1.2 Scenario-Based Test (SBT) Logistics & Format
Key Takeaways
- The Scenario-Based Test (SBT) is Stage 1 of the online assessment and checks basic numeracy plus the behaviours expected of a prison officer.
- Official guidance states the SBT takes around 25 to 40 minutes and presents behavioural and numerical scenarios you might face in the role.
- Widely used HMPPS preparation materials describe the behavioural part as a Situational Judgement Test of about 16 questions in up to 20 minutes, choosing the most and least effective actions; Prison and Probation Jobs itself publishes overall SBT timing rather than a fixed public item count.
- The same preparation materials commonly describe the numerical part as about 20 questions in up to 15 minutes, covering simple prison-relevant calculations such as roll counts, money, times, and percentages. Always follow the instructions shown in your live invite.
- High-scoring behavioural responses prioritise safety, decency, de-escalation, professional boundaries, and correct procedure over impulsive or aggressive options.
1.2 Scenario-Based Test (SBT) Logistics & Format
Quick Answer: The Scenario-Based Test (SBT) is Stage 1 of the HMPPS prison-officer online assessment. Prison and Probation Jobs states it presents behavioural and numerical scenarios you might face as a prison officer, takes around 25 to 40 minutes, and checks basic numeracy and the behaviours expected of the role. An official practice SBT is available before you sit the live test.
SBT Logistics, Technical Format & Administration
The Scenario-Based Test (SBT) is completed online after your application is accepted. It is not the Online Assessment Centre. You must pass the SBT before you are invited to the Values-Based Assessment.
Official Structure
Prison and Probation Jobs describes the SBT as one online stage containing behavioural and numerical scenarios. Widely used HMPPS preparation materials commonly describe the two parts as follows (always follow the instructions in your live invite; Prison and Probation Jobs itself publishes overall SBT timing of about 25 to 40 minutes rather than a fixed public item count):
| SBT Component | What it assesses | Published detail |
|---|---|---|
| Behavioural / Situational Judgement | Behaviours expected of a prison officer | Commonly described as up to 20 minutes for about 16 questions; choose the most and least effective actions |
| Numerical | Basic numeracy used in prison work | Commonly described as up to 15 minutes for about 20 questions |
| Overall SBT | Combined filter for Stage 1 | Around 25 to 40 minutes total |
Treat the exact item counts and sub-timings as the best official detail HMPPS has published for the current online stage. Always follow the instructions on your live invitation screen, because HMPPS may update interfaces without republishing every figure.
Response Style for Behavioural Scenarios
For behavioural items you typically:
- Read a realistic custodial scenario.
- Review several possible actions.
- Select the most effective and least effective responses.
Effective answers prioritise safety, decency, calm communication, professional boundaries, and correct procedure. Ineffective answers usually escalate aggression, ignore risk, bargain with privileges, or conceal breaches.
Preparation Rules
- Complete the official practice SBT published by Prison and Probation Jobs; HMPPS states it will not see practice results.
- Use a quiet space and stable internet connection.
- Request any reasonable adjustments before you start if you need them under the Equality Act 2010.
- If you do not pass the online stages, HMPPS guidance and recruitment communications commonly require waiting around six months before reapplying and retaking the online tests.
Core Competencies Evaluated in the SBT
1. Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA)
Identify immediate hazards, evaluate threat levels, and implement safety measures in fast-moving operational settings. Protect personal safety, officer safety, prisoner welfare, and wing security.
2. De-escalation First Protocol
Verbal de-escalation is preferred over physical force whenever it is safe. High-scoring candidates choose calm communication, active listening, clear boundaries, and non-confrontational posture.
3. Procedural Compliance & Duty of Care
Operate within Prison Service Instructions and established safer-custody processes. Report security breaches, record self-harm indicators under ACCT (Assessment, Care in Custody, and Teamwork) protocols, and document contraband discoveries correctly.
4. Professional Boundaries & Anti-Corruption
Identify grooming behaviours, refuse unauthorized favours, and report peer misconduct or policy non-compliance through proper channels.
