PELLET B (POST Entry‐Level Law Enforcement Test Battery)

Are you applying for a position with a law enforcement agency in the State of California? Most agencies including the California Highway Patrol, Oakland Police, and Sacramento Police require candidates to take the PELLET B (POST Entry‐Level Law Enforcement Test Battery). Ensure you know everything there is to know about the California Peace Officer selection process. The first hurdle in this process is the Post PELLET B Test. Learn more about the test structure, access free PELLET B practice test questions, answers, and study guide.

Take a Practice PELLET B Test.

What Is the PELLET B Test?

The PELLET B (POST Entry‐Level Law Enforcement Test Battery) is a standardized test given by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) to measure the skills and abilities of candidates seeking entry-level positions in law enforcement agencies in California. The test is a written exam which consists of 120 questions to be completed within two hours. The exam is made up of three sections: Writing Ability, Reading Ability, and Reasoning Ability.

PELLET B Writing Ability Test

The Writing Ability section evaluates the applicant's ability to communicate effectively in writing, which is a critical skill for law enforcement professionals. This section is broken down into three subtests: Clarity, Spelling, and Vocabulary. Each of these three writing subtests in the PELLETB consists of 18 items.

1. Clarity Subtest: in this subtest you will be presented sentences and required to identify the most accurate and clearly written sentence, focusing on common writing errors like unclear references, misplaced modifiers, sentence fragments, and run-on sentences.
2. Spelling Subtest: in this subtest a sentence is given with one word missing, and you must choose the correctly spelled word out of four options.
3. Vocabulary Subtest: in this subtest you will be given a question in a multiple-choice format, with one word in a sentence underlined, and you must select the most accurate synonym or definition. This subtest includes common words that may be encountered in law enforcement work.

INSIDE TIP: Improving your test score is easily POSSIBLE for the Writing Ability test. The test is made up of common errors that can be learned with practice. No uncommon writing faults are included. To score high in this test, it is advisable to practice in advance with Post PELLET B Test Prep and familiarize yourself with these patterns.

PELLET B Reading Ability Test

The Reading Ability section of the PELLET B Test measures the candidate's ability to read and comprehend written material. The PELLETB assesses reading ability with two subtests; reading comprehension and CLOZE.

1. Reading Comprehension: this subtest is a 28-item reading comprehension test that presents passages ranging from a single paragraph to a page. After reading the selections, you must answer multiple-choice questions about the information contained in the passage. All passages cover common concepts you may encounter on the job and provide necessary information to answer questions.
2. CLOZE Test: this subtest includes 40 items. In this test, you will be given a passage with the first and last sentences complete. Every seventh word between those sentences is systematically deleted, and a dash replaces each deleted letter. You must use contextual clues to determine the missing words, which must be from their own vocabulary as no alternatives or lists are provided. A word is correct if it is syntactically correct and semantically appropriate. It is important to note that in some cases, there may be more than one correct response, and you will receive credit as long as they choose a word that fits the context. REMEMBER there are NO word choices here, the word you chose is entirely up to you. This section is often considered the hardest section of the exam. We suggest spending extra time preparing with this PELLET B CLOZE practice test.

PELLET B Reasoning Ability

The Reasoning Ability section of the PELLET B test evaluates the candidate's critical thinking and problem-solving skills. There are 9 items in the reasoning ability subtest, which follows a standard multiple-choice format. The test presents information in the form of groups or ordered series of facts, numbers, letters, or words. You will analyze the information and use patterns, commonalities, and relationships to answer questions based on the presented information. There are three main question types:

1. Ordering Information: In these questions you will be given a passage that contains information, and you will need to analyze and order its content to answer a question.
2. Grouping Information: In these questions you will be presented with a list of items that share a similarity, and you will need to determine which item is different or does not belong.
3. Pattern Recognition: In these questions you will be presented with a series of numbers, letters, or shapes, and you will need to recognize the pattern and select the option that comes next in the series.

PELLET B Practice Test FREE Questions, Answers, and Explanations

Writing Ability Test

Clarity Question:

Instruction: Choose the sentence that is most clearly written:

1. The event was attended by a number of individuals who were prominent in their respective fields.
2. A significant number of individuals who were prominent in their respective fields attended the event.

Answer: B (A significant number of individuals who were prominent in their respective fields attended the event.)

Explanation: In option B, the sentence is more concise and clearer in its meaning. Option B, uses a vague term "number of individuals" without specifying how many individuals attended the event, while option B specifies that it was a "significant number." Additionally, the placement of the subject at the beginning of the sentence in option B makes it easier to understand the meaning of the sentence.

