PSNI Recruitment - Stage 1 - The Initial Selection Test

Mop a top · 18-12-2015 5:00pm

Goonerdee wrote: »

Passed, best score I ever had. Maybe it will be fifth time lucky.

Why did I think you were in last campaign?

Possibly is steamed like rest of the stages.

Goonerdee · 18-12-2015 5:16pm

Mop a top wrote: »

Why did I think you were in last campaign?

Possibly is steamed like rest of the stages.

I got a non progression letter, not holding out much hope for getting any further.

Momc82 · 18-12-2015 7:10pm

I'm early Feb and just scrapped a pass.

PCWannabe · 18-12-2015 7:20pm

Congrats to all those who passed! for all those that didn't get in this time don't be disheartened, it will always be out again. Would definitely recommend buying the verbal reasoning and data interpretation books as they really helped me.

PCWannabe · 18-12-2015 7:21pm

Momc82 wrote: »

I'm early Feb and just scrapped a pass.

I'm Jan. got 53 which was 1 mark lower than previously. Surprised I got through at all. Stopped training the day I did the IST as I was sure I failed.

MrIndecisive · 18-12-2015 7:56pm

Well done everyone who passed all the best for the next stage, it was my first time to apply and I missed out by 1 mark.... Roll on the next campaign....

Queenie34 · 18-12-2015 8:48pm

Passed with my best score also. AC in Jan. Won't be long going in ðŸ˜±

The Rookie · 18-12-2015 9:25pm

Lots of passes today well done everybody. Im gutted for those who havent passed and feel for those who have missed out by 1 mark..ive been there before its terrible. No idea what to expect for the next stage...will just give it my best shot.

PCWannabe · 18-12-2015 9:28pm

Belfast_B2014 wrote: »

Lots of passes today well done everybody. Im gutted for those who havent passed and feel for those who have missed out by 1 mark..ive been there before its terrible. No idea what to expect for the next stage...will just give it my best shot.

I wonder if the scenarios will be the same as previous campaigns. Thankfully I seem to be one of the first to do the assessment so won't have to wait too long to find out.

Homer01 · 18-12-2015 9:35pm

PCWannabe wrote: »

I wonder if the scenarios will be the same as previous campaigns. Thankfully I seem to be one of the first to do the assessment so won't have to wait too long to find out.

That will be one thing that changes constantly. C1 and C2 couldn't have been more different.
Actually looking forward to it this time

PCWannabe · 18-12-2015 9:42pm

Homer01 wrote: »

That will be one thing that changes constantly. C1 and C2 couldn't have been more different.
Actually looking forward to it this time

I really enjoyed it in C1

. It's the thought of doing it I dread but when I'm doing it I enjoy it.

letsdoit2013 · 18-12-2015 10:40pm

Havn't been on here since 2012/2013 but finally passed the IST after my fourth attempt. I'm delighted and congrats to all that have passed!

For the dudes that didn't get it this time don't worry it'll come round again and just remember what's for you won't go by you!

Goonerdee · 18-12-2015 10:53pm

Gee-22 wrote: »

Just got my email.

Failed by 3 marks.

Good luck to all that pass.

Aw Gee, I dont know why but I thought you had got right through to Hotel GV, sorry pal, gutted for you.

shanevendrell · 18-12-2015 11:33pm

55 with an early February date. Buzzing.

coolhand50 · 19-12-2015 2:22am

passed with a very respectable mark this time around.
commiserations to those that missed out. if it is of any use to anyone my tuppence would be not to give up. with me its a case of my scores have gotten progressively better and i feel i put a plan in place before the test and it paid off. C1 failed by 2 marks, C2 passed by 3 marks, C3 passed by between 12-14 marks.
every time ive came out ive thought what could i have done differently and for me (as much as it sounds obvious) it worked!
asnerve racking as it is at the time my marks tell me i did get better at them with more practice. in my first crack at it i couldnt grasp how effin hard it was!
good luck in further campaigns to all the folks that just missed out. hopefully nows my time and if not im there again with you in C4. and to the ones that passed....i will see you in the next round mofos!
(lol im trying to lighten the mood by making it sound like a gameshow!)

KevBo2015 · 19-12-2015 2:40am

Congratulations to everyone who has passed the IST, first rug on the long ladder to entering the doors of GV complete.

For those who didn't get it, remember that feeling you had reading the email. Remember those tears running down your cheek, remember the lump in your throat! Remember the shame, guilt, embarrassment you felt after failing.... and use that memory to push you on in the next attempt. Never out of the fight!

