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Why are agencies required to give a reading and writing test?
Commission Regulation 1951 mandates that peace officers be able to read and write at the levels necessary to perform the job of a peace officer as determined by the use of the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) or other professionally developed and validated test of reading and writing ability. Because performance on the PELLETB is highly correlated with performance in the academy, many agencies and academies use the PELLETB as an indicator of readiness for a career in law enforcement.
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What does the PELLETB measure?
The PELLETB is a multiple-choice test designed to measure reading and writing ability. Candidates are given 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the test. The transition of the PELLETB to the online platform did not involve altering the four sub-tests that currently comprise the test:
- Spelling (applicants select the correct spelling of a word from a list of options)
- Vocabulary (applicants select the correct meaning of a word from a list of options)
- Clarity (applicants select the sentence that is most clearly written from a pair of options)
- Reading Comprehension (applicants read a passage and answer questions about the passage’s content)
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Does POST charge a fee for the PELLETB?
POST offers both the paper-and-pencil and online formats of the PELLETB for free. However, agencies administering the paper-and-pencil PELLETB must cover the shipping fees to return test materials to POST for scoring. Additionally, agencies administering the online PELLETB are responsible for the purchase of necessary technological equipment (e.g., Wi-Fi, computers, etc.) to administer the test. POST does not pay, nor reimburse, for any of these expenses.
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Can POST provide my agency with a copy of the test to review?
For test security reasons, POST does not provide agencies with a copy of the test for review purposes. Copies of the paper-and-pencil PELLETB are only provided to agencies that use the PELLETB as part of their hiring process. All copies of the test must then be deleted from all devices immediately following the test administration. Agencies can view sample questions by reviewing the Applicant Preparation Guide for the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (pdf).
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How can my agency obtain permission to administer the PELLETB?
There are a few steps agencies must complete before obtaining permission to administer the PELLETB. Agencies must first complete and submit a Test Use and Security Agreement. All individuals that will be handling test materials and/or administering the test (i.e., Test Coordinators or Proctors) must complete all required training. Agencies can nominate Test Coordinators and Proctors for training on the Training Nomination page. Agencies must also submit a Designee List that identifies individuals as a Test Coordinator or Proctor. Once all documentation is successfully received by POST, agencies can submit test order requests to administer the test. Please note, agencies newly transitioning to the online PELLETB must re-submit an updated Test Use and Security Agreement and Designee List and complete training specific to the online PELLETB.
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What are the Test Coordinator and Proctor roles?
Test Coordinators have the authority to receive test scores and materials and submit copies of the Security Agreement, Designee Lists, Training Nominations, Test Order Requests, and T-score verifications. For agencies administering the online PELLETB, Test Coordinators also have authorized user access to the online platform and perform key administrative tasks on the platform before and during the test administration. Proctors assist with the administration of the test and perform duties such as verifying candidate information, monitoring the testing environment, enforcing testing rules, and reporting any irregularities. Proctors do not have authorized user access to the online platform.
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Why do designees need to complete training?
All designees must complete required training to ensure every test administration is run consistently and in compliance with established regulations and test procedures. All users of the PELLETB must adhere to this requirement. POST will only approve PELLETB administrations for agencies that are in compliance with POST's training requirements. To nominate an individual for training, view the Training Nomination page. Additional questions about the can be addressed through the Entry-Level Testing Training FAQ page or directed to ProctorRequest@post.ca.gov.
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How can my agency order the test?
If your agency has a current Test Use and Security Agreement on file, all designees have completed the required training, and an up-to-date Designee List is on record, you may submit your test request to POST through the appropriate page. All test requests must meet the applicable testing requirements to be approved. Agencies are responsible for carefully reviewing and ensuring all requirements are met prior to submission. Doing so will help prevent processing delays and reduce the likelihood of needing to reschedule a test administration. Please note that test requirements differ slightly between the paper-and-pencil and online formats of the PELLETB. Once a request is submitted, POST will confirm receipt and provide further instructions.
Paper-and-Pencil PELLETB:
Requests must be submitted through the PELLETB Test Order Request page at least 7-10 business days (not including State Holidays or weekends) prior to the scheduled test date.
