What is the LAPD written exam like?

The LAPD written examination typically assesses reading comprehension, written expression, deductive reasoning, and information ordering. It's multiple-choice and designed to measure the cognitive skills required for police academy training and on-the-job performance. The specific format may vary by testing cycle — check the current LAPD recruitment bulletin for the most up-to-date information.

What are the LAPD minimum requirements?

Minimum requirements include: US citizenship or legal permanent resident status, age 20 by the time of appointment, high school diploma or GED equivalent, valid California driver's license, and vision correctable to 20/20. Felony convictions are disqualifying. Detailed requirements are listed on the LAPD careers website.

How competitive is LAPD hiring?

LAPD receives thousands of applications annually. Written exam, physical fitness, background investigation, psychological evaluation, and medical evaluation are all eliminatory. Higher written exam scores generally improve your standing in the process. Candidates who prepare for the written exam and physical fitness standards have a significantly higher completion rate through the full hiring process.

How long is LAPD Police Academy training?

The LAPD Police Academy is approximately 6 months of full-time training. It covers criminal law, defensive tactics, firearms qualification, emergency vehicle operations, first aid, and the LAPD's procedures and policies. Recruits are paid during academy training at a probationary officer rate.

Can I apply to LAPD with a prior criminal record?

Felony convictions are automatically disqualifying. Misdemeanor convictions are evaluated case-by-case based on the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation. Drug use history is also evaluated — recent or extensive drug use can be disqualifying. LAPD background investigators conduct thorough checks including social media, driving records, and financial history.

LAPD Practice Test PDF (Free Printable 2026)

Download a free LAPD practice test PDF with police written exam questions. Print and study offline for the Los Angeles Police Department written examination.

LAPD - Los Angeles Police DepartmentMay 4, 20265 min read

LAPD Practice Test PDF (Free Printable 2026)

LAPD Practice Test PDF – Free Printable for the Los Angeles Police Department Exam

Applying to become an LAPD Officer? A printable LAPD practice test PDF gives you an effective offline format to review the reading comprehension, writing, and logical reasoning skills the written examination requires. Working through law enforcement exam scenarios on paper helps you practice evidence-based answer selection without the pressure of a screen timer. This page provides a free PDF download and a complete guide to the LAPD hiring process and written exam.

The LAPD written examination assesses whether applicants have the cognitive skills needed to succeed in the police academy and on the job. It's one of several steps in the LAPD selection process — but it's the first major hurdle, and candidates who prepare perform significantly better than those who walk in cold.

📄Download Free LAPD PDF

LAPD Hiring Process Overview

What the LAPD Written Exam Tests

The LAPD written examination is designed to assess cognitive aptitudes relevant to police work. It typically includes four main question types, though the LAPD periodically updates its test format. Practice across all four areas to ensure you're prepared regardless of the exact format on your test date.

Reading Comprehension

Reading comprehension passages present scenarios, police reports, or procedural information followed by multiple-choice questions. You'll need to identify main ideas, make inferences based only on information provided, and distinguish between facts and opinions. The key technique: answer questions based strictly on what the passage says, not on your personal knowledge or assumptions about police procedure.

Written Expression

Written expression questions test grammar, spelling, punctuation, and clarity. You may be asked to select the best version of a sentence, identify errors in a police report excerpt, or choose the clearest way to express an idea. The standard: clarity + correctness. Simple, direct sentences score better than complex ones with errors.

Logical Reasoning and Deductive Thinking

These questions present a set of facts or rules and ask you to draw logical conclusions. "Given the following regulations, which action is correct?" style questions appear frequently. Practice: read the given rules carefully, don't bring in outside knowledge, and apply the rules mechanically to the scenario presented.

Information Ordering

Information ordering questions present a set of steps or events and ask you to arrange them in the correct order. This tests procedural thinking — the ability to follow a sequence correctly, which is essential for police report writing and incident response. Practice working through multi-step scenarios and identifying the correct sequence.

Physical and Background Requirements

The written exam is just one component. LAPD requires a Physical Fitness Qualifier — practice the 1.5-mile run (under 14:30 for females, under 12:55 for males at age 20–29) and ensure your push-up and sit-up counts are within standards. The background investigation is comprehensive — be honest throughout the application process. Any omission can disqualify you. After completing this PDF, take online practice tests at our LAPD practice test page for scored feedback across all written exam categories.

Police Department Lapd - LAPD - Los Angeles Police Department certification study resource

Free LAPD Practice Tests Online

After completing this PDF, take full online LAPD written exam practice tests at our LAPD practice test page — instant scoring across all four exam sections and explanations that reinforce the test-taking strategies that improve your score most. Consistent practice across reading comprehension and logical reasoning sections is the most direct path to a competitive written exam score.