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MTA Police Officer Exam Review Guide 2016
MTA Police Officer Exam Review Guide 2016
MTA Police Officer Exam Review Guide 2016
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MTA Police Officer Exam Review Guide 2016

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Learn how to pass the MTA Police Officer Exam. The number of candidates taking the exam has increased dramatically in recent years, reflecting the challenges of the job market. In order to succeed against this increased competition, the candidate must be prepared to tackle the unique question types found on the exam. This book contains the most up to date and accurate information to help you prepare for the MTA Police Officer Exam. Written using lessons learned from the latest exam updates, this manual squarely prepares the reader for all of the exam sub-areas.

LanguageEnglish
PublisherLewis Morris
Release dateDec 1, 2016
ISBN9781540131133
MTA Police Officer Exam Review Guide 2016

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    MTA Police Officer Exam Review Guide 2016 - Lewis Morris

    Acknowledgements

    I would like to acknowledge the hard work and talent of Gabriella Morris who assisted with the editing and cover art for this edition.

    About The Exam

    The MTA Police exam is a very popular test. Due to its popularity, not every candidate who applies is chosen. There is a random process to select which qualified candidates may take the exam and proceed with the hiring process.

    The Exam consists of three parts. The first part, the cognitive abilities section, consists of traditional types of questions one would expect to find on a civil service exam. The second and third parts assess your work history and behavior.

    Each of the three parts are scored separately, then they are combined and weighted to produce a final average. A candidate who fails to meet the minimum passing score for any one of the three sections fails the entire exam. The exam is scaled and approximately 85% of the candidates who sit for the exam will pass.

    Part 1 –Cognitive Section

    The first part of the examination involves multiple-choice questions (A thru D responses) designed to test the following sub areas: reading comprehension; written & oral expression; inductive reasoning; deductive reasoning; information ordering; basic mathematics, and problem sensitivity. The questions on this section are typical of law enforcement exams. Each question has only one correct answer. There is no penalty for guessing wrong, and the candidate should leave no questions blank.

    Part 2 – Work Styles Questionnaire

    This section of the exam tests if an individual possesses certain attitudes and personality traits found to be suitable in a police officer. These questions are similar to career interest exams given by many career planning centers at colleges and trade schools.

    The Work Styles Questionnaire on the exam consists of statements in which candidates are directed to read and determine how they feel the statement describes them. The answers are provided on a 1 thru 5 scale such as: (1) Strongly Disagree, (2) Disagree, (3) Unsure, (4) Agree, and (5) Strongly Agree. This section differs significantly from Part 1 since there are no right or wrong answers. The questions and responses for this section move quickly. The best way to mentally prepare for this type of exam is to begin thinking of yourself as a police officer. Try to view yourself as reliable, steady, courteous, assertive, and morally strong. When answering the questions, try to remain in that frame of mind.

    Part 3 – Life Experience Survey

    This section of the exam consists of multiple choice questions (A thru E choices) which the candidates are directed to select the answer choice that most accurately reports on the candidates’ life experiences. This section is based on evidence that a person’s past behavior is a reliable indicator of his or her future behavior. As with the Work Styles Questionnaire, there is no single right answer. There is a built-in scale to detect deception and penalize a candidate who tries to pick the best response versus the most truthful response.

    The exam is not considered difficult to pass, approximately 85% of the candidates completing the examination will receive a passing score. However, to get hired in such a competitive environment for such a desirable job, the candidate must score very close to 100%.

    It is strongly recommended that you take as many law enforcement exams as possible prior to taking this exam. Practice and experience are your best ally in becoming a MTA Police Officer.

    Written Examination Qualifications

    To qualify to take the written examination a candidate must:

    Be a U.S. citizen;and

    Have a high school diploma or GED;and

    Be at least 19, but not more than 35 years of age,as of the date of the written examination (Candidates who exceed this age requirement but who have a period of active military duty or terminal leave, not exceeding a total of 6 years, shall have these years subtracted from their age.)

    Application Process

    Candidates must apply online to be considered for the MTA Police Officer written examination. Candidates who meet the qualifications will be included in a random selection process to be considered for the written examination. There is no guarantee that any candidate will be selected to take the written examination or considered for any of the other steps in the selection process.

    If selected for the written examination, all candidates’ ages will be reassessed to confirm they meet the eligibility requirements. If a candidate who is randomly selected to take the written examination meets the requirements, he or she will receive instructions with regard to providing the required non-refundable application fee in the amount of $40.00.

    Those who pass the written examination may be invited for additional steps in the process, including a physical fitness test, panel interview, complete background investigation* (felony and some misdemeanor convictions will disqualify candidates), medical examination, psychological evaluation, polygraph, successful completion of the curriculum at the Police Academy, and a probationary period.

    *At the time of investigation, candidates will be required to pay a $75.00 fee for fingerprint screening.

    Passing the written examination or any other step does not guarantee selection for further steps in the process.

    Appointment Qualifications

    To qualify for appointment a candidate who has met all of the above requirements must also:

    Possess a valid driver’s license at the time of the panel interview

    Have a minimum of 60 credits with a 2.0 average from an accredited college at the time of the panel interview;or

    Have 2 years satisfactory, full-time active service as a sworn police officer;or

    Have 2 years active duty U.S. military experience with honorable discharge;and

    Be at least 21 years of age at the date of appointment;and

    Reside in New York State, New Jersey or Connecticut at the date of appointment and continue to maintain residence in New York State, New Jersey or Connecticut for the term of their employment with the MTAPD.

    Test Preparation Strategies

    Beginning your Preparation

    Begin preparing and studying as soon as possible. You want to engage your long-term memory, which can only be done over a period of months.

    Find a regular time in your schedule when you can devote a half an hour or more of quiet study time.

    Set a schedule and stick to it. Discuss your schedule with your family so that everybody understands your need for uninterrupted study time.

    Start practicing your memory skills in everyday life. If you are walking and see a billboard, take 10 seconds to look at it carefully. Then, as you go about your way, try to remember details such as color, names, and dates. If you take public transportation, there are numerous opportunities to practice this method because you have so many different advertisements to view.

    Study without distractions to the best of your ability. Turn off your phone. Inform people close to you that you will be unavailable during that time so that there is no expectation of a returned phone call.

    Be sure you are getting enough sleep. This can greatly affect your concentration and memory skills. Creating a peaceful sleep environment by eliminating lights and sounds, obtaining quality pillows, and limiting nighttime activities can help. You should not eat within an hour or so before bed, and avoid caffeine and chocolate several hours before bed.

    ––––––––

    Limiting or stopping alcohol use entirely will assist you concerning the MTA Police vetting process. Alcohol can seriously affect your memory and concentration abilities in several specific ways. Being intoxicated has been proven to negatively affect abstract thinking skills in people for at least 6 weeks. Alcohol affects sleep by contributing to sleep apnea, and many people who drink only moderately have been shown to sleep poorly. Regular use of alcohol contributes to weight gain and raises blood pressure.

    Motivate yourself. Find a way to be enthusiastic in your preparation. Prove to yourself that you can earn a high score and make the grade. Keep a positive outlook and make it a positive experience.

    Start early. Begin preparing as soon as the exam is announced.

    Avoid last minute cramming. Cramming does not work, but refreshing your memory on the night before the exam does.

    Give yourself enough time to complete each sub area question set in a single seating. This will give you more confidence and provide you with a realistic expectation for the actual exam.

    Develop careful reading habits. You must become an active reader. For example, rephrase each question in your own words to

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