Can you prepare for psychological exam?

[jeepinwi]

So here's my problem...I have no problem making it through the hiring process, but I've failed a psychological exam twice. Is there anything I can do to prepare for a psych? No, I don't want to hurt myself, and yes, I would enjoy the work of a librarian.

[crass cop]

i wouldnt think there is anything you can do, study, etc.....

did they say what areas you "failed" in???

[crass cop]

librarian = quiet places, people and monotony...not similar to pilce work

[crass cop]

POlice....geeeez, sorry

[rh202]

Many departments use the MMPI test. Nothing you can really do to 'study'. That's sort of the point. You just need to be honest. The test just shows your suitability for LE, interpreted by that pyschologist and the department.

You don't really fail the psych test, you are just DQ'ed because of a poor fit or such.

Since the psych test is part of the hiring process, I'd say you DO have an issue making it through the hiring process. This may not be what you want to hear, but perhaps you truly aren't suited for LE. There is a lot to it and the test looks at all sorts of things

If you want it bad enough, keep trying but have a plan B

[L-1]

Here is part of what they are looking for.

http://www.post.ca.gov/selection/psychological-traits.pdf

See if you fit the mold.

[PhilipCal]

I'll add to the chorus. There's really no way to study for a Psych Exam. It's also possible that you could "fail" a test for one agency, go down the road, and pass the psych for another Department. The exams are often(but not always) designed to eliminate a candidate who is not what a particular agency is looking for. I recommend you go to the link L-1 has provided. It will at least provide some insight into what agencies might be seeking in an applicant.

[SCSO612]

I think it's important to point out here that while the MMPI is standard, the "passing score" isn't. Each department decides on their own interpretation of the MMPI resluts. As Philip said, perhaps you should try with another department.

[just joe]

Not to be the bearer of bad news, but just maybe you failed for a reason. Consider having an independent psych test done and see what the results are.

[passion4p]

Just keep trying and don't give up if this is what you truly wanted.

[jeepinwi]

Just out of curiosity, how did you dress for both exams?

For both exams, I believe I was wearing khakis and a button up shirt.

I read through that link that L-1 posted, and I am more convinced that I AM suited for law enforcement. I'm not going to lie and say I fit every single criteria listed on those 10 pages, but there are very few that raise a red flag.

After reviewing the psychological report from my most recent evaluation, here's a few things that stand out:

• I "approached the MMPI-2 in a straight-forward and honest manner"
• "The Shipley Institure of Living Scale indicated high average intellectual functioning"
• The How Supervise evaluation suggested below average problem-solving and social judgement"
• "Interview results suggest that I may have difficulty presenting information in a straight forward manner"

I can't help but feel mad after reading the psych report because it's saying I'm not recommended to do the job that I so dearly want to do. I just won't accept that one person(psychologist) can decide my career for the next 30 years of my life.

[L-1]

It sounds like the last two killed you.

Below average problem-solving and social judgment suggests a lack of experience in making decisions while under pressure, particularly when being pulled in several different directions by people or issues that might influence you. In short, it comes down to a lack of life experience.

Difficulty presenting information in a straight forward manner suggests you may have difficulty analyzing facts and relating them to others in a brief, concise and accurate manner. Instead, it suggests you may include too much information, unnecessarily injecting other factors that have no relevance, complicating resolution of the matter. Again, this suggests a lack of life experience.

I'm not sure what to tell you as far as improving in this area. Most of this comes from experiencing situations where you had to be decisive, enjoyed the fruits of having made the right decision or got your a** whipped for having made a bad one.

[jeepinwi]

L-1

I would agree that both those flaws can relate to lack of experience. I have not had a job in law enforcement, but I have worked in a county jail. Part-time police jobs are difficult to find in my area, but I think that's what I need to gain the much needed experience.

[District B 13]

It's not working in an LE field that will give you "improvement". The test gauges you on life, not LE life.

[mikeymedic]

Yes, there is....I did like 100 crunches before I took the exam.