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Quick Links
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for the Norman Police Officer testing?It's easy! Just click HERE to get registered for the upcoming test date.
How can I get an application?After you register for the upcoming testing date, you are given the opportunity to download the City of Norman Employment Application and the Norman Police Department’s Personal History Statement (PHS). You must download both forms and fill them out completely and bring them with you to the written and physical ability test. Also, be sure that you bring all documents that are requested in the PHS document (i.e. official college and high school transcripts, certified or original birth certificate, and Form DD-214, if it applies to you.) These documents must be certified copies or originals, not just Xerox copies. We ask that you provide original or certified transcripts not copies of your diplomas. You may need to request these documents from the school or agency, so do this as soon as possible. At the end of the process, you can request these documents be returned to you.
What do I do if I don’t have my transcripts, birth certificate or Form DD-214 by the day of the testing?Write a statement and place it with your PHS document stating that you have requested these items and will provide them to the City of Norman Human Resources Document upon receipt of the documents from the agency or school you have requested them from. It is in your best interest to request these documents as early as possible, so that you can get them turned in ASAP. If the City of Norman does not have these documents at the time that the background investigation process begins, you could be eliminated from the process.
What do I need to bring with me to the test?Bring with you a current driver’s license in order to check in to the test. You also need to bring with you the completed City of Norman Employment Application and the Norman Police Department’s Personal History Statement (PHS) forms that you printed after registering online. With these documents, you need to include your official college and high school transcripts, certified or original birth certificate, and Form DD-214, if it applies to you.
How can I pay my testing registration fee?The registration fee for testing is $13.00, which is our cost to purchase the written test. You pay this at the testing site. You can pay by check, cash or money order. All checks and money orders will need to be payable to the City of Norman. Limited change will be onsite, so we prefer that you have the exact amount.
What is involved in the Physical Ability Test?The test requires you to demonstrate your ability to perform four (4) police department work-related tasks. Three (3) of the tasks must be satisfactorily completed within a specified time. The tasks include:
How can I best prepare for the Physical Ability Test?A suggested workout schedule is included in each application packet. It is not a requirement that future candidates use this schedule, however it closely mirrors the regimen used during the first few weeks of the academy.
What does the written test include?The National Police Officer Selection Test (POST) by Standard & Associates, Inc. is the recommended examination by the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police and is used by the Norman Police Department. The test is designed to measure three primary cognitive skills (divided into four sections) critical to successfully learning and performing the police officer job. The sections include 1) basic arithmetic skills, 2) reading comprehension, 3) grammar, punctuation, and spelling, and 4) writing skills. A person with a high school diploma or equivalent should have the necessary math, reading, and writing skills to successfully perform as a police officer, so the test is based on a 12th grade difficulty level. This does not mean, however, that an individual with these credentials is not a guarantee of obtaining a passing score.
How can I best prepare for the written test?A study guide may or not be made available – for a reasonable expense – by the department. However, several commonsense tips apply both before the test and on the day of the test. First, prior to the day of the test you should avoid junk food and concentrate on a well balance diet for at least several days before the test. You should also avoid tranquilizers and stimulants, such as coffee, especially on the day of the test. Be sure you get a good night’s sleep before the test. You should not drink a lot of liquids or eat a big meal before the test. And finally, you should avoid alcohol several days prior to and especially on the day of the test. Second, on the day of the test, you should arrive early and try to relax. You should listen carefully to the test administrator’s instructions for each section of the test – it is extremely important that you completely understand the directions before a section begins. You should attempt to answer every question; there is no penalty for guessing since your score is based on the total number of correct answers. Finally, balance the amount of time you spend on each question and pace yourself while working through the test.
How can I best prepare for the written test?A study guide may or not be made available – for a reasonable expense – by the department. However, several commonsense tips apply both before the test and on the day of the test. First, prior to the day of the test you should avoid junk food and concentrate on a well balance diet for at least several days before the test. You should also avoid tranquilizers and stimulants, such as coffee, especially on the day of the test. Be sure you get a good night’s sleep before the test. You should not drink a lot of liquids or eat a big meal before the test. And finally, you should avoid alcohol several days prior to and especially on the day of the test. Second, on the day of the test, you should arrive early and try to relax. You should listen carefully to the test administrator’s instructions for each section of the test – it is extremely important that you completely understand the directions before a section begins. You should attempt to answer every question; there is no penalty for guessing since your score is based on the total number of correct answers. Finally, balance the amount of time you spend on each question and pace yourself while working through the test.
If I do not pass the written or physical agility test, when can I re-test?You can re-test after six (6) months.
Do I have to have 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university? Or, will the department accept a combination of college and experience? And, does military service fulfill some or all of this requirement?Click HERE to view our minimum qualifications.
When do I need to turn in my college transcript(s)?You need to turn in your college transcripts with your employment application, which is due on the day of testing. Bring your employment application, your PHS document along with your official college and high school transcripts, certified or original birth certificate, and Form DD-214, if it applies to you.
If I am already certified by CLEET, or capable of receiving reciprocal certification from my training in another state, do I still have to attend your academy?Yes. All new employees competing for a commissioned police officer position are required to attend our 23-week academy, but they also receive their full starting salary and benefits. The expectations of our community require that this initial training be designed to exceed the minimum requirements under state law and prepare each officer to deliver the highest quality of police service once they are on their own.
What part of my history can disqualify me from consideration as a police officer?Title 18 of the US Code describes the many instances where a person is ineligible to carry a gun and, because of this, is unable to be commissioned with our department. Titles 50 and 70 of Oklahoma Statutes describe the requirements for acceptance into the Oklahoma Police Pension & Retirement System and for certification as a police officer by CLEET. To view a complete list of the disqualifiers, please click HERE.
If I am hired, when does the Police Academy start?The 47th Norman Police Academy is scheduled to start on January 30th, 2009 (subject to change).
If I have more questions, whom can I contact?
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