Spelling Sample Question

1. She was a ____ dancer, with years of training and practice under her belt.

1. virtuoso
2. virtuso
3. virtuosso
4. virtusooh

2. The company's profits were ____ this year compared to last year.

1. significantly higher
2. signifficantly higher
3. significanttly higher
4. signifacantly higher

Reading Ability Test

Instructions: Police officers are required to comprehend and analyze different types of written content. The purpose of this test is to evaluate your ability to understand and interpret written passages effectively. Each passage or paragraph will be followed by questions, and you are expected to choose the statement that best answers the question based solely on the information in the preceding passage. Mark your answer on the provided answer sheet and try not to spend too much time on any individual item.

Reading Comprehension Sample Question

Read the following passage and choose the statement that best answers the question.

The defendant in this case has been accused of embezzling funds from his former employer. The prosecution alleges that the defendant transferred large sums of money from the company's accounts to his personal accounts over a period of several months. The defense argues that the defendant was authorized to transfer the funds and that he did so for legitimate business purposes.

Which of the following statements is most likely to be made by the defense in this case?

1. The defendant has admitted to embezzling funds from his former employer.
2. The prosecution has not provided sufficient evidence to prove that the defendant embezzled funds.
3. The defendant transferred the funds to his personal accounts for personal use.
4. The defendant was authorized to transfer the funds and did so for legitimate business purposes.

CLOZE Reading Test Sample Question

Instruction: This assessment measures your reading proficiency by asking you to supply missing words in sentences and recording your answers on the answer sheet. Each blank line indicates a word that has been omitted, with the number of dashes indicating the number of letters in the missing word. To receive credit for a correct answer, the word must make sense in the context of the passage and have the same number of letters as the dashes indicate. All words meeting these two criteria will be scored as correct.

On the night of June 10th, police were called to the scene of a (1) _ _ _ _ _  in downtown Los Angeles. Upon arrival, they discovered a (2) _ _ _ _ _ victim lying on the sidewalk, bleeding heavily from multiple stab wounds. Witnesses reported seeing a (3) _ _ _ _ _ man fleeing the scene, and a (4) _ _ _ _ _ was later found nearby that is believed to have been used in the attack. The victim was rushed to the hospital, but he succumbed from his injuries the following day.

1. stabbing
2. male
3. tall
4. knife

Reasoning Ability Test

Instruction: In this section, you will be given a set of information such as groups or an ordered series of facts, numbers, letters, or words. As an officer, it is crucial to determine how these pieces of information relate to each other. Your task is to analyze the given information carefully and try to identify how they are connected. Then, select the letter that corresponds to your answer on the answer sheet.

Ordering Information Sample Question

The police are investigating a robbery that occurred at a jewelry store. The following suspects were seen in the vicinity of the store at the time of the robbery:

Suspect A: Seen running away from the store with a backpack
Suspect B: Seen walking towards the store with a crowbar
Suspect C: Seen driving away from the store in a car
Suspect D: Seen trying on jewelry

Which suspect was at the store during the robbery?

1. Suspect A
2. Suspect B
3. Suspect C
4. Suspect D
5. Not enough information

Grouping Information Sample Question

There are six suspects in a robbery case: A, B, C, D, E, and F. The suspects can be divided into two groups based on the following information:

• A, B, and C have brown hair.
• D, E, and F have black hair.

Which of the following could be a correct grouping of the suspects?

1. A, B, D, E
2. A, C, D, F
3. B, C, D, F
4. C, D, E, F

Recognizing Patterns in Information Sample Question

What is the next number in the following sequence?

2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, ____

1. 24
2. 25
3. 28
4. 34

Ensure you are ready on testing day and prepare with this PELLET B Study Guide.

What Happens if You Fail the Post PELLET B Test?

If you fail the PELLET B test, you will need to wait 30 days before retaking it. If you try and retake the test before 30 days your score will be invalid.

How Is the Exam Scored?

Each section of the PELLET B test is scored separately, and the scores are combined to create an overall exam score. You want to aim for a minimum passing score for each section of 42, and the overall passing score should be 150. You are required to receive your score within 30 days of taking the test. Research has shown that the likelihood of a candidate being successful in the academy increases for each point above a 42.

How Do I Interpret my PELLET B Exam Score?

Your test answers will be scanned electronically by POST, and statistical calculations will be conducted to convert your raw score (number of correct answers) into a standardized score known as a "T-score." The T-score places your performance on a distribution curve with an average midpoint of 50 and a standard deviation of 10. A score around 50 is considered "average," while a score below 40 is "below average," and a score above 60 is "above average." The higher you score the more attractive you become as a candidate.

How Long Is My PELLET B Score Good For?

A score on the Post PELLET B Test has no shelf life. You can use a test from a previous department to apply for a position with a new prospective employer. Each department can choose at their own discretion to change the rules.

Is the Post PELLET B Exam Hard?

The difficulty of the PELLET B test varies from candidate to candidate, depending on your level of education, experience, and preparation. The exam is a good predictor of the skills and abilities required for an entry-level law enforcement position, and candidates should expect it to be challenging.

Where Can I Take the PELLET B Test?

