TEST PREP
DR. JEFF BERNSTEIN
Make the grade
Changes announced for promotional exams
New Jersey Civil Service recently announced significant changes for the 2017 sheriffs and corrections promotional exams. Here is an overview of those changes. Sheriff Captain and Lieutenant
The most significant change is the elimination of multiple-choice test questions. Captain and lieutenant candidates will now take a written assessment that will involve several scenarios. Candidates will have to respond to these scenarios by writing essays and short answers. Other changes include a new textbook, the inclusion of the attorney general guidelines, and the elimination of the scheduling items. Sheriff Sergeant
The sheriff sergeant’ s exam format is still multiple choice. The exam content includes:
• Report writing / reviewing
• Attorney General guidelines
• Interpersonal relations / supervision
• Critical thinking
• NJ Title 2C
• Decision making / problem solving A new textbook and the attorney general guidelines recently were added. The format for report writing and critical thinking is also new. Court practices was eliminated and replaced by decision making / problem solving. County Corrections Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain
A job analysis was conducted by NJ Civil Service. The analysis determined that there were three critical areas that should be tested. These critical work components include:
• Situational judgment( test weight, 50 percent)
• Standard operating procedures for county correctional facilities( test weight, 36 percent)
• County paperwork / records relating to inmates and facilities( test weight, 14 percent)
NJ Civil Service provided candidates with the following additional information about the new exam. They stated,“ Supplemental examination material will be made available approximately one month before the exam. The situational judgment questions contained in the examination will reference this material.” I can tell you most candidates felt that the new supplemental material was very valuable for the 2016 promotional exam. d
To submit questions, email Dr. Bernstein at drbernstein @ bernsteintestprep. com. Visit our website at www. BernsteinTestPrep. com or call 800-272-5353.
68 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ FEBRUARY 2017