ColourArcade · 28-12-2015 1:30pm

Just letting you guys know I passed also! I'll see you all sometime in February

Homer01 · 17-01-2017 11:02am

Still a few months away but thought this is worth a bump.

blueboat · 17-01-2017 12:52pm

Homer the boards would be a lesser place without you. Honestly mate.

Pecks123 · 17-01-2017 9:09pm

This will be my first time applying when recruitment opens, so trying to prepare for the Initial selection test a bit early as I wouldn't be that sharp with tests lol:( and was wondering from the people who's been there what's the best to revise for it and what yous found the best way to pass.

SneakyBeaky · 17-01-2017 9:20pm

Pecks123 wrote: »

This will be my first time applying when recruitment opens, so trying to prepare for the Initial selection test a bit early as I wouldn't be that sharp with tests lol:( and was wondering from the people who's been there what's the best to revise for it and what yous found the best way to pass.

If you're not a natural test taker I'd recommend mike byrons how to pass civil service tests. It takes you through several psychometric tests similar to the IST and then goes onto test for the civil service fast stream which are way beyond the IST. If you can train to do those questions the IST will be wee buns! Worked wonders for my partner!

It's also has in-tray exercises like the AC for later! A good buy if you ask me!

DonutSquad · 21-09-2017 4:12pm

Given the imminent recruitment drive, I thought we could do with a fresh discussion as to how people are preparing for this, especially with the new online IST format being implemented.

Obviously there are the trusty practice test published by Police Scotland, but does anyone else have any other suggestions?

Personally I'm a fan of the 'IQ test' apps for a quick fix of mobile brain training. Obviously I don't expect the IST's to be anything like this but anything that gets the old think box ticking is a win in my book.

Homer01 · 21-09-2017 4:17pm

Post primary transfer tests in Belfast Telegraph

Sounds daft but worth a look to get the old grey matter going.

blueboat · 21-09-2017 5:17pm

Not directly related to initial selection material but I’m learning a language through Duolingo app. It’s a good way to keep your mind active and as homer said the grey matter working. Instead of looking at Facebook or Instagram I do that instead.

takodah · 21-09-2017 7:32pm

I’m focusing on literacy and basic math/ problem solving. Google spot the spelling mistakes tests (there is loads).
Download a simple math app and practice the mental math. Some of them have times tests which would be good for increasing speed.

I bought a book called police tests by howtobecome.com. It’s good for only one section which is the true false or can’t tell questions.

Just a suggestion. Willing to take on board more

DonutSquad · 21-09-2017 9:03pm

I've always fancied learning a second language and they do say it's one of the best ways of keeping your brain young!
Good shout on the spelling mistakes tests too.
I guess the only real answer is practice practice practice!

KN1231999 · 07-10-2017 10:19pm

Hey all, this will be the my first time applying, it seems the process this year is a big change to previous. Anyone have any advice on best ways to prepare yourself for it? Also im quite young (18) so maybe since im still in education this may help me! absolutely any advise is appreciated

Homer01 · 08-10-2017 9:36am

I would recommend getting your Google on. There's not much you can do about Situational Judgement as that's all you.

However, Verbal Reasoning with True/False/Cannot Say can be practised. It's all about reading the statement and understanding it. Sounds simple until you do it and realise it could be equally True & False & Cannot Say.

There used to be a Data Information part which was awful; be glad it's gone lol

KN1231999 · 08-10-2017 12:20pm

Homer01 wrote: »

I would recommend getting your Google on. There's not much you can do about Situational Judgement as that's all you.

However, Verbal Reasoning with True/False/Cannot Say can be practised. It's all about reading the statement and understanding it. Sounds simple until you do it and realise it could be equally True & False & Cannot Say.

There used to be a Data Information part which was awful; be glad it's gone lol

Thanks Homer! From my knowledge there are only 2 parts in this IST with no numericals involved? Also has there been a lot of people on here who have passed first time or is it rare?

Homer01 · 08-10-2017 12:43pm

KN1231999 wrote: »

Thanks Homer! From my knowledge there are only 2 parts in this IST with no numericals involved? Also has there been a lot of people on here who have passed first time or is it rare?

That's right; just the two parts. Not too sure about how many pass first time. I'm sure loads do, probably the one's that prepare beforehand.

Make no mistake the IST is purely to cut the numbers down. In previous years it would cut the applicants by half.
Although I'm sure quite a few apply and then don't bother to even do the IST.

