Free UK Police Sift (SJT) Exam Prep
College of Policing National Sift (Police Constable Online Assessment) - Situational Judgement Test
Prepare for the UK Police Sift (SJT) exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.
Quick Facts
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UK UK Civil Service Assessments License: Complete Roadmap
Follow this path to organize your licensing and exam preparation
Phase 1: Understand the SiftYou are here
Learn how the national sift works - the SJT (15 scenarios) and BSQ (80 statements), both untimed, and how they are combined and scored as a percentile.
Phase 2: Master the CVF
Study the six competencies and three values at level 1 and learn to recognise which behaviours each scenario action demonstrates.
Phase 3: Rating-Scale Practice
Drill rating actions across the full scale from counterproductive to very effective, focusing on proportionality, empathy and public service.
Phase 4: Scenario Decision-Making
Work through SJT scenarios on de-escalation, vulnerability, ethics, collaboration and prioritisation, considering consequences and who is affected.
Phase 5: BSQ & Honest Self-Profiling
Practise responding consistently and honestly to behavioural statements and most-like-you ranking tasks.
Phase 6: Mixed Review
Complete mixed practice across all topics, review missed items, and confirm sift logistics, resit rules and reasonable adjustments.
Can You Take the UK Police Sift (SJT) Exam?
Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements
- •Right to work in the UK and meet residency requirements for vetting.
- •Meet the recruiting force's nationality, tattoo, and conduct criteria.
- •Pass a fitness test and medical assessment at later stages.
- •Pass the competency-based interview after a successful sift.
UK Police Sift (SJT) Quick Facts
Time to Get Licensed
2-4 weeks for most candidates
From start to license in hand
Exam Provider
College of Policing (assessment platform support provided via Cubiks)
Retake Policy
If unsuccessful you may resit the national sift from three months after your assessment date, and are limited to two attempts in any 12-month period. Both the SJT and BSQ must be completed again.
Total Cost Breakdown
Free UK Police Sift (SJT) Prep Tools
Reported exam pass rate: The College of Policing does not publish a national sift pass-rate percentage; results are benchmarked as a percentile against a comparison group of police constable applicants.. Check the exam sponsor for the latest official figure.
Built Around 15 SJT Scenarios
Practice rating four actions per scenario on the official five-point effectiveness scale used in the national sift.
Aligned to the 2024 CVF
Reflects the updated Competency and Values Framework and Code of Ethics used in policing recruitment for 2026.
No Law Knowledge Needed
The sift tests judgement, behaviours and values - no statutes or procedures to memorise.
Free Access
Use all UK police sift practice resources free of charge.
What You'll Study
10 chapters covering the exam topics in this guide
Introduction & Exam Overview
3 sections
Format, Scoring & Policies
4 sections
CVF Framework & Values
4 sections
CVF Competencies I
3 sections
CVF Competencies II
3 sections
SJT Mechanics
3 sections
SJT Decision Strategy
3 sections
Public-Facing Scenario Themes
3 sections
Team & Ethics Scenario Themes
3 sections
BSQ & Integrated Prep
3 sections
UK Police Sift (SJT) Exam Details
College of Policing National Sift (Police Constable Online Assessment) - Situational Judgement Test
Administered by College of Policing (England & Wales)
Exam Content Breakdown
Based on the official College of Policing (England & Wales) content outline
15 realistic policing scenarios, each with four actions rated on a five-point effectiveness scale (counterproductive, ineffective, slightly effective, effective, very effective) against the CVF competencies.
The six CVF competencies (analyse critically; innovative and open-minded; take ownership; emotionally aware; collaborate; support and inspire) and three values (courage; respect and empathy; public service) at level 1.
80 statements about typical workplace behaviour rated on a seven-point agree/disagree scale, with some most-like-you ranking, measuring fit against CVF competencies and values.
Rating-scale rules, percentile scoring, resit policy, reasonable adjustments, and the Code of Ethics principles underpinning sound judgement in scenarios.
What's Included
10 Chapters
Complete exam coverage
Practice Quizzes
With detailed explanations
Free to Start
No credit card required
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What's Next After the UK Police Sift (SJT)?
After passing the UK Police Sift (SJT), you can pursue these career paths
UK Police Sift (SJT) Exam FAQ
Official College of Policing (England & Wales) Resources
Verify information with these official sources
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Ready to Start Your Free UK Police Sift (SJT) Prep?
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