Nelson-Denny Reading Test: Format, Questions and Prep Tips (2024)

Are you about to take the Nelson-Denny Reading test? 

The strict time limit of the Vocabulary (15 minutes to answer 80 questions) and Reading Comprehension (20 minutes to answer 36-38 questions) sections add an additional layer of difficulty, making it essential for candidates to engage in extensive preparation to improve their solution speed and maximize their chances of success.


The Nelson-Denny Practice Pack includes the following:

  • 10 Vocabulary practice tests that include questions about the 300 words you need to learn for the test.
  • 15 Reading Comprehension practice tests that will help you work on your English comprehension skills, and speed reading skills.
  • Bonus: 5 Synonyms and Antonyms drills that will increase your ability to recognize words that have the same or opposite meaning.
Nelson-Denny Reading Exam Practice
Less Content

Each practice test question contains detailed answers and explanations

  • 10 Nelson-Denny Vocabulary practice tests
  • 15 Reading Comprehension practice tests
  • 5 Synonyms and Antonyms practice tests
  • Immediate online access, practice 24/7 
Total

Shir, Nelson-Denny Expert at JobTestPrep
Have a question? Contact me at:

What is the Nelson-Denny Test?

The Nelson-Denny test (NDRT) is a multiple choice online exam comprised of two main sections vocabulary and reading comprehension and is used as an initial screening tool for entry-level police positions and academy training requiring good reading and comprehension skills.

You have only 20 minutes to answer 36-38 reading comprehension questions, or 30 seconds per question, and 15 minutes to answer 80-100 vocabulary questions or 9 seconds per question.

So it's vital to use an accurate test-like practice test that will simulate real test conditions and give you a true indication of your current skill level.

What are the Nelson-Denny Reading Test Instructions?


Here is a good example of the instructions
you’ll see in the real exam

“In this study guide, you will find a word list consisting of 300 words you should be familiar with before taking the examination. The word list is also accompanied by two sample questions similar to what you will be expected to answer during the examination.

You will also find two similar examples of the type of reading comprehension passages and questions you will be expected to answer during the Reading Comprehension section of the examination.

Prior to the beginning of the test, a proctor will give concise instructions regarding the
examination. A passing score of 102 is required to proceed in the hiring process.”

Source: https://www.austintexas.gov/


Pass the Nelson-Denny Reading Assessment

The Nelson-Denny Reading test is a challenging law enforcement pre-employment exam.

What makes the test difficult is the fact you have only 35 minutes to answer 128 questions or 16 seconds per question.

Having access to accurate practice will improve your problem-solving speed and help you become familiar with various question formats and strategies for solving them.

If you're here, you've already taken an important step towards passing the Nelson Denny assessment, and we're here to help you advance that extra step toward your goal.


Nelson Denny Police - Typical Test-Day Procedure

The following is a typical test-day procedure you may encounter when applying for a job at a police department in your area.

Two tests are used in pre hire testing to assess your ability to handle real on-the-job demands: The online Nelson-Denny Reading Test and the Police Officer Physical Abilities Test (POPAT).

Nelson Denny Test

The Nelson-Denny test includes two sections:

  • A Vocabulary section with 80-100 multiple-choice questions (15 minutes).
  • A Reading comprehension section with 36-38 multiple-choice questions (20 minutes).

Police Officer Physical Abilities Test (POPAT)

The POPAT includes physical exercises that will test your endurance. To feel comfortable and prepared for the test, applicants should practice these exercises before the day of the test.


Chase and Apprehension Scenario

  • Maximum time: 7:15.
  • It is necessary to repeat all the steps two times.

The steps include actions such as a broad jump over a 4-foot area, going over a 4-foot fence, 20 pushups, and crawling under a 2-foot obstacle.


Rescue Scenario

You must complete the rescue scenario in a maximum time of 3 minutes and 30 seconds. It includes actions such as: Drag the dummy backward across the 25-foot mark, advancing 50 feet around the cone and back 2 times and completing 30 steps on the step box.


Passing the Nelson Denny Test

Practice is key to passing the Nelson Denny exam and successfully dealing with the strict time constraints that this exam has.

JobTestPrep provides you with the tools needed for comprehensive exam preparation including Nelson-Denny practice tests, detailed questions analysis, study guides, an extensive list of vocabulary words, and detailed Nelson-Denny PDF guides that cover every aspect of the test and offer strategies to overcome them.

As you work through test sample questions, you will refresh your vocabulary and gain a greater comfort level with the process of reading passages, recalling information, and drawing conclusions from written material.


Check out Other Police Assessment Exams

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If you are looking for a different test, or are not sure which test is relevant for your position, please  contact us, and we will do our best to ensure you get the most accurate preparation for your upcoming assessment.