Sponsor Spotlight: ESPOS Test Prep
Answers to some important
test prep questions
Building off a growing reputation
among co-workers and others in law
enforcement for his teaching style and
study techniques, Essex County Sheriff ’s
Captain Ed Esposito wanted to help of-
ficers with preparation for promotional
testing. Nicknamed “Espo,” he started
ESPOS Test Prep. ESPOS stands for “Ex-
amination Strategies for Preparing Of-
ficers and Superiors” and has become a
brand name for a solid study technique.
In September 2016, he took the baton
from Larry E. Holtz, Esq., and has con-
tinued the legacy of the Holtz Learning
Centers. Espo answers questions about
how members can maximize their pro-
motional test prep and advance their
careers.
How does an officer know if he or she is
ready to go for promotion?
Let’s be honest; one of the primary
reasons we try to get promoted is for
future earnings. We know that a pro-
motion means an increase in our sala-
ry and ultimately our pension. Officers
who are ready to go for a promotion are
dedicated to achieving their goals. It is
one thing to say, “I am going to take the
next promotional exam.” It is entirely
different to say, “I am going to be at the
top of the next promotional exam list.”
A person who is genuinely interested in
what it takes remains positive about the
process and focused every step of the
way.
To get ready for what it takes, one
must understand that this is a long
process. Remember, a big part of this is
having the proper mindset and keeping
focused. Another way to get ready is to
discuss your plans and goals with your
family and friends. If you have everyone
working with you, the process becomes
even easier.
Getting promoted is not just a short-
term experience, it’s an integral part of
a person’s entire career. In a sense, the
quest for promotion is a lifestyle of cre-
ating good habits and staying current
with changes in the law and law en-
forcement policies. It is extremely rare
that someone gets promoted overnight
with no dedication, preparation or ex-
perience.
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What does it take to succeed on a pro-
motional exam? What are some of the indicators of suc-
cess?
Organization, dedication and hard
work are front and center. Working
hard is so vital that I actually repeat the
words of one of our team members who
mentored me through my promotional
process during the course: “If the pro-
cess was easy, everyone would want to
be a boss.” I know I am laughing as I
am saying this, but he would often say
on the nicest days of the year when ev-
eryone else was enjoying life, “If what
you are doing doesn’t stink, you are not
doing it right.” Those words cannot be
overemphasized.
Preparing does not have to consume
your entire life, but it does have to be-
come a very big part of it. For exam-
ple, setting up a dedicated study area,
planning your study periods, testing
your knowledge and staying ahead of
the program by reading during your
off-class hours needs to occur outside
of the classroom. It comes down to or-
ganization, dedication and hard work,
both in and out of class, to be truly suc-
cessful. Of course, it’s easy to measure suc-
cess by top test scores. When we be-
gin to see that our students are asking
more questions as they move through
the program, we know they are engaged
and dedicated. A very important indi-
cator of success during the preparation
process is witnessing dedication to the
process. For months or even years, a
dedicated student gives up leisure time,
hobbies, vacations and even sacrifices
family time to maximize study hours.
When students understand that exam
prep is an all-encompassing commit-
ment to the process, they will succeed.
What made you decide to get into pro-
motional test preparation?
I have always had a passion to help
people and, more importantly, to help
people in a training environment by
showing them how to connect with ma-
terial that often seems boring, complex
or overwhelming. When I began to pre-
pare for my sergeant’s exam, I took the
approach I would as if I was teaching