Online PELLETB:
Requests must be submitted through the Online PELLETB Test Order Request page at least 15 business days (not including State Holidays or weekends) prior to the scheduled test administration date.
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Why was the PELLETB added to an online platform?
Adding the PELLETB to an online platform makes testing faster, more secure, and easily accessible. The online PELLETB does not require agencies to receive, print, or ship back test materials which allows for faster scoring. The online PELLETB allows for added accessibility features and automatically blocks registration of candidates who have tested within a 30-day period. Additionally, this transition will support POST in using anonymous test data to create more effective tests.
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What online platform did the PELLETB move to?
The PELLETB is administered through Assess.ai, an online platform owned by Assessment Systems Corporation. Assess.ai specializes in secure, large-scale testing and is used by several California governmental agencies.
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Is my agency required to administer the online PELLETB?
POST does not require agencies to use the PELLETB to meet the Reading and Writing Assessment Ability requirement of Commission Regulation 1951. Agencies who choose to administer the PELLETB to meet this requirement are able to administer the PELLETB via the online platform. As POST transitions agencies to the online PELLETB, paper-and-pencil testing will remain temporarily available. However, once an agency has transitioned to the online platform, they will no longer be permitted to administer the paper-and-pencil version. Eventually, the paper-and-pencil PELLETB will be fully discontinued. Agencies new to administering the PELLETB are required to use the online version exclusively. Agencies not able to administer the online PELLETB may accept scores from other agencies or use another validated test of reading and writing ability.
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What equipment does my agency need to administer the online PELLETB?
Agencies administering the online PELLETB must provide candidates with access to a desktop or laptop (Windows or Mac) with reliable internet. The number of computers needed is at the discretion of the agency to meet testing needs. Additionally, the required internet speed and bandwidth will vary based on the testing site’s set-up and the number of candidates testing simultaneously. The online PELLETB is administered on the online testing platform, Assess.ai using any browser, although Google Chrome is recommended for the best testing experience. To maximize test security, the test is administered via a lockdown browser (Assess.ai WebLock). Assess.ai WebLock prevents candidates from taking screenshots of secure test content or accessing the internet or other applications. The software must be installed prior to the test administration. Additionally, installing the Assess.ai WebLock software requires administrator privileges on the computers being used for testing. Depending on your agency’s security policies, you may also need administrator privileges to launch the software. This could involve entering a username and password or having the device added to an approved application list. Other considerations may include firewall or network restrictions or formal security review prior to installation. However, requirements will vary across agencies. It is highly recommended you consult with your agency’s IT department in advance to determine what privileges, approvals, or credentialing may be required to install, launch, and use the software without interruption. Please view the Assess.ai WebLock page for information on computer requirements including operating systems, memory, and hard disk space.
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What if there are technical problems during an online PELLETB test administration?
Any technical issues related to your agency’s computer or internet should be directed to your agency’s IT staff. Technical issues related to the online platform can be directed to ASC as they offer technical support 24/7. If there are any technical issues your agency was not able to resolve during the administration, you may contact POST during normal business hours.
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Can candidates take the online PELLETB on iPads or other tablets?
No. Candidates must take the online PELLETB on a secure laptop or desktop computer with a lockdown browser, provided by the testing agency.
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Can candidates bring their own devices to take the online PELLETB?
No. Agencies administering the online PELLETB must provide each candidate with a secure device to take the test.
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Can candidates take the online PELLETB remotely from their homes?
No. At this time, the online PELLETB must be administered in person by a POST-approved California agency with proper test security protocols.
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What information do candidates need to provide agencies to be registered for an online PELLETB test administration?
To be registered for an online PELLETB test administration, candidates must provide agencies with their full name, valid email address, and POST ID. A POST ID is needed as a unique identifier so the online platform can accurately track candidates and record test results. POST will provide agencies with a temporary link to allow test candidates to obtain a POST ID without needing to contact POST. If candidates are not provided a link or cannot obtain information from the agency, candidates may still obtain a POST ID through contacting POST directly.
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How can candidates prepare for the test?
