NYPD Exam - Free Practice With Full Solutions & Experts Tips 2026

Last Updated: January 11, 2026

Maya, Police Test Developer at JobTestPrep

The NYPD Exam is key for aspiring NYC police officers. It tests essential cognitive skills needed for the job, and its comprehensive, timed format makes it challenging.
On this page, we walk you through everything you need to know about the NYPD exam, providing detailed insights along with free NYPD exam questions and answers to help jump-start your preparation.

2026 NYPD Exam Dates

February 2 - 7 | March 2 – 7 | April 6 – 11 | May 4 - 9 | June 1 - 6 | July 6 - 11 | February 2 - 7 | March 2 – 7 | April 6 – 11 | May 4 - 9 | June 1 - 6 | July 6 - 11 |

NYPD Police Exam Practice Test

Like many other Civil Service and Police Exams, the NYPD written exam for police officer candidates includes several types of questions, such as memorization, spatial orientation, written comprehension, written expression, information ordering, inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning, visualization, and problem sensitivity.

In this NYPD exam practice section, you’ll find sample questions for each question type, along with detailed explanations, solving strategies, and test-taking tips to help you prepare effectively for the NYPD police officer exam.

Memorization Questions

Let's start with the Memorization questions. This section, considered the most challenging part of the test, gives you 10 minutes to study a photo's details without taking notes or revisiting the image. The questions will focus on the most basic aspects of the picture.

Job Relevance: A Police Officer might use this skill to identify individuals wanted for questioning, making it a valuable skill in daily activities.

INSTRUCTIONS: Study the image below very carefully for five minutes. You will be asked detailed questions about this image throughout the following questions. Once you are instructed to turn the page, you will not be allowed to look back at the photograph. (In this practice test we suggest that you zoom in and look very carefully at the picture)

memorization 1

💡Tip: As you view the photo, don't try to remember every single detail, as this can be overwhelming. Instead, focus on key elements that stand out, such as unique features, patterns, or distinctive objects. Try to create a mental "map" of the photo based on these key elements. When the viewing time ends, take a few seconds to consolidate your mental image before attempting to answer the questions. This selective approach can help you recall important information efficiently and improve your accuracy in memorization questions. 

For more solving tips and dozens of practice questions, we invite you to check our comprehensive NYPD Exam PrepPack.


Spatial Orientation Questions

Next, we'll explore Spatial Orientation questions. This part of the exam evaluates your relative (left-right) and absolute (north-south) directional skills, along with reading comprehension, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities. Typically, you'll be given a map and asked to identify the quickest route between two points. You may also need to pinpoint the last known direction or location of an object or person based on a written scenario.

Job Relevance: A Police Officer might employ this skill while patrolling their designated precinct, whether on foot or by vehicle.

Review the map below and respond to the following questions.

An arrow on the street indicates that traffic along the entire road is only allowed to travel in the direction the arrow points.

spatial

💡Tip: One of the best tips for specific map-based questions is quickly identifying key landmarks and paths. For written scenarios of spatial orientation, visualize the scene and use directional cues in the text to orient yourself. Always double-check your initial instinct against the map or scenario details.

Master the NYPD Police Exam

The NYPD Police Exam is a unique law enforcement entrance exam that places a strong emphasis on memorization, spatial orientation, and map-reading skills, abilities you’ll rely on every day as an NYPD police officer.
To pass the NYPD written exam, candidates must demonstrate sharp attention to detail and strong navigation skills.
Our NYPD Exam PrepPack is specifically designed to help you prepare for the NYPD police exam. It includes realistic NYPD practice test questions, full-length exam simulations, and detailed map-reading exercises that closely mirror the actual NYPD exam format.
This targeted NYPD test preparation helps you build confidence and perform at your best on test day. For just $79, you receive a comprehensive NYPD exam study guide, multiple NYPD practice tests, and structured police exam preparation materials trusted by thousands of candidates.
With our NYPD test prep, you’re not just preparing to pass the NYPD exam - you’re preparing to start your career as an NYPD police officer.


Written Comprehension

Now, we'll move on to another section you'll encounter in the assessment - Written Comprehension questions. In this section, you will be presented with several passages to test your ability to read and understand written information. After each passage, you will be asked a series of questions about the details of the text.

Job Relevance: This ability may be used by a Police Officer when reading policies, laws, and other legal documents, as well as traffic signs, traffic violations reports, etc.

Answer the following question regarding the current information:

The latest public health campaign has sparked debate due to its graphic representation of the harmful effects of excessive sugar consumption. The campaign features images of severely decayed teeth and other health issues directly linked to high sugar intake. While the campaign has gained significant traction on social media and raised awareness about the dangers of sugar, it has also faced criticism. Critics argue that such graphic imagery can be distressing and counterproductive, potentially leading individuals to ignore or downplay the severity of their own health issues related to sugar consumption.

