USA

LAPD Police Officer Written Exam

600 questions

About this exam

The LAPD Police Officer Written Exam is part of the Los Angeles Police Department’s hiring process for entry-level police officer applicants. It helps assess abilities relevant to police work, such as understanding written information, communicating clearly, reasoning through situations, and applying sound judgment. Candidates generally take the assessment after applying and meeting the department’s initial requirements, but the order and stages of selection can change. Check the current LAPD recruitment announcement for who is eligible, how candidates are invited, and what assessments are required for the 2027–2028 cycle.

Preparation should focus on careful reading, clear writing, reasoning, and practical judgment rather than memorizing laws or assuming the test is a police-procedure exam. Job-related material can still help you understand scenarios involving patrol operations and beat safety, radio communication, incident reports, and crime-scene or evidence preservation. The exact format and tested competencies may vary, so use current LAPD guidance as your syllabus. Timed practice can help you work accurately under pressure; review explanations and note why tempting answers are incomplete or unsupported.

How to Prepare for the LAPD Police Officer Written Exam

  1. Review the current LAPD Police Officer recruitment announcement and any linked assessment guidance first; use it to confirm the format, competencies, and selection steps for your application cycle.
  2. Practice reading passages, written communication, reasoning, and situational judgment under timed conditions. For job context, review patrol safety, radio procedures, incident documentation, and basic scene and evidence preservation without treating them as guaranteed test sections.
  3. After each practice set, explain why the correct answer is supported by the information given. Track recurring errors—such as overlooking details, making assumptions, or choosing an unclear response—and revisit those skills before increasing your pace.

FAQ

Who can take the LAPD Police Officer Written Exam?

It is intended for people applying to become LAPD police officers who meet the department’s current minimum requirements and are directed to complete the assessment. Eligibility rules and the sequence of hiring steps can change, so consult the current LAPD recruitment announcement.

What is the format of the LAPD Police Officer Written Exam?

The assessment format and its place in the selection process may vary by hiring cycle. Check the current LAPD applicant instructions for details such as whether the assessment is online or in person, its structure, and any timing information; avoid relying on older test descriptions.

What should I study for the LAPD Police Officer Written Exam?

Prioritize reading comprehension, clear written communication, reasoning, and judgment, while following the competencies named in the current recruitment materials. Familiarity with patrol safety, radio communication, report writing, and scene preservation can provide useful context, but do not assume every topic is a tested section.