Since the test measures various facets of reading and writing ability, the best method for preparing for the test is to participate in activities that involve reading and writing. Assessment centers at community colleges can generally provide information about specific reading and writing deficiencies and guidance on how to improve those deficiencies. Online writing labs (OWLs) are another tool for identifying areas of improvement and strengthening reading and writing skills. A quick internet search can lead candidates to many free OWLs available online. Candidates inquiring about sample questions and test format should be directed to the Applicant Preparation Guide for the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (pdf). Candidates scheduled to take the online PELLETB should also view the Navigating Assess.ai Tutorial to familiarize themselves with the online platform prior to the test administration.
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Can a candidate take the test multiple times?
Yes, however, before a candidate can re-test, the candidate must wait for a period of 30 calendar days before re-taking the test. Candidates are eligible to re-take the test on the 31st day after their last attempt. This applies even if the test is taken through a different agency than the original test.
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Can a candidate be registered for multiple online PELLETB test sessions?
Yes, however, candidates cannot be registered for more than one test session within a 30-calendar day period, regardless of testing agency. There must be more than 30 days between test administrations for a candidate to be registered for multiple test sessions. Registration will be blocked for any candidates already registered for a test administration scheduled to take place within 30 calendar days.
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How are test results processed?
Paper-and-Pencil PELLETB: All answer sheets are sent to POST for processing. Upon receipt, POST electronically scans the answer sheets and renders a score report which includes a breakdown of each applicant’s reading, writing, and total T-scores. The score report is sent to the agency within 10 business days from receipt of the answer sheets and other required test material. Online PELLETB: The online platform calculates the test results upon completion of the test. The results will be available for download after the test administration.
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How should agencies interpret and use the test scores rendered by POST?
Statistical calculations are performed to convert raw test scores (the number of items answered correctly) into “T-scores.” T-scores are standardized scores that place an individual applicant’s performance on the test into a distribution (bell-shaped curve) with a midpoint (average) of 50 and a standard deviation of 10. If a candidate’s score falls around 50, their performance is considered “average” when compared to other candidates who have taken the test. If a candidate’s score is 40 or below, their performance is considered “below average” when compared to other candidates who have taken the test. If a candidate’s score is 60 or above, their performance is considered “above average” when compared to other candidates who have taken the test. Given the diverse needs of California law enforcement agencies, POST does not require all agencies to use the same passing score. Agencies are allowed, and encouraged, to locally determine the passing score that best fits their hiring needs and standards. Since research shows that the likelihood of successful academy completion increases for every point above 42 an applicant scores; POST recommends that agencies select a passing score of 42 or above.
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How are test results reported to candidates?
Per the Test Use and Security Agreement, all agencies that administer the PELLETB (paper-and-pencil or online) must provide each candidate with a T-score breakdown (i.e., Writing T-Score, Reading T-Score, and Total T-score) on agency letterhead within 30 days of the test administration. The results letter must also contain the test date, the candidate’s first and last name, and POST ID (if administered online). Candidates who take the online PELLETB are also able to access their T-score breakdown through their EDI profile. The scores are posted the following day after the test administration. Test results from a paper-and-pencil PELLETB administration will not be available on the profile.
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How can test results be verified for candidates who tested at a different agency?
Agencies that receive hard-copy test results for a candidate who tested at another agency (such as a copy of a candidate’s EDI profile or test results on agency letterhead) are encouraged to contact POST to verify candidate test results. Authorized designees may contact POST Test Orders at TestOrders@post.ca.gov to verify test results reported by candidates. For security reasons, POST does not verify test results for unauthorized individuals, including persons not listed on the agency’s Designee List or candidates. POST provides official test results to candidates only by posting them directly to the candidate’s EDI profile after the online PELLETB is completed. Agencies that are granted access to a candidate’s EDI profile and view the test results there may rely on those results as verified by POST, since the results are directly imported. Candidates can grant access by signing into their PASS account, visiting Online POST Profile, and entering the agency name and access expiration date before selecting “Add”.
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Is the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery also online?
POST has plans to transition the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery to an online format. However, at this time, only the PELLETB is available online.
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What if I have additional questions?
Administrative and test order questions about the PELLETB can be directed to TestOrders@post.ca.gov. Questions related beyond administrative procedures can be directed to Exam.Research@post.ca.gov.