TEST PREP
The promotional exam
is a balancing act
Promotional exams are a necessary component
to keeping our profession current and moving in
a positive direction. Developing the leaders of to-
morrow is one of the most important jobs police
executives have today. Exams re-educate officers in
various areas, while helping to assess who is most
suited for future leadership roles within our agen-
cies. However, with all the benefits associated with
the exam, no one likes it or wants to study for it.
PHILIP
RIZZO
There’s no sugarcoating it: Reading thousands of
pages of material from management books, crimi-
nal law, case law and policies isn’t fun. In addition, there’s never
a good time to study for the test, because holidays, coaching,
vacations, weddings and other family obligations don’t disap-
pear because of an exam. It’s easy to get swallowed up in the
process. I know, because I went through preparing for my own
exam last summer and found myself falling into some of the
common pitfalls that many of us encounter. But some simple
techniques can help you survive the promotional process.
Noncommissioned officers in the military often tell their
personnel to “embrace the suck.” This phrase can be applied
to promotional exams as well. We know that it’s a long, men-
tally and physically draining process. There will b