Police Initial Recruitment Test (PIRT)
The PIRT has now been incorporated into the one assessment day to standardise the recruitment process across
all 43 forces in England & Wales. It has also been changed to concentrate on the essential elements which
previously made up the PIRT. The test now only includes the numerical and verbal reasoning elements.
Why is the PIRT necessary?
The PIRT has been designed in a way so that the skills they involve are those used in the job.
The PIRT is carefully designed so that they are fair to all applicants.
Using tests helps to ensure that the right kinds of people with relevant skills are selected to be Police Officers.
It tests the applicant to make decisions quickly, a skill which is put to use every single time you go out on shift.
Unfortunately many people fail the PIRT for many reasons which are unavoidable. Many,
if not all of these reasons can be overcome with some careful planning prior to taking the PIRT.
Common causes for under performance on the PIRT include:
Nervousness
Being unfamiliar with the questions being asked
Pressure of having to work quickly & accurately
Poor test technique
Preparation for the test itself is crucial. The use of practice books such as
those listed at the bottom of this screen are excellent ways in which to prepare for the test.
Some ways to help prepare for the various elements of the PIRT
Verbal Tests
Read books and newspapers. Play word games. Do crosswords and verbal puzzles.
Numerical Tests
Practise doing simple arithmetic without using a calculator. Do number puzzles. Do the scoring when playing games such as darts, card games etc.
