Sign Up for a Workshop

Preparation Workshops are not required, but are designed to assist applicants with taking the written, physical ability test and Oral Board process. The workshops will include an explanation of the hiring process, competitive standards and department opportunities. You will receive a take home study guide on spelling, grammar, report writing, reading comprehension and memory observation.

2009 Workshop Dates:

Saturday Daytime Workshops:

• June 13
• August 8
• September 26
• October 17

All saturday workshop times start at 10:00 AM and run about 2 hours.
Arrive 15 minutes prior to start.

Evening Workshops:

• June 18
• July 9
• August 20
• September 3
• October 22

All evening workshop times start at 6:00 PM and run about 2 hours.
Arrive 15 minutes prior to start.

To register for a pretest workshop you must contact

Recruiting Officer Monique Avery
at monique.avery@seattle.gov | (206) 386-1277 or contact

Recruiting Officer Andre Sinn
at andre.sinn@seattle.gov | (206) 615-0762

Please leave your full name, mailing address and which workshop date you would like to attend. You will receive a confirmation email with location and directions once you have selected a date.

Ensure you meet the Hiring Standards

Before you begin the application and test preparation process, ensure that you meet minimum hiring standards. Once in Backgrounding, applicants who do not meet the police department's eligibility requirements will be considered less competitive.

Bring Your PHI to the Test

Without bringing your completed Personal History Information (PHI) packets you will not be able to participate in the Civil Service Examination. Both consent to release forms need to be notarized. Make a copy for your records, as these forms will not be returned to you.

Personal History Information Packet
  PDF Doc Word Doc

Preparing for the Written Exam

Prepare well for the written exam, your score will determine your ranking on the Civil Service list. These tests include memorization, English and grammar skills, common sense, problem solving abilities and reading comprehension.

You will have an approximately 2 hour study session prior to the test, for the Memorization portion.  This is a mandatory session; you must arrive on time in order to be admitted into the Civil Service Police Officer Test. Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start time.

The Number of Test Questions on the written is 123; you need 80% or above to pass.  You can miss up to 24 questions.  You will have 1 hour & 30 minutes to complete this portion.

Preparing for the Physical Ability Test

Develop a physical training regimen a few months before taking the physical ability test.

Detailed information about the physical examination requirements is available on the Washington State Criminal Training Commission website.

Continue a physical training routine during the waiting period, which can be up to a year, to ensure you will remain competitive when entering the academy.