If you want to be a correctional officer for you county, city or state you must pass the correctional officer exam (also known as the civil service test in most states). In order to get a passing score on the corrections officer examination it is a good idea to look over sample questions to the actual test.

There are several websites that you can visit with online practice questions, but we recommend this one because of the vast amount of sample questions included in the study guide.

 About the Correctional Officer Exam

To quite honest with you the correctional officer test is a really cheap way to filter out applicants who won’t make good correctional officers. Many of the questions on the test are common sense questions so read each questions carefully before you make you selection.

The exam is not designed to trick you. In contract it was instituted to locate the best available candidates. The goal of every applicant should be to get a top score on the examination because you are ranked based on your score.

The written correctional officer Exam measures your reading, judgment, observation, and memory skills. (Other requirements may include an interview; medical, fitness, and background checks; and a psychological evaluation.) Get ready by taking online practice tests.

Format Of The Civil Service Exam For Corrections Officers

The layout of the test consist of 8 major test categories. Some of which are as followed…

• Reading Comprehension: Ability to understand written information for later recall and use, including following written directions/instructions and reading and understanding information presented in written form in training and on the job. This section requires reading passages closely related to corrections work, but no knowledge of actual state laws, statues or department jail directives is necessary when answering the questions.

• Problem Solving: Ability to solve problems based on available information. Ability to learn and apply new information on the job. Ability to prioritize and bring about resolution in a timely manner. This section does not require any previous job knowledge or training

• Report Writing: Ability to write sentences with correct spelling, grammar and punctuation. Ability to convey a message in writing in a clear and succinct manner. This section requires answers in a written format based on a sample incident report

• Memory Recognition:
• Incident Report

Exam Tips And Strategies On The Correctional Officer examination

Familiarize Yourself with Instructions and Type of Test Questions:

Carefully read and become familiar with the instructions and the type of test
questions that are described in this informational guide.

You will feel more comfortable during the written test if you are familiar with the instructions and types of questions prior to the actual test administration.

Reading and responding to the example questions that are included in this guide will help you become familiar with the general format of the written test.

Take Care of Your Well-Being before the Written Test:

Be sure to get enough sleep—a good night’s sleep is especially critical the night
before the written test. You should also take steps to increase the quality of your
sleep. Disrupted sleep affects memory, mood, and general well-being. Caffeine in
the evening, or excessive caffeine at any time, may make it more difficult to fall
asleep and will also affect the quality of your sleep. A good diet may also affect
your ability to perform well in the written test. Make sure that you get enough
nutritional foods before the written test.

Manage Your Anxiety

If you feel anxious before or during the written test, take several slow, deep
breaths to relax. Also, be aware that it is normal to be somewhat nervous during a
test even if you are well prepared.

Online Practice Your Reading Skills

Effective reading skills are critical for success on the written test. Your ability to
read and clearly understand the instructions, questions, and/or situations will
impact how well you will do on the written test. Barriers to effective reading
skills include:

• Anxiety – Anxiety may cause you to lose track of what you are reading.
• Daydreaming/Lack of Focus/Preoccupation – Not concentrating on what you read, or being preoccupied with something so that you “tune out” what is read.

• Skimming instead of Reading – Skimming may cause you to miss an important piece of information that could affect the accuracy of your response.

How To Prepare For The Correctional Officer Civil Service Test

Stay Relaxed and Focused on the Test

During the testing session, it is important to stay relaxed and focused on the test.
To perform your best, you need to be positive and confident. Work quickly, but
accurately. You may find it helpful to wear a watch to the testing session this will
help you monitor the time. You should try to complete all questions on the test,
but if you find yourself working a little slowly, do not sacrifice accuracy for
speed.

Read the Instructions/Questions Carefully

Each test component has different instructions. The instructions will clarify any
issues that are specific to the test component you are taking. Be sure that you
understand what to do for each test component. If you have any questions, be
sure to ask them before the test begins.

Know the Time Limits

The test administrator will read aloud the time limit for each test during the
instructions. Make a note of the start time. DO NOT set your watch alarm. It is
important to use the time limits to pace yourself. Occasionally check your testing
progress against the time limit. If you are having difficulty answering a question,
go on to the next question. If you have time left when you get to the end of the
test, you may go back and answer any skipped questions. Finally, do not panic if
others finish before you. Everyone takes tests at different speeds. Stay focused
and complete as many of the questions as you can in the time provided.