The Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Test (APCAT) is a standardised written exam used by Alberta police services — including the Calgary Police Service and Edmonton Police Service — to screen applicants during the hiring process. It measures the cognitive skills required to perform effectively as a police officer, including written communication, reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and numerical ability.
This free printable APCAT practice test PDF mirrors the format and difficulty of the real exam. Download it, print it off, and work through the questions at your own pace — ideal for commuters, study groups, or anyone who prefers paper-based revision.
The written communication section tests whether you can identify grammatical errors, choose the correct punctuation, and select the clearest phrasing from a set of options. Police report writing requires precision, and this section directly reflects that on-the-job need.
In the reading comprehension section, you read short passages — often describing a policing incident or procedure — and answer questions about the main idea, specific details, and implied meaning. Read carefully and refer back to the passage rather than relying on memory.
The logic and reasoning section includes syllogisms, analogies (A is to B as C is to ?), and abstract pattern completion. These questions measure how quickly and accurately you can process new information — a skill critical in dynamic policing situations.
The numerical reasoning section covers basic arithmetic, fractions, percentages, ratio problems, and interpreting tables or charts. A solid grasp of mental math shortcuts will help you work through these questions within the time limit.
The APCAT is typically the first formal assessment in the Alberta police hiring process. Candidates who achieve a passing score move on to a physical ability test (POPAT or PARE depending on the service), followed by a background investigation that reviews employment history, criminal record, and references. A polygraph examination assesses honesty and integrity, and a final medical and psychological evaluation confirms fitness for duty.
Because the written test is the first hurdle, a strong APCAT score sets a positive tone for the rest of the selection process. Use this PDF to build accuracy first, then add timed practice to develop the speed you need on exam day.