The police test in Ontario refers to the standardized assessments candidates must complete as part of the police constable hiring process. The primary test is the OACP Certificate examination, administered by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and required by most police services in the province.
Test Structure and Skills Assessed
The Ontario police test structure includes multiple components. Part A involves document submission and medical verification of hearing and vision standards. Part B is the Sigma Survey for Police Officers (SSPO), a 74-question cognitive assessment completed in 35 minutes. Part C is the Employment Screening Questionnaire (ESQ2), a 30-question personality assessment.
The SSPO tests skills directly relevant to police work in Ontario. Spelling and vocabulary questions assess ability to write clear incident reports. Grammar and punctuation questions evaluate written communication competence. Police problem-solving questions present scenarios officers encounter on Ontario streets, testing judgment and decision-making.
Additional Hiring Components and Test Requirements
Beyond the written test, Ontario police hiring includes physical fitness testing through the PREP (Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police), which assesses pursuit/restraint capabilities and cardiovascular fitness. Background investigations verify character, credit, and employment history. Interviews evaluate communication skills and suitability for police work.
The police test in Ontario costs $250 CAD plus tax and is valid for one year. Candidates cannot retake the test until 10 months after receiving their certificate, making thorough preparation essential before attempting the examination.
