So I've been trying to get my PC 832 cert for about four months now and I'm honestly starting to feel defeated. Failed the written portion twice — first time with a 68%, second time 71%. I need a 75% to pass and I just can't seem to crack it. I work patrol in a small county agency and my supervisor basically said I need to get this done or it affects my probation review in July.
I've been using a PC 832 study guide I found online but it feels pretty generic. The sections on use of force laws and arrest procedures are where I keep losing points, I think. A coworker told me to try a PC 832 practice test site to simulate the actual exam format — has anyone found that more helpful than just reading the material? I feel like I understand the concepts when I read them but then blank out on the actual questions.
Any specific exam tips from people who've passed recently would be huge. Especially around the legal authority sections — Penal Code 836, detention vs. arrest distinctions, that kind of thing. How many hours did you actually study before you felt ready?