How is the Exam Developed?
The NJ CSC always strives to ensure that their exams are developed using content that is specific to the title being tested and that their exams focus on the tasks that are required to be performed by a person currently serving in that capacity. The multi-phase process used by the NJ CSC is known as a job analysis study. This process is widely-used by examination specialists as a fundamental part of any exam’s development to confirm that the content is valid. In short, a job analysis study focuses on what primary tasks are performed, what tasks are performed most frequently and what tasks are the most critical. The end result of the process provides the test developers with the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) that an incumbent Police Sergeant would possess. Collectively, the KSAs are known as core competencies, of which the test is designed to evaluate. This process is also used to guide the test development experts as they select the best format for the exam.
How Do You Prepare for a Sergeant's Video-Based Exam?
Not by watching more TV! The video-based portion of the exam is unique, but it is something that you can adequately prepare for. Video-based exams are not new to law enforcement testing. This delivery method has a history that dates back to at least the “VCR Era” and has been used on both entry-level and promotional exams. For a Sergeant’s test, a video-based scenario typically depicts a situation that a first-line supervisor would face during their shift. The list of potential scenarios that can be used is long. They can be as simple as taking a citizen complaint and as complex as a critical incident response. This is where the tasks, both frequent or critical, are tied in from the job analysis study.
To prepare, anyone taking a video-based exam must start by having an excellent working knowledge of the potential source material. Each video scenario usually contains a series of short videos that are referred to as segments. After each segment appears, candidates are asked questions based on what they observed to determine what is “required” or “not required” and to determine what is “essential” or “not essential.” The questions are often “multi-dimensional” and require the application of statutes, case law, policies and even common sense based on the situation. This is where the core competencies come into play.
Knowing this, anyone who is taking a video-based exam should prepare by first studying the listed source material. The current list is extensive and can quickly become overwhelming. Start early and begin with topics you feel are the most difficult. Study these areas in manageable portions so that you feel a sense of accomplishment after each session. However, everyone is different, so you must be careful and recognize when you have consumed “enough” of the difficult material for the day.
Do not overwhelm yourself or you run the risk of burning out or becoming frustrated. If this occurs, you can easily become distracted and make excuses of why studying can wait. Start by just trying to gain an overall idea or concept. This is not the time to try and learn every detail. Just get a basic understanding. Once you have done this, reward yourself by studying a familiar topic or a topic that interests you. At your next session, begin with the difficult topic again, but now add in the highlighting of key words and phrases. Finally, review the topic again, but also make additional notes as you build on your past success.
The best way to prepare for this type of exam is to not limit your focus. You must have an open mind and solid knowledge of all the potential source material. Let’s use the example of a citizen alleging that your officers improperly stopped, impounded and searched a vehicle. How many areas could be tested? Title 39, case law, Attorney General Guidelines and Title 2C. In other words, all the sources!
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