California police written test (PELLETB)
Practice the police written test at full length
Two complete practice tests in the format of California’s POST entry-level written test: clarity, spelling, vocabulary and reading, 70 questions on one 2-hour clock. A worked answer for every question.
Agencies set their own passing scores, and POST recommends 42 or above (source). If you need to retest, you wait at least 30 days (source). Practice at full length first.
What’s inside
- Tests
- Two complete practice exams in the PELLETB format, each on one 2-hour clock
- Writing
- 48 questions per test: 16 clarity (fragments, run-ons, unclear references and misplaced modifiers), 16 spelling and 16 vocabulary, in the style of police reports
- Reading
- 22 questions per test on eleven short passages: department orders and policies, statistics, history and scenes from the job
- Feedback
- Your score by question type and by skill, a list of what to practice, and a worked answer for every question
- Checking
- Every misspelled choice was checked against full American and British dictionaries, and every answer was confirmed by an independent check that never saw the answer key.
How it works
- Try the free sampleTwelve questions covering all four types, scored with worked answers.
- Take a full test coldFind out which question types cost you points under time pressure.
- Practice, then retestWork on your weakest skills, then take the second test to see the change.
Start where you are
Not sure yet? Take the free 12-question sample first. It covers all four question types.
Questions
Are these the real test questions?
No. The real test’s questions are confidential. Every question here is original, written to match the format POST describes in its applicant preparation guide, and checked before it was published.
How is the real test set up?
According to POST, the writing part has 15 to 18 questions each on clarity, spelling and vocabulary, and the reading part has 20 to 24 questions. POST allows about 2¼ hours, including instructions. The CLOZE section was removed on January 1, 2025, so these tests don’t include it (source).
How is it scored?
POST converts raw scores to T-scores, where 50 is average. Agencies set their own passing scores, and POST recommends 42 or above. Your practice score is a raw score, so it shows your weak spots but can’t predict your T-score.
How do I get the tests after I pay?
Checkout redirects you straight to your tests. That page is your access link, so bookmark it. You’ll also get a receipt by email, and if you ever lose the link, email us and we’ll send it.
Can I use my phone?
Yes. The tests work on phones, tablets and computers.
Will this guarantee I pass?
No practice test can promise that, and we won’t. What it does is show you, at real pace, which kinds of question cost you points, with a worked answer for each one.
What if it isn’t for me?
Email us within 30 days for a full refund. No questions asked. See the refund policy.