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About this exam

The Victoria Police entrance exam (also called the Victoria Police recruitment assessment) is the selection test used in the recruitment of police officers in Victoria, Australia. It is intended for people who are applying to become police officers and who must show they have the reasoning, literacy, numeracy and interpersonal judgement the role demands. The assessment is generally organised around five areas: verbal reasoning and literacy, numerical reasoning, abstract and logical reasoning, situational judgement and interpersonal skills, and written communication and report writing. Because the role involves writing statements and reports, reading and applying legislation, working with numbers in statements and evidence, and making sound decisions under pressure, each of these areas reflects a practical requirement of the job rather than general academic ability. Preparation usually means practising each question type under time pressure, reading instructions carefully, and reviewing errors so patterns in your reasoning become visible. Beyond the test itself, candidates should confirm current format, scheduling, fees and retake rules directly with Victoria Police, because these administrative details change and are not published in the general public-facing material reviewed here. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Victoria Police. Anyone needing emergency police, fire or ambulance assistance should call Triple Zero (000); non-urgent matters can be reported online or by calling 131 444.

What you'll study

Common questions

About Victoria Police Exam preparation

What does the Victoria Police entrance exam actually test?

It assesses five skill areas: verbal reasoning and literacy, numerical reasoning, abstract and logical reasoning, situational judgement and interpersonal skills, and written communication and report writing. The mix reflects the daily work of a police officer, which involves reading and applying rules, recording numbers accurately, reasoning through problems, and writing clear reports and statements.

How hard is the exam?

The individual questions are not usually designed to be trick questions, but the combination of strict timing and five different skill areas makes it demanding. Most candidates find the timed numerical and abstract reasoning sections toughest, while situational judgement catches people who answer as a member of the public rather than as an officer expected to follow procedure.

Can I retake the exam if I do not pass?

Retake and re-sit rules are administrative details set by Victoria Police and can change, and they are not stated in the public material reviewed here. Check the current careers information or contact Victoria Police recruitment directly before you book, so you know how many attempts you have and any waiting period that applies.

How long is the test and how is it delivered?

Timing and delivery method are set by Victoria Police and were not confirmed in the official material reviewed for this page, so treat any specific figure you see elsewhere with caution and verify it at the source. In practice, expect a timed, supervised sitting, so practise working quickly and accurately rather than relying on untimed accuracy alone.

In what order should I study the five areas?

Start with your weakest area, because scores usually improve fastest where the gap is largest. A workable order is verbal and numerical reasoning first (they respond well to drilling), then abstract reasoning, then written communication, and situational judgement last but with plenty of practice, since it depends on understanding the officer's role rather than memorising rules.

What causes most candidates to fall short?

Common causes are poor time management, rushing word problems without reading the full question, guessing on abstract patterns instead of applying a systematic rule, and answering situational judgement items as a bystander instead of an officer accountable for procedure, fairness and safety. Careless errors in numerical questions cost more marks than genuinely hard ones.

Do I need to be good at maths to pass?

You need confident, accurate arithmetic rather than advanced mathematics: percentages, ratios, averages, rates, and interpreting tables and simple graphs under time pressure. Practise without a calculator if that matches the test conditions, and focus on speed and checking rather than complex techniques.

How should I practise the written communication section?

Write short, factual incident summaries and practise a clear structure: what happened, when and where, who was involved, what action was taken, and what happens next. Keep language plain and objective, avoid speculation and opinion, and use consistent tense. Get feedback on clarity and brevity, since report writing rewards precision over length.

Is this page or my practice provider officially linked to Victoria Police?

No. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Victoria Police. Always confirm format, fees, scheduling, validity and retake rules through official Victoria Police channels, and use practice material only as a supplement to the official guidance you are given as an applicant.

What benefits does the police officer role offer?

The official Victoria Police site states: "A role as a police officer offers real balance, 9 weeks of annual leave, and the chance to make a real difference." Confirm current conditions with Victoria Police, as entitlements can change.