💡Tip: The best tip for specific reading comprehension questions is to read each passage carefully, focusing on the main idea and key details. Before looking at the questions, briefly summarize the passage in your mind. This helps in recalling details when answering questions.


Information Ordering

Information Ordering is a key section of many police written exams, including the NYPD Police Exam. This test section measures your ability to correctly sequence rules, actions, and steps - an essential skill for law enforcement officers who must follow procedures accurately and in order.

In Information Ordering questions, you may be asked to arrange letters, numbers, images, words, sentences, procedures, or mathematical and logical operations into the correct sequence. Success in this section depends on attention to detail, logical reasoning, and your ability to process information quickly and accurately under exam conditions.

Job Relevance: This ability may be used by a Police Officer when storing found, seized, or recovered property.

💡Tip: Sometimes, a glance at the answer choices can save you valuable time. For example, if the options show only two possible items to start the sequence, you’ve already narrowed your decision down to those two. Look for these types of clues in the answers to speed up your process.


Inductive Reasoning

Inductive Reasoning is a core section of many police written exams, including the NYPD Police Exam. This section evaluates your ability to analyze scenarios, apply offense classifications, and determine which crime was committed based on the information provided. These skills are critical for law enforcement officers when interpreting incidents and making sound judgments in the field.

Inductive Reasoning questions often present short case scenarios, witness statements, or situational descriptions. You must apply established rules and definitions to new situations and decide which conclusion or statement is most accurate. Success in this section depends on logical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to evaluate evidence objectively under exam conditions.

Job Relevance: This ability may be used by a Police Officer when investigating specific offenses.

💡Tip: Success on these questions depends on a systematic workflow. Once you've read the data and the distractors, pre-define your search strategy. For instance, decide to "scan column by column to find the right header before looking for the row." This mental roadmap helps you stay focused, avoid distractions, and eliminate careless mistakes while saving time.

Practice Makes Perfect!

Our comprehensive NYPD Exam PrepPack equips candidates with the necessary tools to excel in the rigorous selection and hiring process of the New York City Police Department.

Aspiring police officers aiming to join the ranks of New York's finest police force understand the importance of acing the police officer written exam and navigating the citywide administrative services seamlessly.

Our meticulously curated resources simulate the actual exam environment, providing invaluable practice questions and tips to ensure candidates are fully prepared to showcase their abilities.

From mastering the written entrance exam to understanding the required steps in the hiring process, we are committed to guiding you every step of the way.

Explore our resources beginning today and take the first important step towards becoming a part of New York City's esteemed police department.

  • Full Test Simulation
  • 6 Deductive Reasoning Tests & Guide
  • 5 Inductive Reasoning Tests & Guide
  • 2 Memorization Tests & Guide
  • 3 Visualization Tests
  • 9 Information Ordering Tests
  • 2 Problem Sensitivity Tests
  • 10 Reading Comprehension Tests & Guide
  • 3 Spatial Orientation Tests


Deductive Reasoning

Next, we'll tackle Deductive Reasoning in the NYPD exam. This section tests your ability to logically apply rules to specific problems and includes tasks like table analysis, picture matching, and detailed list review.

Job Relevance: This skill is crucial for a Police Officer when determining the appropriate dispatch code based on the situation.

💡Tip: In these types of questions, extreme words serve as highly effective indicators for narrowing down your options. When an answer choice includes absolute terms such as "the best," "everyone," "always," or "the least," prioritize fact-checking them against the text. Because these words represent "all-or-nothing" claims, they are easy to verify while scanning the passage. If the text provides a neutral or qualified description (e.g., using "some" instead of "all"), you can immediately disqualify that choice. This systematic approach prevents overthinking, minimizes errors, and saves you valuable time during the exam.


Visualization

Next in the NYPD exam is the Visualization section. This section tests your ability to recognize objects, including diagrams, geometric shapes, floor plans, and human faces, even after they have been altered or repositioned.

Job Relevance: This skill is vital for a Police Officer searching for individuals wanted for arrest or questioning, especially when these individuals may have altered their appearance.

Question #17

On the left is a portrait of a suspect. On the right are four different portraits. Out of the four, only one is the suspect. Assuming no plastic surgery or drastic changes to basic facial features have been performed and only superficial features (such as hair and/or glasses) have changed, choose the portrait that is most likely to be the suspect.

viz1

 

The answer is B.

This type of question can be slightly confusing. We recommend that you begin by eliminating the choices least likely to be the answer and then focus on the portraits more similar to that of the suspect. In this question we can see that A has the wrong eyes, C has the wrong nose and D has a different mouth from the portrait we need, therefore B is the answer.

 

Question #18

On the left a portrait of a suspect is presented. On the right are four different portraits. Out of the four, only one is not the suspect. Assuming no plastic surgery or drastic changes to basic facial features have been performed and only superficial features (such as hair and/or glasses) have changed, choose the portrait that is most likely not the suspect.

viz2

The answer is B.

