Written Test -LET Prep 
The written test is tough! It can be compared with the ACT and SAT and some parts are even a bit more 
difficult! Eighty percent of the candidates that take the written test fail! The written test has the following 
types of questions: 
• Reading Comprehension 
• Vocabulary 
• Spelling and Grammar 
• Observation/Memory 
• Deductive Reasoning/Inductive Reasoning 
• Spatial Orientation 
• Math 
• Essay/Incident Report Writing/Written Communication 
• Analytical Ability 
Every law enforcement department is different, although generally there are two basic ways departments 
administer the written test. The first is through an online testing service. The candidate registers online 
to take the test and then will go to a pre-determined location (such as a library) with a proctor, to take 
the written exam on a computer. The candidate can then send their exam score to a participating law 
enforcement agency, to which the candidate is applying. The second is through the law enforcement agency 
itself. The agency the candidate is testing for will post the written test date, and the candidate will respond 
to the agency and take the written test. Most agencies score the written test on site, and the candidate learns 
right there and then if they have a passing score to move forward in the testing process. Every agency also 
differs concerning the passing score. Most agencies require at least a seventy percent to pass the written test 
and move on in the hiring process. Although there are no set rules as to the passing score, some agencies 
require seventy-five or eighty percent to pass the written test, it just depends on the individual agency. 
The written test is tough! There are no shortcuts for studying for it, except to sit down and put the time 
in. The best way to study is take one subject at a time, study one hour a night, and follow up with practice 
tests of the respective subject. List the areas of concern after grading the practice tests and move onto the next 
subject. After all subjects have been studied, go back and spend more time focusing on the areas of concern. 
A reasonable period needed to study for the written test is generally six to twelve months. 
ALISON S. BURKE, DAVID CARTER, BRIAN FEDOREK, TIFFANY MOREY, LORE RUTZ-BURRI, AND SHANELL
SANCHEZ
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