Q&A

More Information About Psychological Testing

Q: What is the purpose of a preemployment psychological evaluation?

A: Preemployment psychological evaluations are performed to assess law enforcement applicants’ emotional stability and psychological suitability for the job for which they are applying. In many states, these evaluations are mandated by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commissions (POST), or necessitated by statute or case law. Even in the absence of these requirements, it is increasingly common practice for law enforcement agencies to use preemployment psychological evaluations in the hiring process.

Q: What is the psychologist looking for?

A: Preemployment psychological evaluations typically focus on behaviors and characteristics that research has found are associated with successful performance in the field of law enforcement. This includes emotional stability and relevant personality characteristics such as social competence, adaptability, assertiveness, dependability, attention to safety, integrity/ethics, stress tolerance, decision-making, and avoiding risk-taking behaviors.

Q: Who are the psychologists performing these evaluations?

A: The evaluations are typically performed by licensed psychologists who are familiar with the essential job functions of police and public safety personnel, are culturally competent with job requirements and the working conditions unique to these positions, and have an awareness of the common and unique stressors inherent in public safety work. They are also familiar with the scientific basis for psychological testing, are aware of relevant research in the area of police and public safety personnel, and are knowledgeable about legal and ethical issues relevant to these specialized evaluations. Psychologists that perform these evaluations are specialists and may be board certified in Police & Public Safety Psychology through the American Board of Police & Public Safety Psychology (ABPP).

Q: How do I prepare for the psychological test?

A: There is nothing that you need to do to study or learn for the evaluation. You just need to be yourself. But there are some things that you can do to prepare. For example, be ready to answer questions about yourself and your history. Get a good night’s sleep and have a meal before the evaluation. The testing and interview can take a long time and you want to be at your best. Be honest. Generally, attempts at dishonesty are discovered in the background investigation and polygraph, and you will most likely be disqualified if you are found to be dishonest.

Q: What can I expect on the day of my examination?

A: The exact content of and procedures for preemployment evaluations vary from agency to agency, but typically consist of two main components: 1) standardized psychological tests and questionnaires, and 2) an interview with a psychologist. During the interview, the psychologist may ask a range of questions about your background, such as your work history, school achievements, legal history, and aspects of your emotions and behaviors. It is important that you accurately provide this information to the psychologist. Omissions or misrepresentations during the psychological examination can be grounds for rejection.

Q: Why can’t I find out the names of the psychological tests I will be taking?

A: This is often considered confidential information to insure that the security and integrity of the tests are not compromised.

Q: How long do the evaluations take?

A: Written testing may take several hours, and the interview may be 30-60 minutes or greater in length. The evaluation may be completed at the end of the interview, but the psychologist may ask for additional medical information if pertinent to your evaluation for the position.

Q: I have had therapy and/or taken medication for mental health concerns in the past. Will this be a problem?

A: Your mental health history is a topic you can expect the psychologist to review. It is your right to decide to release your mental health history and records, or to keep this information confidential. However, there are several issues for you to consider in making this decision. First, a history of mental health treatment is not an automatic disqualifier. Each case is looked at individually and having a mental health disorder or a history of a mental health disorder is not grounds for automatic rejection of an applicant. The role of the psychologist is to determine whether or not an applicant is psychologically capable of performing the essential functions of the job at this time. Second, it is important to be honest in what you do report about your medical history as falsification or withholding information will likely result in disqualification. Finally, you should know that the psychologist may not be able to complete your evaluation if you do not provide the requested information, which can result in the agency discontinuing your application.

Q: Can I get the written test results or the overall evaluation results?

A: This may depend on the laws in your state governing psychological records. In general, the preemployment evaluation is not conducted for the purpose of healthcare and you are not the psychologist’s patient; instead the evaluation is being conducted at the request of the hiring agency in order to determine your suitability for the job. While you are the subject of the evaluation, the psychologist is working for the agency and it is the agency that owns the findings of the evaluation. In many states, and in the federal system, it is up to the hiring agency to determine whether or not the content of the psychological evaluation will be shared with the candidate.

Q: Does the psychologist decide whether or not I am hired?

A: No, agencies will use the psychological evaluation as one component of the hiring process. It is the agency and not the psychologist which makes the hiring decision.

Q: The agency said I did not do well on the evaluation; what can I do to improve?

A: It can be difficult to find out why you were not recommended as agencies typically do not release the psychological evaluation results. It would also be considered inappropriate for the examining psychologist to “coach” you to help you improve. Most agencies will reconsider your application at a later hiring process in the future, and your evaluation may improve with time. Remember, everyone can change and mature. It may take time and effort on your part.

Q: Can I talk to the doctor to find out why I was not recommended?

A: Depending on the laws in your state, the psychologist may not disclose the results of the tests and interview directly to the applicant. The psychologist is working for the agency and the agency is the primary client in this situation. Your best bet is to contact the agency if you have any questions about the psychological evaluation.

Q: Can I appeal or get a second opinion if I am not recommended by the psychologist for a police job?

A: This varies depending on the state laws and the policies of the specific department. Some agencies do not allow appeals, while others have formal processes by which a candidate who was not recommended can appeal or submit their own psychological evaluation for consideration. It is best to contact the specific agency to ask about any appeal or second opinion process that might be available.

Q: If it’s allowed, who should I get a second opinion from?

A: Psychological evaluations for public safety positions are highly specialized evaluations that require training over and above the training most psychologists generally receive. It is best to get a second opinion psychological evaluation from a psychologist with specialized training in Police and Public Safety Psychology. In some states, the state psychological associations and/or boards of psychologist examiners will list mental health providers’ areas of specialization. Another resource would be to find a psychologist with a certification in Police and Public Safety Psychology from the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). It is the agency that will make the final determination as to whether or not a second opinion from a specific psychologist will be acceptable.

Q: If I do not pass the psychological evaluation, will that prevent me from getting a police job in the future?

A: Not necessarily. The psychological evaluation is a snapshot of your functioning at one point in time. With time, individuals can make changes in their lives and behaviors that can make them an acceptable candidate.