Sign Up for a Workshop

Preparation Workshops are not required, but are designed to assist applicants with taking the written, physical ability test and Oral Board process. The workshops will include an explanation of the hiring process, competitive standards and department opportunities. You will receive a take home study guide on spelling, grammar, report writing, reading comprehension and memory observation.

2008 Workshop Dates:

Saturday Daytime Workshops:

• July 26th, 2008
• August 23rd, 2008
• September 20th, 2008
• October 25th, 2008
• November 15th, 2008
• December 13th, 2008

All saturday workshop times are from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Arrive 15 minutes prior to start.

Evening Workshops:

• July 15, 2008
• August 19th, 2008
• September 25th, 2008
• October 14th, 2008
• November 20th, 2008
• December 17th, 2007

All evening workshop times are from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Arrive 15 minutes prior to start.

To register for a pretest workshop you must contact Recruiting Officer Monique Avery at monique.avery@seattle.gov or call (206) 386-1277. Please leave your full name, mailing address and which workshop date you would like to attend. You will receive a confirmation email with location and directions once you have selected a date.

Ensure you meet the Hiring Standards

Before you begin the application and test preparation process, ensure that you meet minimum hiring standards. Once in Backgrounding, applicants who do not meet the police department's eligibility requirements will be considered less competitive.

Bring Your PHI to the Test

Without bringing your completed Personal History Information (PHI) packets you will not be able to participate in the Civil Service Examination. Both consent to release forms need to be notarized. Make a copy for your records, as these forms will not be returned to you.

Personal History Information Packet
  PDF Doc Word Doc

Preparing for the Written Exam

Prepare well for the written exam, your score will determine your ranking on the Civil Service list. These tests include memorization, English and grammar skills, common sense, problem solving abilities and reading comprehension.

You will have an approximately 2 hour study session prior to the test, for the Memorization portion.  This is a mandatory session; you must arrive on time in order to be admitted into the Civil Service Police Officer Test. Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start time.

The Number of Test Questions on the written is 135; you need 80% to pass.  You can miss up to 27 questions.  You will have 1 hour & 30 minutes to complete this portion.

Preparing for the Physical Ability Test

Develop a physical training regimen a few months before taking the physical ability test.

Detailed information about the physical examination requirements is available on the Washington State Criminal Training Commission website.

Continue a physical training routine during the waiting period, which can be up to a year, to ensure you will remain competitive when entering the academy.

Preparing for the Oral Board

During the Oral Board you will sit across from a panel consisting of two sworn officers and a community member and will be answering scenario based questions. Candidates are often nervous entering Oral Boards, but the following tips can help you confidentally prepare.

Know your answers to key questions

• Be familiar with key aspects of your education, job history, why you want a career in law enforcement and why this agency.
• Be able to clearly and convincingly state your interest in law enforcement.
• Know how you feel about carrying a gun and the possibility of having to take someone’s life in the line of duty.

Research and Prepare

• Research the Department - talk with some law enforcement officers, go on “Ride-a-longs", and take facility tours.
• Attend a Workshop if offered.
• Rehearse your answers and statements out loud
  (it really helps)
• Practice answers out loud while walking alone or driving a car.
• Record answers on audio/video tape (listen), or use a friend to role-play.  PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE . . .
• Know where you’re going, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early, fill the gas tank, and have parking money.
• Get a good night’s sleep.  You will need it.

The Day of the Exam

• Know what Police Officers do, be prepared to answer scenario based questions.
• Be sure to LISTEN to the questions and answer all parts.  What would you DO and WHY, be very thorough and articulate.
• Be willing to ask that questions be repeated or clarified if you don’t understand them.  Only do this sparingly if needed.
• Look sharp.  Dress professionally.  Select a conservative suit of clothing and shined shoes help.
• Minimize jewelry, No strong fragrant cologne or very light, if any, good grooming and clean nails.
• Be aware of any nervous mannerisms you may have while speaking in front of panel members.  They can be very distracting.
• Relate to interviewers in confident, courteous, and respectful fashion.
• Maintain eye contact with the board members.
• Maintain an appropriate volume of speech and inflect your voice when appropriate.