Written test

The National Police Officer Selection Test (POST) is an entry-level basic skills test that helps law enforcement agencies select the most qualified applicants by ensuring that candidates possess the basic cognitive skills necessary to successfully perform the job. The POST is a valid, job-related test designed specifically for law enforcement use, which measures these basic skills:

• Arithmetic
• Reading Comprehension
• Grammar
• Incident Report Writing

For practice test information please visit: https://www.applytoserve.com/Study/

***Testing does not require any prior knowledge of law or law enforcement topics to pass.

Montana Physical Abilities test

The Sheriff's Office uses the Montana Physical Abilities Test (MPAT).  The MPAT is a hybrid physical ability/job sample physical abilities assessment process designed to evaluate Law Enforcement Officer candidates on the essential physical capacities required to satisfactorily perform their job duties.  MPAT was originally based on data taken from the Canadian RCMP PARE ( Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation) research and tests as well as multiple Job Task Analysis (JTAs) for Oregon Law Enforcement, corrections and probation and parole officers. 

MPAT was designed to replicate critical and essential physical tasks and demands faced by Law Enforcement officers in the normal performance of their duties.  Both specific tasks and overall physical demands are replicated in the MPAT through the use of a carefully designed and validated, timed "obstacle course."   

Part One- Obstacle Course
 Mobility Run
The MPAT consists of a 1,235 foot obstacle run where the candidate must demonstrate essential and job related physical abilities such as mobility, agility, flexibility, power and general physical endurance.

From the course start cone, the candidate runs to the outside of the marked course towards the first obstacle, the balance beam. The candidate must cross the balance beam in a controlled manner. If the candidate falls off the balance beam, the candidate must go back to the start cone and renegotiate the balance beam.

The candidate goes around the next cone and turns right, running towards the second obstacle, where the candidate must jump across a five (5) foot obstacle (mat). The candidate must successfully get all the way across the five (5) foot jump. If the candidate hits any part of the five (5) foot mat, the first penalty is free. The second time is a five (5) second penalty.

The candidate goes around the next cone and turns left running towards the third obstacle, the stair stimulator. The candidate must run up and down the stairs hitting at least one (1) step on the way up and one (1) step on the way down, as well as the top platform. The candidate will go around the cone at the bottom of the stairs and go back up and down the stairs. The candidate may not jump from the top platform. If this occurs, the candidate must repeat that portion of the stairs.

The candidate will turn right and proceed onto the forth obstacle, the crawl obstacle. The candidate will crawl under this obstacle, which is 23 inches high, touching at least one (1) knee on the mat. The candidate must not knock over or carry this obstacle. If the candidate carries or knocks over the crawl obstacle, the first penalty is free. The second time is a two (2) second penalty.

The candidate will go around the next cone, turn left and run towards the next two identical obstacles, both 18 inch high hurdles, 10 feet apart. The candidate must jump over the center of each obstacle. If the candidate knocks over one (1) of these obstacles, the first penalty is free. The second time is a two (2) second penalty.

The candidate will go around the next cone, turn right and run towards the next obstacle and vault over a three (3) foot high railing simulating a fence. The candidate will land on both feet in control on the opposite side of the vault obstacle, fall to their back or stomach (alternating on each lap), recover to their feet without mechanical assistance and proceed around the start cone before beginning the second lap. Six (6) laps are completed in this manner.

Part Two - Push Pull Machine
Push Activity
After completing the obstacle course-mobility run, the candidate moves to the mechanical push/pull station, consisting of a push-pull unit and a line on the wall 39 inches from the floor. Reaching the push-pull machine after completing the sixth lap of the obstacle course should not take more than five (5) seconds. Upon reaching the push-pull unit, the candidate grasps the machine handles and pushes 80 pounds off the floor, then moves left to right completing a 180-degree arc. Six (6) complete arcs must be executed by bringing the bar parallel with the base of the machine. The candidate must remain in control of the machine throughout the activity. The candidate’s chest may not touch the lever arm. Arms must remain bent at the elbow throughout the performance of this activity.

Controlled Falls
Once the push activity is completed and the weight is released, again while maintaining control at all times, the candidate moves away from the unit, falls on their back executing a sit-up like maneuver, rising to a standing position touching the marked line on the wall, 39 inches from the floor. The candidate will repeat this fall to their back. The candidate then executes a third fall to their stomach executing a push-up like movement and stands up touching the marked line on the wall, 39 inches from the floor. The candidate will repeat this fall to their stomach. This sequence is repeated twice, (4 falls total- 2 back and 2 front). The candidate cannot use the wall for assistance to help them to the standing position.

Pull Activity
When the fourth fall is completed, the candidate moves to the mechanical push/pull station, where the candidate grasps the rope and pulls the weight off the floor. Maintaining the weight in this position, the candidate moves through a 180 degree arc by bringing the bar parallel to the base of the machine. This action is repeated six times. The officer must remain in control at all times and their elbows must remain flexed.

Part Three - “Dummy” Drag
After a 60-second rest period subsequent to completing the push-pull portions of the test, the candidate must drag a 165 pound dummy a distance of 25 feet. The candidate must use the under the arm technique to accomplish this task. The candidate will then drag the dummy for 25 feet. The candidate must perform this task in a controlled and continuous manner. Once motion is started, the candidate cannot stop if they are to pass this section of the test. Candidates will have three (3) attempts to complete this task. Three (3) unsuccessful attempts will constitute a failure, resulting in the candidate failing the MPAT.

***Candidates are given a total of six (6) minutes and thirty (30) seconds to complete Parts 1& 2.  Candidate are given one (1) minute to complete Part 3.