The OACP exam is the standardized assessment that forms the core of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Constable Selection System. This examination evaluates candidates on cognitive abilities, written communication skills, and personality traits essential for successful police work.
Part B: Cognitive Assessment Structure
The exam structure consists of two main assessments. Part B, the Sigma Survey for Police Officers (SSPO), is a 74-question timed test completed in 35 minutes. Section A contains 44 questions on spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation. Spelling questions present 28 words commonly used in police reports, requiring candidates to identify correct or incorrect spellings. Vocabulary questions test word recognition and contextual usage. Grammar questions assess understanding of sentence structure and proper language conventions.
Section B contains 30 police problem-solving questions presenting realistic law enforcement scenarios. Each scenario is followed by multiple-choice questions requiring candidates to identify the best response or course of action. Scenarios cover patrol situations, approaching disorderly groups, taking witness descriptions, map reading, and various law enforcement activities.
Part C: Personality Assessment
Part C, the Employment Screening Questionnaire (ESQ2), is a 30-question personality assessment with no strict time limit, typically requiring 30-50 minutes. This questionnaire measures propensity for positive and negative workplace behaviors including job satisfaction, reliability, customer service orientation, and safety consciousness.
Both parts are administered online with webcam proctoring. The exam is not strictly pass/fail; results are provided to police services as tools for evaluating candidate suitability.
