Are you looking for tips and advice for the correction officer test? Do you want sample questions as you near your test date? If your answer is yes, then you’ve landed on the right web page. However you must realize that the correctional officer test is not easy, only those who prepare in advance do well on the exam.
That’s why we recommend downloading a correctional officer exam study guide beforehand. There are many online study guides available online, but we recommend this one because of the vast amount of sample questions you get including answer keys to the actual test.
The cold hard fact is only 30% of those who take the correctional officer exam (also known as jailer/prison guard exam) will pass the written examination. The correctional officer exam in the past was not very hard. In fact, if you were able to read and write you was a shoe in to pass the test.
However the entry level testing process for correctional officers have become tougher because of the vast amount of lawsuits and judgment lapses by knuckle head CO’s whom otherwise wouldn’t have been hired if the testing process were a little harder.
Civil Service Test Format:
The civil service exam for correctional officers were designed to locate qualified applicants who are not only good communicators, but can make sound decisions under pressure.
Usually the test is made up of the following categories:
- Basic Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
- Memory Recognition
- Report Writing
- Judgement & Reasoning
- Grammar/Spelling
How To Prepare For The Correctional Officer Test:
- Research and be sure you understand the duties, functions, and responsibilities of the classification being tested. Your primary information resource for preparing for the written test is the examination bulletin. All examination questions are developed from the knowledge, skills, and abilities stated under the Written Test Scope on the examination bulletin.
- Do not procrastinate. Begin to review and study immediately upon filing. Do not wait until one or two days before the examination is given.
The Day Of The Jailer/Prison Guard Written Test
- Dress accordingly. Dress comfortably and try not to be distracted by environmental factors such as poor heating or air conditioning. You may want to take a jacket or sweater or layer your clothing.
- Wear a watch. Most examinations are timed. If you do not have a watch, station yourself so you can see the wall clock.
- Give yourself plenty of time to get to the test location. Arrive early, and be well rested. Allow enough time for locating the test site, parking, unexpected delays, or heavy traffic.
- Maintain a positive mental outlook. Keep a positive attitude toward the test. You and your feelings about tests have a great deal to do with how you perform on a test. Try to keep calm, cool, and collected. Listen to all instructions carefully. If you are unsure of any instruction, do not hesitate to ask questions.
During The Written Test
- Read carefully, work quickly, and follow instructions. Do not assume you know what is wanted. Read instructions and each question carefully.
- Look for key words. Sometimes there are key words that will help you pick the correct answer. Some of these key words are: best, common, usually, more, most, first, greatest, less, and some. Beware of absolutes: all, always, never, no, every, must, completely, entirely, absolutely, under all circumstances, at all times, and under no condition (these key words usually indicate a “No” answer).
- Pace yourself. Most written tests are scored according to the number of correct answers. If you are having trouble answering a question, skip to the next question. Then go back to address the troublesome question(s).
- Don’t be afraid to guess. There is no penalty for guessing. If you’re not sure of the correct answer, first eliminate the choices you know are wrong. If you don’t answer a question, you will not get credit for it. If you guess correctly, you will get credit.
- Avoid changing your answers. Your first impression is usually correct.
- Finish the test. If you are finished and time is available, do not stop. Review your answer sheet and make sure you have answered all the questions.
Sample Written Test
This portion of the test consists of written sentences. You are to read each
sentence and decide whether it is correct or incorrect. There are no intentional
spelling, punctuation or capitalization errors.
Use the answer key below to record your answer on the answer sheet:
A = The sentence is grammatically correct
B = The sentence is not grammatically correct
1. Hit and run on 82nd and Burnside.
2. The bags of fruit goes to the children.
3. You are required to complete the task.
4. The issues raised in the meeting was about overtime pay.
5. The girls went shopping but left there money at home.
Corrections Officer Results Explained
You will receive a notice with your examination results within two to three weeks from the date the examination was completed. If you are successful in the examination, you have obtained list eligibility. Placement on an employment list does not guarantee job appointment.
The department that examined and established this eligible list may use the list to make hires. An examination does not necessarily mean that there are existing vacancies, but the examination was conducted to establish an eligible list from which hires for future vacancies may be made.