KN1231999 · 08-10-2017 3:25pm

Homer01 wrote: »

KN1231999 wrote: »

Thanks Homer! From my knowledge there are only 2 parts in this IST with no numericals involved? Also has there been a lot of people on here who have passed first time or is it rare?

That's right; just the two parts. Not too sure about how many pass first time. I'm sure loads do, probably the one's that prepare beforehand.

Make no mistake the IST is purely to cut the numbers down. In previous years it would cut the applicants by half.
Although I'm sure quiet a few apply and then don't bother to even do the IST.

Ah that makes sense, best to start getting ready for the IST now then! Seems like if you don't prepare yourself on answering the questions effeciently and properly you won't get through.

Goonerdee · 03-11-2017 8:46pm

Not long now until this thread is buzzing. I’m feeling nervous this time. The last three times I knew what to expect.

Banterbus28 · 03-11-2017 9:47pm

Seems like they are going down the civil service style of selection. As it's proven to work. Deloitte have ran recruitment campaigns for the Home Civil Service innthe past.

Goonerdee · 04-11-2017 2:38pm

Read on the page that the link is valid for a week, was starting to panic that I’d have to book a day off work just for an online test.

KN1231999 · 04-11-2017 2:52pm

3 weeks util the exam, better start looking at some questions lol.

Goonerdee · 04-11-2017 3:01pm

KN1231999 wrote: »

3 weeks util the exam, better start looking at some questions lol.

Yeah, starting to get real again.

Robocop2k16 · 04-11-2017 4:06pm

How is everyone doing in verbal reasoning practice tests? Some I perform well and others pretty sub/average.

KN1231999 · 04-11-2017 4:54pm

Robocop2k16 wrote: »

How is everyone doing in verbal reasoning practice tests? Some I perform well and others pretty sub/average.

I think its more natural and common sense to remember what job youre applying for and use the most reasonable answer you think is right

Banterbus28 · 04-11-2017 5:00pm

I'd make yourself a little criteria table and tick off what each solution does

Robocop2k16 · 04-11-2017 5:07pm

SJT I am not so worried about. Verbal Reasoning T/F/CT makes me nervous lol. Banter you have passed IST a few times, how do you perform in T/F/CT?

Banterbus28 · 04-11-2017 5:10pm

Ignore all real world knowledge. Take the question literally. If the question says the unicorn population is on the rise and the passage states that then it's true

Goonerdee · 04-11-2017 5:37pm

Ive been scouring the internet for free VRTs and SJTs. Scoring better in the latter at the moment.

KN1231999 · 04-11-2017 5:45pm

Goonerdee wrote: »

Ive been scouring the internet for free VRTs and SJTs. Scoring better in the latter at the moment.

Links?

NiK9 · 04-11-2017 5:54pm

Weird question but what way do yous do the T/F/CT.
Do you read the full passage first and then go to the questions or do you read the questions one at a time and then scan the passage for the answer to that particular question?

NornIron74 · 04-11-2017 7:58pm

NiK9 wrote: »

Weird question but what way do yous do the T/F/CT.
Do you read the full passage first and then go to the questions or do you read the questions one at a time and then scan the passage for the answer to that particular question?

Personally I read the question first and then scan through the passage.

NiK9 · 04-11-2017 8:08pm

NornIron74 wrote: »

NiK9 wrote: »

Weird question but what way do yous do the T/F/CT.
Do you read the full passage first and then go to the questions or do you read the questions one at a time and then scan the passage for the answer to that particular question?

Personally I read the question first and then scan through the passage.

That's what I'm doing too but didn't know if I was just being awkward lol. Im a rather slow reader if I try to read and digest long pargraphs, but I can scan for certain words etc pretty fast, so reading the question and then scanning the paragraph works best for me.

Goonerdee · 04-11-2017 9:08pm

KN1231999 wrote: »

Goonerdee wrote: »

Ive been scouring the internet for free VRTs and SJTs. Scoring better in the latter at the moment.

Links?

Practiceaptitudetests is the one I have used recently. There is only a couple if examples for each type. Some have been rubbish, will see what other good ones I found.

TW2017 · 05-11-2017 9:14pm

verbalreasoningtest.org

GataNegra · 24-11-2017 5:49pm

HI folks, this is my first post. I'm a little confused as ive read that there is no numerical reasoning test now. Can someone please confirm this? I have been super busy with work and have started today, "revising"my 'Math" in preparation. Will take my test on Sunday/ Thanks you in advance.

Banterbus28 · 24-11-2017 5:51pm

Read the guidance. All will be answered.

PSNI Recruitment - Stage 1 - The Initial Selection Test

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