The Sigma test for OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) candidates is the Sigma Survey for Police Officers (SSPO), the standardized cognitive assessment component of the OACP Certificate required for all OPP applicants. The OPP, as Ontario's provincial police service, requires candidates to successfully complete the OACP Certificate before beginning the OPP-specific application and hiring process.
Test Structure and Skills Measured
The Sigma test evaluates cognitive abilities and written communication skills that research has shown to be predictive of success in police training and job performance. For OPP candidates, the test measures ability to write clear incident reports, apply sound judgment in police scenarios, and demonstrate the cognitive capabilities necessary for effective law enforcement work.
The test structure consists of 74 questions to be completed in 35 minutes. Section A focuses on incident report writing with 44 questions on spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation. These skills are critical because OPP officers must produce accurate, professional documentation. Section B focuses on police problem-solving with 30 scenario-based questions requiring candidates to analyze situations and identify appropriate responses.
Scoring System and Test Administration
The Sigma test for OPP uses negative marking where incorrect answers result in point deductions. This scoring approach rewards careful analysis and strategic decision-making rather than random guessing. Candidates must develop skills in recognizing when they have sufficient knowledge to attempt a question versus when leaving it blank is the safer choice.
Since the OACP Certificate transitioned to a new online system in January 2020, and implemented new eProctor Canada proctoring in January 2025, all testing is conducted online with webcam supervision. OPP candidates complete the Sigma test in scheduled live-online sessions with invigilator monitoring.
Competitiveness and Preparation Strategy
While the Sigma test does not have a traditional pass/fail threshold, OPP candidates with higher scores are more competitive in subsequent hiring stages. The test results are valid for one year from certificate issuance, and candidates cannot retake the test until 10 months after receiving their certificate. This policy emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation before attempting the examination.
OPP candidates should prepare systematically, focusing on language skills, police problem-solving, time management, and strategic test-taking approaches suited to the negative marking system.
