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PSNI Recruitment - Stage 1 - The Initial Selection Test

Shield

This is Stage 1 of the application process to join the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Post your questions, answers, comments, information, advice or experiences here.

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SneakyBeaky

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

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

Post primary transfer tests in Belfast Telegraph

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

blueboat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Banterbus28

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

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

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

Goonerdee

KN1231999 wrote: »

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

Yeah, starting to get real again.

Robocop2k16

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

KN1231999

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

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

Robocop2k16

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

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

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

KN1231999

Goonerdee wrote: »

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

Links?

NiK9

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

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

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

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

verbalreasoningtest.org

GataNegra

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

Read the guidance. All will be answered.