CHP uses the PELLETB for their entry-level written exam.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, you will probably run across the term PELLETB. PELLETB stands for POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery and is a specific police written exam used by over 600 law enforcement agencies in California. So, the first thing you need to know, is that this topic only impacts applicants for law enforcement positions in California.
The most notable agency that uses the PELLETB is the California Highway Patrol. So, if you are interested in joining the CHP, this information is critical for you to know. Some of the larger police departments in California do NOT use the PELLETB. These exceptions include San Francisco, Los Angeles Country, San Diego and a few others. You can find a list of the largest law enforcement agencies in California and what written exam they use on this site.
In California, the abbreviation POST stands for Peace Officer Standards and Training and is the state Commission that legislates minimum standards for hiring and training law enforcement officers throughout the state. The commission sets standards for all law enforcement training of which recruiting new hires is just one part. Other parts include what will be taught in the academies and advanced courses for officers after they graduate. So, now you know what the “P” stands for in PELLETB.
What Questions are on the PELLETB?
The PELLETB is focused on ensuring that incoming officers have good English skills, can think logically and are psychologically well suited for the job.
15 questions on Writing Clarity.
15 multiple choice Spelling questions.
15 multiple choice Vocabulary questions.
20 multiple choice questions on Reading Comprehension where the student reads different passages about a policy or report and then answers questions about what they read.
40 questions on a CLOZE Reading Test - the Most Challenging part of the test.
Since most applicants have never taken a CLOZE reading test, this is the source of greatest concern. The CLOZE test is a powerful way of testing your abilities in comprehension, grammar, spelling and vocabulary all at once. The first time you attempt one of these is like trying to solve your first Sudoku game . However,with good preparation and lots of practice, job applicants can turn the CLOZE test into an advantage for yourself. Stay tuned for how to do this.
Applicants should be happy to know that many test topics commonly found on other police entrance exams are NOT on the PELLETB, including math, memorization, spatial orientation, facial recognition and situational judgment.
How Long is the PELLETB?
Applicants are given 2 ½ hours to complete the PELLETB.
Can Applicants Retake the PELLETB?
Applicant must wait for a period of one month (30 calendar days) before taking the exam again. This is true even when applying to different agencies.
What is the Passing Score for the PELLETB?
Your raw score is converted into a T-score, which is a statistical result based upon the applicant’s performance relative to others taking the exam. A score of 50% is right in the middle of all scores, meaning that it is average. A score under 40% is considered “below average” and a score of 60 or above is considered “above average.” The minimum passing score of 42 is recommended by the state commission, but each hiring agency may set their own passing score.
Is there a PELLETB Study Guide?
The commission offers a very limited study guide that describes the different types of questions found on the PELLETB.
How to Prepare for the PELLETB?
In my opinion, the PELLETB is one of the toughest law enforcement entry exams in the nation because of its heavy emphasis on English skills and the unique CLOZE reading test. California wants the best in their law enforcement officers. Passing the PELLETB is very competitive. To rank above your competition, you need to prepare with a top-rated, up to date PELLETB prep course.
Based upon over 600 user reviews received by ShopperApproved™, the best prep course on the market is the PELLETB QuikPrep Course by Sgt. George Godoy. It covers all the written test material with insightful tutorials and hundreds of practice questions. Tutorials and practices are presented online using the latest in eLearning technology. There are extensive CLOZE practice quizzes including one that students can optionally have sent to Sgt. Godoy for his personal analysis of your strengths and weaknesses.
This course includes a bonus for unlimited access to advanced courses on:
How to pass the lie detector exam, meaning the polygraph or the Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA) and
How to pass the Psychological Evaluation (Psych exam) and
How to ace the Oral Interview or Panel Interview.
Sgt. Godoy’s prep courses always include expert, one-on-one support when you have questions. If you have further questions, email me at SgtGeorgeGodoy@gmail.com.