IN State Police exam-day guide
IN State Police · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the same valid photo ID used in your application. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and whether a second ID is required.
Exam admission or confirmation notice
Bring the confirmation email or letter showing date, time, location, and any candidate number. Needs review: confirm whether a printed copy is required or a digital copy is acceptable.
Directions, parking, and entrance information
Save or print the route, parking instructions, and building entrance. Identify a backup route and allow extra time for traffic, construction, and security screening.
Water and a light snack
Bring a closed water bottle and a quiet, easy snack for scheduled breaks. Avoid messy or strong-smelling food. Confirm whether food and drink are allowed in the testing room.
Athletic clothing and shoes if a fitness test is included
Needs review: confirm whether your session includes a physical fitness assessment and whether changing facilities or showers are available. Bring clothes and shoes appropriate for running, calisthenics, or agility work.
Non-smart watch or timing device
Needs review: confirm whether a basic watch is permitted. Do not rely on a phone for timing; smart watches and phones may be prohibited at the desk.
Personal-history and contact information
Bring addresses, dates, and phone numbers only if your notice asks for them for background or application paperwork. Do not bring notes or study materials into the secure testing area.
Transportation and backup plan
Arrange your own vehicle or a ride, confirm the check-in window, and identify a backup driver or transit option. Arriving late can affect admission, so confirm the provider's late-arrival policy.
Sleep and nutrition plan
Set two alarms, plan a normal breakfast, and avoid alcohol, heavy workouts, or new supplements in the final 24 hours. Treat this as part of test preparation, not an afterthought.
Prohibited-items check
Leave weapons, bags, notes, earbuds, smart watches, and other prohibited items at home or secured in your vehicle according to provider rules. Confirm the provider's list before you travel.
Plan the day
Read the confirmation notice end to end. Confirm date, check-in time, address, ID requirements, prohibited items, and whether the session includes a physical fitness test. Contact the recruiting office or testing provider immediately if anything is unclear or inconsistent.
Map the route and a backup route, check traffic and weather, and identify parking and the exact building entrance. Do not assume the test is at the recruiting office or a familiar location.
Gather ID, confirmation notice, any requested paperwork, water, snack, and clothing in one place. Print confirmations if the notice requires it and keep documents in a single folder.
Pack your bag, lay out clothes, charge your phone, and plan to store the phone out of reach during testing. Set two alarms and confirm your ride or parking plan.
Keep review light: skim section directions and question formats rather than cramming. Sleep a full night. Avoid alcohol, exhausting exercise, and unfamiliar supplements.
Eat a normal breakfast and hydrate normally. Arrive early enough to park, use the restroom, and complete check-in without rushing. Follow the provider's recommended arrival window.
Present your ID and confirmation notice at check-in, follow security instructions, and stow all electronics and prohibited items as directed. Ask staff where to wait and what to do if you need a restroom before the test begins.
Listen to all instructions before opening any test section. Read each section's directions, pace yourself by the announced time, and answer every question unless the directions state a scoring penalty for guessing.
Take breaks only when directed. If you have an emergency, raise your hand and follow staff instructions; confirm in advance whether the clock stops for breaks. Do not discuss test content with other candidates.
If a physical fitness assessment follows, warm up as instructed, follow safety rules, and report any injury immediately. Do not attempt an event if you are injured or medically restricted.
Rules to check
Bring and present the required government-issued photo ID. Your name must match your application; if your name has changed, bring supporting documentation and confirm the provider's policy in advance.
Turn off and store all phones, smart watches, earbuds, and other electronic devices as directed. Do not photograph, record, or transmit test content. Confirm the provider's device policy before test day.
Follow every proctor, security, and seating instruction. Do not talk, share materials, or leave your seat without permission. Raise your hand if you need assistance.
Use breaks only at scheduled times. If you have an urgent need, notify staff immediately; confirm with the provider whether testing time stops for breaks or emergencies.
Follow the directions for each section. Unless the provider states otherwise, answer every question because unanswered items cannot earn credit. Confirm scoring, passing standards, and any guessing penalty with the provider.
Do not bring notes, study materials, calculators, or unauthorized food and drink to the desk. Use only materials the provider supplies or explicitly permits.
Report any equipment problem, test irregularity, or safety concern to staff immediately. Do not try to fix equipment or resolve an irregularity yourself.
For any physical fitness component, follow safety instructions, warm up as directed, and disclose injuries or medical restrictions. Do not attempt an event you are not cleared to perform.