Prison Officer Selection Test (POST)

If your application for a prison officer role is successful you will be sent a link through your e-mail address to complete one of the Prison Officer Selection Tests (POST).

The test is in two parts. A numerical test which is sent to your e-mail address for completion by yourself and if you pass this the you will be invited to a Recruitment Assessment Day (RAD) where you will take the second part of the test which is a language based test.

The tests assess the following essential job-related abilities:

 

The numeracy test

• Numeracy – You will complete a range of numerical and arithmetic tasks such as counting, additions, subtractions, multiplications, divisions, converting standard (12 hour) time into 24 hour clock, extracting information from simple graphs and tables. This is the test that will be sent to your e-mail address for completion. It is important that you complete this yourself and without help as there will be an element of retest at the Recruitment Assessment Day (RAD).

The language test 

• Listening, taking notes and recalling heard information – You will listen to an oral briefing about events in a prison. You will be advised to take notes on rough paper provided. On completion of the briefing you will be asked to write down answers to questions relating to the information you have just heard.
  
• Completing a standard form – You will complete a standard form using written information provided about a prisoner.
  
• Checking information for discrepancies, errors and omissions – You will compare two lists and identify discrepancies and/or omissions on the second list.
  
• Applying rules – You will be presented with two lists; the first shows cells where prisoners belong (sleep) on a prison wing; the second shows where they are currently located on the wing. You will compare the information on these two lists, and apply three rules in order to determine if everyone is present on the wing and who (if anyone) is breaking the rules.
  
• Reading comprehension – You will read text extracted from a standard Prison Service source (e.g. Prison Service Orders, intranet, manuals etc) and then answer questions about the text.
  
• Recalling visual (seen) information from memory – You will be shown a colour photograph of a prison scene for three minutes. The photograph is removed and you will be asked several questions about what you saw. Note taking is not permitted on this exercise.

Do I need to be good at English and maths?

You do not need formal qualifications in English or maths. However, Prison Officers must be able to confidently and competently read, write and calculate basic arithmetical problems. The POST assesses these abilities.

I am not sure if I have all the required job-related abilities. Should I still apply?

Complete the Self-Assessment Test below. This is a shortened (alternative) version of the Prison Officer Selection Test. Your performance on this test will help you decide whether or not to apply to become a prison officer. Complete it on your own, in a quiet place without distractions. You will need a pen and paper to write your answers. The Self-Assessment Test should take you no more than 20 minutes to complete. When you have finished, use the marking guide at the end to score your performance.

Please note: The Self Assessment Test is not part of the application or selection process. It is for your information only.