80 statements and indicate the degree to which you agree or disagree, answering honestly about your actual behaviour at work.

8A member of the public approaches you using vulgar, angry language because she feels the police ignored her earlier report. What is the MOST effective first response?

A.Stay calm, listen actively to understand her concern, and acknowledge her frustration before addressing the issue

B.Warn her she could be arrested for swearing and walk away

C.Match her tone to show you will not be intimidated

D.Tell her to put her complaint in writing and end the conversation

Explanation: Emotional awareness and de-escalation are central CVF behaviours. Staying calm, listening, and acknowledging the person's frustration defuses anger and builds the trust needed to resolve the underlying concern.

9Which framework underpins the competencies and values assessed throughout Met Police constable recruitment?

A.The Competency and Values Framework (CVF)

B.The Highway Code

C.The Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE)

D.The National Curriculum

Explanation: The College of Policing Competency and Values Framework (CVF) sets out the behaviours expected in policing. Initial recruitment assesses candidates against Level 1 of the CVF across the SJT, BSQ, and online assessment exercises.

10For initial police constable recruitment, at which CVF level are the competencies assessed?

A.Level 1 (Practitioner)

B.Level 2 (Supervisor / middle manager)

C.Level 3 (Senior manager / executive)

D.Level 4 (Chief officer)

Explanation: The CVF has three levels, and for initial police recruitment the competencies review criteria are set at Level 1, the practitioner level. Higher levels apply to supervisory and senior roles and are cumulative.

About the Met Police Exam Exam

The Metropolitan Police Constable Recruitment Assessment is the online selection process for joining the Met as a police constable in London. The national sift combines a Situational Judgement Test (SJT) of 15 scenarios — rating four actions each from very effective to counterproductive — and a Behavioural Styles Questionnaire (BSQ) of 80 statements, both built on the College of Policing Competency and Values Framework (CVF). Uniquely, the Met also uses the London Factor Assessment (LFA), presenting statements about policing the capital where candidates choose the response most like them. Successful candidates progress to the online assessment process (competency-based interview, written exercise, briefing exercise) and a face-to-face Met assessment in South London. No prior policing knowledge is required and there is no application fee.

Assessment

Question count not published by the exam provider

Time Limit

National sift untimed (SJT ~30 min, BSQ ~20 min)

Passing Score

Combined SJT and BSQ percentile against a comparison group; must meet the national standard (no fixed pass mark published)

Exam Fee

No application fee (Metropolitan Police Service, using College of Policing online assessments)

Met Police Exam Exam Content Outline

~35%

Situational Judgement Test (SJT)

15 policing scenarios, each with four actions rated from very effective to counterproductive against the CVF

~25%

Competency and Values Framework (CVF)

Six competencies and three values (Courage, Respect and empathy, Public service) assessed at Level 1 for new constables

~25%

Recruitment Process & Logistics

National sift, BSQ, online assessment process (CBI, written, briefing), scoring, resits, and eligibility

~15%

London Factor Assessment

Met-specific statements about policing London; choose the response most like you to gauge fit for the capital

How to Pass the Met Police Exam Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Combined SJT and BSQ percentile against a comparison group; must meet the national standard (no fixed pass mark published)
Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
Time limit: National sift untimed (SJT ~30 min, BSQ ~20 min)
Exam fee: No application fee

Keys to Passing

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
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Met Police Exam Study Tips from Top Performers

1Learn the 2024 CVF: six competencies (emotionally aware, take ownership, collaborate, support and inspire, analyse critically, innovative and open-minded) and three values (Courage; Respect and empathy; Public service).

2For SJT items, rate each of the four actions independently against effectiveness, anchoring on public service, de-escalation, and integrity rather than aggression.

3Treat inaction and escalation as usually counterproductive; the strongest actions safeguard the public, support colleagues, and resolve the issue lawfully.

4For the London Factor, reflect honestly on policing a large, diverse, high-pressure capital and choose the response genuinely most like you.

5Answer the Behavioural Styles Questionnaire honestly; exaggerated or inconsistent responses can be flagged and a genuine profile predicts fit best.

6Prepare for the online assessment process exercises (CBI, written, briefing) using the STAR method, but do not bring pre-prepared notes — this can cause an automatic fail.

7Confirm eligibility (age 18 to join, three years' UK residency) and assessment-day technical requirements before you start.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Metropolitan Police constable recruitment assessment?

It is the online selection process for joining the Met as a police constable. The national sift combines a Situational Judgement Test and a Behavioural Styles Questionnaire, both built on the College of Policing Competency and Values Framework, and the Met also uses the unique London Factor Assessment.

What is the London Factor Assessment?

The London Factor Assessment is unique to the Met. It presents statements about policing in London and asks you to choose the response most like you, gauging how well your attitudes and values fit the distinctive demands of policing the capital.

How many scenarios are in the Situational Judgement Test?

The College of Policing national sift SJT presents 15 scenarios, each with four possible actions. You rate the effectiveness of every action, from very effective to counterproductive, against the Competency and Values Framework.

Do I need prior policing knowledge to pass?

No. The College of Policing states that no prior knowledge of policing or the law is required for the national sift or online assessment exercises. The assessment measures judgement, behaviour, and alignment with the CVF, not technical knowledge.

How much does it cost to apply?

There is no application fee to apply to become a Met police constable. The national sift and online assessment process do not charge candidates, and resits are also free.

How is the national sift scored?

The SJT and BSQ scores are combined and reported as a percentile against a comparison group of police constable applicants. You must meet the national standard; the Met does not publish a single fixed pass mark.

Can I retake the assessment if I am unsuccessful?

Yes. If unsuccessful at the online assessment process, you may resit after three months from the start date of your assessment window, limited to two attempts in any 12-month period, completing all exercises again.

What happens after the online assessment?

Successful candidates progress to the online assessment process (competency-based interview, written exercise, and briefing exercise) and then a face-to-face Met assessment in South London, which includes a values-based interview, medical, and fitness test.