Strategic Decision-Making Framework: The FAST Model
Use the FAST checklist when rating most/least effective options:
[F] Focus on Safety & Duty of Care
|
[A] Assess Risk Dynamically (DRA)
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[S] Seek Support & Follow Security Protocols
|
[T] Talk First (De-escalation over confrontation)
- F — Focus on Safety & Duty of Care: Does this action protect life, prevent self-harm, and maintain physical security?
- A — Assess Risk Dynamically: Does the response address immediate danger before secondary administrative tasks?
- S — Seek Support & Follow Security Protocols: Does the officer involve colleagues, notify a supervisor, or follow mandatory reporting routes?
- T — Talk First: Is communication calm, direct, professional, and de-escalatory?
In-Depth Worked Examples & Scenario Analysis
Worked Scenario 1: Refusal of Direct Order during Cell Lock-Up
Scenario: It is 18:30 hours and officers are conducting evening lock-up on a 90-prisoner Category B wing. Prisoner Davis stands outside his cell door and refuses to enter. He appears agitated and states loudly, "I'm not locking up until I get to call my solicitor! You officers promised me a legal call this afternoon!" Other prisoners are leaning over landing railings, observing the interaction.
Option Evaluation & Strategic Scoring
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Option A: Immediately draw your baton, issue a final stern command to enter the cell, and call an emergency radio code for immediate physical control. Rating: Least effective / Counter-productive. Analysis: Excessive, unprovoked escalation to force without prior verbal de-escalation. Increases wing tension and violates proportionate force principles.
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Option B: Tell Prisoner Davis that if he locks up now quietly, you will allow him to stay out after lights-out later tonight to make his phone call. Rating: Least effective / Counter-productive. Analysis: Unauthorized privileges break rules, undermine discipline, and compromise professional boundaries.
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Option C: Step slightly aside to maintain a safe distance, adopt an open posture, calmly acknowledge his frustration regarding the phone call, explain clearly that lock-up must complete for safety reasons, and commit to checking the legal call log with the Supervising Officer immediately after lock-up. Rating: Most effective. Analysis: Prioritises wing safety, de-escalates tension, maintains firm authority, and offers a legitimate procedural resolution.
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Option D: Ignore Prisoner Davis, lock all other cells on the landing, and leave him unsupervised on the landing while you complete paperwork in the office. Rating: Least effective / Counter-productive. Analysis: Leaving an agitated prisoner unsecured and unsupervised is a severe security and duty-of-care failure.
Worked Scenario 2: Suspected Contraband Exchange
Scenario: While conducting routine surveillance from the wing office window overlooking the exercise yard, Officer Taylor notices Prisoner Miller quickly slip a small, tightly wrapped parcel into Prisoner Roberts' jacket pocket during a group conversation near the perimeter fence.
Option Evaluation & Strategic Scoring
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Option A: Wait until the exercise yard session ends, then conduct a targeted, respectful search of Prisoner Roberts and his cell in accordance with search protocols, reporting the observation to the wing Senior Officer. Rating: Most effective. Analysis: Preserves intelligence, maintains officer safety, follows search protocols, and ensures appropriate security reporting.
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Option B: Shout out the office window immediately at both prisoners, demanding they hand over the parcel in front of the entire exercise yard. Rating: Ineffective. Analysis: Warns the suspects, allowing them to discard evidence, and risks provoking a wider yard disturbance.
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Option C: Confront Prisoner Miller later in private and offer to forget the incident if he informs you who supplied the package. Rating: Least effective / Counter-productive. Analysis: Violates security regulations, engages in unauthorized deal-making, and fails to document a security breach.
Numerical Side of the SBT
The numerical component is not an abstract IQ test. Practice the calculations officers use daily:
- Roll counts and movements on and off the wing
- Money and prisoner account balances
- Percentages and simple ratios
- 24-hour clock times and durations
- Reading figures from tables
Work accurately under time pressure. Attempt every question you can within the limit; leaving blanks helps no one if there is no penalty for incorrect answers on your live instructions.
What is the primary operational objective of Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA) during a prison scenario in the SBT?
When an agitated prisoner refuses a direct lock-up order over a minor grievance, which approach represents the most effective initial operational response?
In the FAST strategic test-taking framework for the SBT, what does the letter 'S' represent?
If an officer observes a colleague failing to report a suspected contraband item passed between prisoners, what is the mandatory course of action under HMPPS policy?