B has a different nose in comparison to the suspect.

💡Tip: For solving visualization questions a systematic workflow is essential for staying focused. We recommend scanning characters by specific features horizontally. Instead of looking at each character as a whole, focus on one attribute at a time across all figures. For example, start with the eyes: scan only the eyes of every character to see if any specific detail stands out. Then, move on to the nose, then the next feature, and so on. This methodical approach ensures you don't miss subtle differences and prevents your focus from drifting.


Problem Sensitivity

We'll now look at Problem Sensitivity, the final question type in your Police exam. This section evaluates your ability to spot issues across various police-related scenarios, such as problematic testimonies, procedural inconsistencies, or suspicious details at a crime scene.

Job Relevance: This skill is crucial for a Police Officer when apprehending suspects or assisting crime victims.

Read the RULE carefully and answer the question:

RULE

Parking Regulations

Following parking regulations must be observed:

  • No parking in front of fire hydrants.
  • Parking is allowed only in designated spots marked in white or blue.
  • Vehicles must not block pedestrian crosswalks.
  • Vehicles must be parked within 18 inches of the curb.

Note: Parking in front of private driveways is permitted with the property owner's consent.

💡Tip: To effectively tackle problem sensitivity questions, which often involve identifying issues or conflicts in scenarios, it's crucial to carefully read and understand the context provided. Focus on identifying key elements and underlying issues in the scenario. Think about how different elements interact and what their potential implications are. This type of question requires you to be perceptive and considerate of nuances in the given information, aiming to anticipate problems or conflicts that may arise from the situation described.


Congratulations on completing our Free NYPD Police Exam Practice Test!

Now that you've acquainted yourself with the NYPD Police Exam content and various problem-solving strategies, it's time to enhance your preparation. 

Explore our in-depth guides to gain a better understanding of the exam's content, delve into unique problem-solving techniques, and receive valuable tips for psychometric assessments. With our assistance, you'll learn to navigate through the complexities of the exam. 

Take advantage of full-length simulation tests resembling the actual exam experience that will significantly boost your readiness. Achieving top scores necessitates a thorough grasp of all solving methods, systematic practice, and meticulous preparation.

Our PrepPack not only helps you pass the exam but also equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve and protect the city with confidence. Don't let the daunting nature of the NYPD Exam deter you; instead, begin your journey toward a fulfilling career in law enforcement with the assurance that you are well-prepared to succeed. 

Invest in your success and unlock your potential to excel in the test.

  • Full Test Simulation
  • 6 Deductive Reasoning Tests & Guide
  • 5 Inductive Reasoning Tests & Guide
  • 2 Memorization Tests & Guide
  • 3 Visualization Tests
  • 9 Information Ordering Tests
  • 2 Problem Sensitivity Tests
  • 10 Reading Comprehension Tests & Guide
  • 3 Spatial Orientation Tests


FAQs

To take the exam, candidates must meet one of the following requirements:

  • 24 college semester credits from an accredited institution with a minimum 2.0 GPA
  • A high school diploma or equivalent plus two years of honorable full-time U.S. military service

Applicants educated outside the U.S. must have their education evaluated for U.S. equivalency using an approved evaluation service provided during the police department’s pre-employment screening.


Here is a list of some additional requirements that you need to consider:

  • Age: 17+ to take the exam. 20 years and 6 months minimum at appointment. Must be under 35 on the first day of the application period.
  • Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required at the time of appointment.
  • Residency: Applicants must live in New York City or Nassau, Westchester, Suffolk, Orange, Rockland, or Putnam counties, as required by New York State Public Officers Law.
  • Background & Medical Screening: Candidates must pass: A character and background investigation Drug screening Medical and psychological evaluations.
  • Physical Requirements: Police Officers must pass the Job Standard Test (JST) and meet established physical standards. Periodic fitness testing may be required throughout employment.

Starting pay is $60,884 a year, but you’ll see raises that bring you up to $126,410 after five and a half years. These rates might shift a bit over time. 
Time Off:
27 paid vacation days starting in the 7th year.
Unlimited sick leave with full pay.
Benefits:
Multiple medical benefit plans.
Prescription, dental, and vision coverage.
Annuity Fund, Deferred Compensation Plan, 401(k), and IRA
Optional retirement after 20 years at 50% salary.
$12,000 annual Variable Supplement Fund (paid after retirement).


Yes. The current application fee is $40.00.
Note that paying with a credit/debit/gift card incurs a nonrefundable 2.00% service fee.



Additional well-known police exams in NY are the Nassau County ExamMTA Exam, and the NYS Police Test. Visit our NY Police Exams or our NYC Civil Service Exams pages to obtain a general overview of the different exams in the region.

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