The PELLET B test is administered at various testing centers throughout California. At this time the test is ONLY available as a paper and pencil test. Candidates can register for the exam online through the POST website. To find a PELLET B test near me, reach out to law enforcement agencies or basic training academies in your vicinity. The POST Website has a list of POST participating law enforcement agencies that offer the exam. Again, the only way to find PELLETB test dates near me would be to contact your agency of interest DIRECTLY to determine if and when they offer the test.

How Do I Get My Test Results?

You will receive your PELLET B score by mail approximately two to four weeks after taking the exam. You are required to receive the score within 30 days. So if you have not received your score during that time you should reach out to inquire.

Is There an Age Requirement for the PELLET B Exam?

You are required to be at least 20 years old to sit for the Post PELLET B test. To graduate from the police academy in California you need to be at least 21 years old. That being said, there is no maximum age limit.

How Do I Prepare for the PELLET B Test?

Working for the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) has numerous benefits, including job security, competitive pay and benefits, opportunities for career advancement, access to ongoing training and professional development, and the ability to serve and protect your community. Therefore, the application process is quite rigorous. Preparing for the PELLET B test is essential. We recommend the following Practice PELLET B Test and Study Guide as it has hundreds of test questions with detailed answers, a comprehensive PELLET B study guide, targeted practice for CLOZE section, and a bonus Police Psychological Test preparation.

What Is the Hiring Process Like for the California Police Department?

The selection process for law enforcement agencies in California is intensive and highly competitive. The process usually includes the following steps:

1. Application Process

To apply go to California Law Enforcement Job Opportunities site and find the job posting which matches your needs. You will need to fill out your basic personal information including your name, address, and date of birth, as a more extensive personal history information. 

2. PELLET B Written Exam

You will need to pass the POST Entry-level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) that measures reading and writing ability. This test is designed to weed out the weaker candidates. If you do not pass the exam you will not go further in the recruitment process. Be sure to review with a PELLET B Exam Practice Test. 

3. Physical Ability Test

Most law enforcement agencies administer a physical ability test (PAT). As a general guideline, most exams include vertical jumping, sit-ups, push-ups, sprints, and a 1.5-mile run. That being said, each academy has different exact requirements. For information on preparing for agency-specific pre-employment physical ability tests, you can check out the Physical Ability Test FAQ webpage. 

4. Oral Interview

The oral interview will be done by a panel made up of the head of the department, department staff, and/or human resources personnel. It will consist of six categories: 

1. Experience: Your past experience is evaluated based on your achievements in work, school, and other activities, to assess your ability to accept responsibilities and perform assigned tasks. 
2. Problem-solving: These skills are assessed by evaluating your reasoning skills and ability to develop timely and logical responses to various situations and problems. 
3. Communication: Your communication skills are evaluated by assessing your oral skills, including speaking, listening, and non-verbal communication. 
4. Interest and motivation: These skills are evaluated by assessing your interest in and preparedness for the peace officer job, as well as your level of interest, initiative, and goal orientation. 
5. Interpersonal skills: These skills are evaluated based on various factors, including social knowledge and appropriateness, empathy, conflict management skills, and negotiating skills.
6. Community involvement and awareness: This area is assessed by evaluating your experiences and interest in community issues, as well as your ability to serve a diverse community and fill multiple roles.

To prepare for the interview, you should research the department you are applying to. Make sure to dress appropriately, arrive early, remain calm, and be professional.

5. Background Investigation

The peace officer background investigation is a thorough process that involves gathering official documents, contacting various people, and checking every aspect of an applicant's personal history. Expect to complete the following steps:

1. Provide Personal History Statement 
2. Meet with a background investigator for an interview
3. Fingerprinting
4. Polygraph examination

Keep in mind there are few automatic disqualifications, deliberate misstatements or omissions can result in rejection. You will be expected to provide proof of age, education, and employment eligibility.

6. Medical Evaluation

A licensed physician is required to conduct the medical evaluation. The evaluation process starts with completing the Medical History Statement, which includes questions about your medical history. At each point of the hiring process keep in mind that accuracy and completeness are essential as they were during the background investigation. You will be informed of the location, time, and examiner for your medical examination, which CANNOT be completed by your personal physician. This is to ensure authenticity.

7. Psychological Evaluation

The psychological evaluation is required to be conducted by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist who meets POST continuing professional education requirements. The evaluation process will be scheduled by their hiring department with their contracted screening psychologist. It involves completing a personal history questionnaire, written psychological tests, and a clinical interview with the screening psychologist. Our recommended PELLET B Test Prep includes a practice Psychological Evaluation.

As you can see the hiring process is quite complex. We recommend preparing in advance and being as accurate as possible.

Prepare with this PELLET B Practice Exam.

Any other questions about the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery should be sent to testorders@post.ca.gov or call the Test Coordinator Information Line at (916) 227-4888.