APCAT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield APCAT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. You are given a series of address numbers from a single block: 1302, 1306, 1310, 1314, ____, 1322. What is the missing number in this sequence? → 1318
2. FLOCK is to BIRDS as PACK is to: → Wolves
3. A police cruiser travels at 55 mph for 2 hours and then at 70 mph for 1 hour. What is the total distance traveled? → 180 miles
4. Which sentence uses the correct form of the possessive? → The officers' reports were thorough.
5. A police report is filed at 14:45 and the incident occurred 2 hours and 30 minutes earlier. At what time did the incident occur? → 12:15
6. A fingerprint found at a burglary scene matches Suspect A. Which of the following is the most logical conclusion? → Suspect A was present at the scene at some point.
7. A series of license plate numbers follows a pattern: AB-101, AB-103, AB-105, AB-107. What is the next plate in the sequence? → AB-109
8. A K-9 unit covers 5 square miles in 2 hours. At the same rate, how long will it take to cover 12.5 square miles? → 5 hours
9. Which sentence contains a dangling modifier? → Running down the alley, the suspect was apprehended.
10. If it is raining, the outdoor crime scene is compromised. The outdoor crime scene is not compromised. What can be concluded? → It is not raining.
11. A series of case numbers reads: 2024-01, 2024-04, 2024-09, 2024-16. What is the next number? → 2024-25
12. Officers work 8-hour shifts. If a station needs 24-hour coverage with 3 officers on duty at all times, how many officer-shifts are needed each day? → 9
13. Which option contains a run-on sentence? → The constable identified the suspect she then radioed for backup.
14. Using the same Stinchcombe passage: What can happen if the Crown fails to disclose? → A stay of proceedings may result
15. An officer is using the SARA model for problem-solving a recurring issue. What is the crucial first step in this process? → Scanning (Identifying and defining the problem).
16. You are tasked with reducing graffiti vandalism in a park that is targeted every weekend. Which approach reflects the best problem-solving strategy? → Install motion-activated lighting and consult with youth workers about underlying causes
17. If a patrol route goes: North 2 blocks, East 3 blocks, South 2 blocks, West 3 blocks, where does the officer end up? → Back at the start
18. What does the abbreviation 'MO' stand for in police terminology? → Modus Operandi
19. Using the same BOLO bulletin: What type of vehicle was described? → 2019 Silver Honda Civic
20. DETECTIVE is to INVESTIGATION as SURGEON is to: → Operation
21. Choose the sentence that contains an error in subject-verb agreement. → A list of potential witnesses were submitted to the lead investigator.
22. PILOT is to AIRCRAFT as CAPTAIN is to: → Ship
23. What is a 'recognizance' in Canadian criminal procedure? → A written promise by an accused to comply with conditions and appear in court
24. Which of the following is the correct definition of 'actus reus' in criminal law? → The physical act that constitutes a criminal offence
25. Which phrase correctly uses passive voice appropriately in a police report context? → The victim was struck in the face by the suspect.
26. Choose the correct word order for an indirect question in a police report. → The sergeant asked where the suspect was last seen.
27. Using the same use-of-force passage: What standard governs how much force an officer may use? → As much force as is reasonably necessary to carry out lawful duties
28. A constable is called to a dispute between two neighbours over a property fence. Both parties are upset and arguing. What is the best initial approach? → Listen to each party separately to understand their perspectives before taking any action
29. Which sentence is written in the active voice and is most appropriate for a clear, direct police report? → Constable Evans interviewed the witness at the scene.
30. A police precinct has 48 officers. If 1/3 are on day shift, 1/4 are on evening shift, and the rest are on night shift, how many officers are on night shift? → 20