Burkina Faso ENSOG Gendarmerie study guide
Burkina Faso ENSOG Gendarmerie · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The ENSOG Gendarmerie entrance examination is the competitive route into Burkina Faso's national gendarmerie non-commissioned officer training school. It is aimed at young Burkinabè candidates who meet the published age, nationality, education and physical-fitness conditions and who want a career as a gendarme sous-officier. The Burkina Faso ENSOG Gendarmerie study guide has 8 sections and about 2,005 words.
01French Language and Expression
Candidates must master grammar (agreement of gender and number, verb tenses and moods, especially the passé composé vs imparfait distinction and the subjonctif after expressions of doubt or necessity), spelling (accents, homophones such as a/à , ou/où , ce/se , leur/leurs ), vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Expression also covers register: knowing when a formal register is required and when a familiar one is acceptable.
284 words, about 1 min02General Knowledge and Current Affairs
This domain tests a broad, structured awareness of the world: Burkina Faso's institutions (the presidency, the transitional arrangements, the Assemblée législative de transition ), its regions and provinces, its membership in ECOWAS and the African Union, and major international organisations (UN, UNESCO, WHO, ICC). Candidates should also follow national and international current affairs: elections, security developments in the Sahel, economic policy, and major summits.
277 words, about 1 min03Mathematics and Logical Reasoning
Expect arithmetic (percentages, ratios, proportions, averages), basic algebra (linear equations, simple systems), geometry (perimeters, areas, volumes, Pythagoras), unit conversions, and logical reasoning (series, analogies, syllogisms, coding-decoding). Speed and accuracy both matter.
238 words, about 1 min04Civic and Moral Education
This domain covers the Constitution and fundamental rights and duties, the rule of law, the separation of powers, citizenship (rights, obligations, civic participation), moral values (integrity, respect, honesty, responsibility), the fight against corruption, and the specific duties of a gendarme: loyalty, discretion, respect for human dignity, and obedience to lawful orders. Rights versus duties : confusing a right (e.g.
244 words, about 1 min05History and Geography
History covers Burkina Faso from pre-colonial kingdoms (Mossi, Gurunsi) through colonisation, the 1960 independence, the 1983 revolution, and the democratic era, plus major world events (both World Wars, decolonisation, the Cold War). Geography covers Burkina Faso's relief (a plateau), climate (Sahelian and Sudanian zones), hydrography (the Mouhoun, Nakambé, and Comoé basins), population, and regional geography of West Africa.
233 words, about 1 min06Physical Aptitude Tests
Recruitment includes physical tests assessing endurance, speed, strength, and agility: typically a long-distance run, sprints, push-ups, sit-ups, and sometimes an obstacle course or jump. The aim is to verify that the candidate can sustain the physical demands of training and service.
237 words, about 1 min07Medical and Psychological Assessment
The medical examination verifies physical fitness for service: vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, respiratory function, and general condition, with screening for conditions incompatible with the role. The psychological assessment evaluates personality, emotional stability, stress tolerance, and suitability for disciplined, armed service.
230 words, about 1 min08Professional Motivation and Interview
The interview assesses motivation, knowledge of the gendarmerie's mission, understanding of the role's constraints, and communication skills. Candidates should be able to explain why they chose the gendarmerie rather than another force, describe the missions (public security, judicial police, road safety, territorial surveillance), and discuss the demands: discipline, mobility, availability, and risk.
262 words, about 1 min