100+ Free NCJOSI Practice Questions
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Choose the correctly spelled word.
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Key Facts: NCJOSI Exam
100
NCJOSI-3 has about 100 multiple-choice items split between a cognitive ability section and a behavioral attributes section
I/O Solutions NCJOSI documentation
~2.5 hrs
Total NCJOSI-3 testing time is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours including both cognitive and behavioral sections
I/O Solutions NCJOSI documentation
2 parts
The NCJOSI is structured in two parts: cognitive ability subtests plus a behavioral attributes / situational judgment section
I/O Solutions
Agency-set
Passing cut scores are set by each hiring municipal or county agency; there is no single national NCJOSI pass mark
I/O Solutions
$0
Most candidates pay no direct exam fee — the NCJOSI is funded by the hiring police agency as part of the selection process
I/O Solutions / agency hiring guides
IACP
Behavioral attributes items align with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Law Enforcement Code of Ethics
IACP Code of Ethics
Different
The NCJOSI (I/O Solutions) is distinct from NPOST (Stanard & Associates); confirm which exam your target agency uses
I/O Solutions / Stanard & Associates
The NCJOSI-3 is I/O Solutions' two-part police officer entrance exam: a cognitive ability section (~70 items covering spelling, vocabulary, reading comprehension, math, grammar, logic, memory, following directions, and map reading) and a behavioral attributes / SJT section (~30 items measuring officer judgment, ethics, dependability, stress tolerance, and bio-data). Total length is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Passing cut scores are set by each hiring agency — there is no single national pass mark. The NCJOSI is distinct from NPOST (a different vendor's police-officer test) and from state POST entry-level exams. Most candidates do not pay a candidate fee — the exam is part of the hiring process.
Sample NCJOSI Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your NCJOSI exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Choose the correctly spelled word.
2Choose the correctly spelled word.
3Which word best completes the sentence? 'The officer had reasonable ______ to stop the vehicle after observing the broken taillight.'
4Which word means 'an official document authorizing the police to make an arrest or conduct a search'?
5Which word means 'to make less severe or intense'?
6Which word completes the sentence best? 'The detective was ______ in collecting evidence at the crime scene.'
7Which word is closest in meaning to 'corroborate'?
8Choose the correctly spelled word.
9Which word best completes the sentence? 'The judge ______ the defendant to seven years in prison.'
10Which word means 'to formally charge with a crime'?
About the NCJOSI Exam
The NCJOSI-3 is I/O Solutions' entry-level police officer selection exam, used by municipal and county law-enforcement agencies (notably Chicago, Cleveland, Minneapolis, and many others). It combines a cognitive ability section (spelling, vocabulary, reading, math, grammar, logic, memory, directions, map reading) with a behavioral attributes section measuring police-officer judgment, integrity, dependability, and stress tolerance. The total exam typically runs 2 to 2.5 hours.
Questions
100 scored questions
Time Limit
~2 to 2.5 hours
Passing Score
Set by each hiring agency (commonly 70-75% on cognitive section)
Exam Fee
No candidate fee for most agencies (I/O Solutions for partner municipal/county police agencies)
NCJOSI Exam Content Outline
Verbal Cognitive Ability
Spelling, vocabulary, sentence completion, grammar, sentence structure, and reading comprehension of police reports and policies.
Quantitative Cognitive Ability
Arithmetic, fractions, ratios, percentages, basic algebra, perimeter, area, and speed-distance-time word problems.
Reasoning Cognitive Ability
Inductive and deductive reasoning, syllogisms, ordering puzzles, and number/letter sequences.
Job-Specific Cognitive Ability
Memorization (text and visual), following multi-step or conditional directions, and map reading with compass bearings and route planning.
Behavioral Attributes / SJT
Officer judgment, ethics scenarios, dependability, stress tolerance, customer service, and bio-data items aligned with the IACP Code of Ethics.
How to Pass the NCJOSI Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Set by each hiring agency (commonly 70-75% on cognitive section)
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: ~2 to 2.5 hours
- Exam fee: No candidate fee for most agencies
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
NCJOSI Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NCJOSI?
The NCJOSI (National Criminal Justice Officer Selection Inventory) is an entry-level police officer selection exam developed by I/O Solutions. It is used by municipal and county law-enforcement agencies across the United States during the hiring process. The current version is NCJOSI-3.
Is NCJOSI different from NPOST?
Yes. NCJOSI is developed and administered by I/O Solutions (Industrial/Organizational Solutions), while NPOST (National Police Officer Selection Test) is published by Stanard & Associates. Both are entry-level police officer exams, but they are produced by different vendors, have different question formats, and are used by different sets of agencies. Confirm which exam your target agency uses before studying.
How long is the NCJOSI and what is on it?
The NCJOSI runs approximately 2 to 2.5 hours and has two main parts: a cognitive ability section (~70 items covering spelling, vocabulary, reading, math, grammar, logic, memory, directions, and map reading) and a behavioral attributes / SJT section (~30 items measuring police-officer judgment and integrity).
How is the NCJOSI scored?
Each hiring agency sets its own passing cut score and uses score banding or numeric thresholds during hiring. Many agencies set the cognitive cut around 70-75%, but this varies. The behavioral attributes section is typically scored as a separate dimension and not always treated as pass/fail.
How much does the NCJOSI cost?
Most candidates do not pay a fee directly for the NCJOSI — it is paid for by the hiring agency. Some agencies charge a small administrative or application fee that may include the exam.
Can I retake the NCJOSI if I fail?
Retake policies are set by each hiring agency. Many agencies allow one retake per hiring cycle, with required waiting periods that range from 30 to 180 days depending on the jurisdiction.
Which agencies use the NCJOSI?
Major users have historically included the Chicago Police Department, Cleveland Civil Service Commission, Minneapolis Police Department, and many other municipal and county law-enforcement agencies. The full client list changes over time — confirm with your target agency's HR or civil service office.
How should I prepare for the behavioral attributes section?
Read the IACP Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and your target agency's duty-to-intervene, duty-to-report, de-escalation, and use-of-force policies. Practice answering scenario questions consistently and honestly — inconsistent or inflated answers create suitability concerns during background investigation.
Are calculators allowed on the NCJOSI math section?
Most NCJOSI administrations do not allow calculators on the math section. Practice arithmetic, percentages, fractions, and speed-distance-time problems by hand. Confirm with your testing site before exam day.