Preparing for the DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEE Written Test

DO NOT BRING THIS TO THE WRITTEN EXAM
2004 Revision

WHAT IS THE DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEE WRITTEN TEST?

Passing the Deputy Sheriff Trainee written test is your first step to becoming a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff. The test consists of 60 questions designed to measure your reading and writing skills. These basic skills are essential for success in the Sheriff's Academy and on the job as a Deputy Sheriff. Only the candidates who pass will go on to the next step in the selection process. Because no prior peace officer experience is needed for this job, the test has no questions about laws or law enforcement.

PREPARING FOR THE TEST

If you feel that you need some work in your reading and writing, you may want to go to a library or bookstore to obtain one of the books especially written to help people prepare for the civil service examinations. The most helpful books will be those with problems similar to those in the practice section of this booklet. These study books are written for peace officer candidates across the nation. So remember that the sample tests in these books may not closely resemble the specific test used by any particular city or county.

BEFORE THE TEST

Be sure of the date, time, and place the test will be given. Traffic and parking are often unpredictable, so plan to arrive at least a half hour early. Get enough sleep the night before so you will be rested and alert when you take the test. It is normal to be a little nervous about taking the test. In fact, a little nervousness can help you do your best.

TAKING THE TEST

	1.	All of the questions are multiple-choice. This means that there will be a question followed by four or five possible answers. You are to choose the one best answer.
	2.	Read each question carefully, and follow the directions given in the test booklet. Know what the question asks, what the possible answers are, and what you are to do in selecting the best answer.
	3.	Sometimes, more than one of the alternatives will be partly correct. Remember that you are to select the one best answer.
	4.	Don't rush, but pace yourself so that you will be able to attempt all of the questions.
	5.	For each item, quickly eliminate the answers that you know are wrong. Then concentrate on choosing the best answer from those you didn't eliminate.
	6.	If you have trouble with any questions, skip them. You can come back to these after you have completed the rest of the test. This will help you use your time more efficiently. Just make sure you skip the corresponding space on your answer sheet too.
	7.	There is no penalty for guessing wrong answers. Therefore, if you don't know an answer, make a guess.
	8.	If you finish the test before time is called, review your answers. Make sure you have answered all of the items and that you have marked your answer sheet correctly. If you wish to make any changes on your answer sheet, be sure to completely erase your original answer.

WHAT IF YOU DON'T PASS?

If you don't pass the test this time, you can try again in three months. In the meanwhile, build your reading and writing skills. Practice reading, and enlarge your vocabulary by looking up words you don't know. Review basic grammar and writing skills books available at your local library or bookstore, and do the exercises at the end of the chapters. Most community colleges and adult education schools offer courses specifically designed to strengthen your reading and writing skills. If you diligently apply yourself to improving your reading and writing skills in this manner, you have every reason expect to do better the next time you take the test.

SAMPLE ANSWER SHEET

Shown below is an answer sheet which is similar to the one you will use when you take the Deputy Sheriff Trainee written test. At the test site, you will receive specific instructions on how to complete the answer sheet, and you will be provided with a special pencil to use. The answer sheet has two major parts. At the top is the part where you darken the circles that correspond to the letters of your name and the numbers of your social security number. The sample answer sheet shows a name and social security number properly marked. At the bottom of the answer sheet is the part where you darken the circles that correspond to the answers (A, B, C, D, or E) you have chosen for the test questions. The machine that scores your answer sheet "reads" only the circles that you darken on the sheet. Therefore, be sure that you have filled in the circles completely and accurately. Do not make stray pencil marks on your answer sheet or mark outside circles. Carelessly darkened circles or stray pencil marks may cause your answer sheet to be incorrectly scored. You may use the sample answer sheet to mark your answers to the practice test questions in this booklet.

PRACTICE TEST This practice test provides two samples of each type of item that is on the actual test. Try each sample item. Then read the explanations for the correct answers at the end of the practice test. Read these explanations even for items you answered correctly.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:

For each test item the possible answers are indicated by the letters, A, B, C, D, E. Select the one best answer. Then on the ANSWER SHEET, beside the number of that item, completely blacken the space corresponding to the answer you have selected.

Number of visitors to this page is: