New York Police Department Interview Questions
& Process

So first there was a timed written test, it was about technical knowledge and not too hard. After that, I had a panel interview and then a tour. During the tour, they showed me the different departments and explained what they do. The whole thing took about two hours. Everyone was really nice and friendly to each other and to me.

This was a super long interview process, you can expect to be there all day at 1PP. We were all together in a group, but interviewed individually. Make sure all your forms are filled out beforehand to save time for yourself and everyone else, since they might call people in alphabetical order. It was a multi-step process that also included some hand-printing.

I took the civil service exam in July 2013 and they kicked off my hiring process in July 2015. Nowadays, it only takes about two and a half years to hire candidates, which is way faster than the five-plus years it used to take. My investigator reached out in August, and I met him the following month in September to turn in all the APD paperwork and other documents. This included stuff about my credit history, where I've lived, my education, work history, driving record, past addresses, contact details for friends and family, and the background check itself. They called me for the Medical exam the same month, which was straightforward; just follow their directions. Be upfront about any past medical issues or surgeries, and mention any medications you're taking; as long as they don't mess with your ability to do the job, you should be okay. They scheduled me for a full-day written psychological exam a month later. It involved 500 questions over five hours, and the wording was tricky, designed to be confusing, making it a real chore to pick the best answer. The key is to be honest, even if you won't remember your answers later. A month after that, I had the oral psych exam, which is the toughest part and where most people struggle, either failing or getting put on review for ages. They ask questions based on your written psych, your work history, school, jobs, childhood, relationships, family, friends, neighbors, and your history with alcohol and drugs. Luckily for me, alcohol and drugs were never an issue since I'm a practicing Muslim and don't partake. When answering the oral psych questions, stay honest, be direct, don't overshare or undershare, and you'll be fine. I was also put on review for a month but thankfully passed. They scheduled me for the Job Standard Test (JST) in February, which was easy, and then a Mini Medical in March, and I was all set for the April 2016 class. However, they were only hiring a limited number, so I missed that class. I retook the JST (it expires after three months) and another Mini Medical and got into the July 2016 class.

First, you gotta pay $40 to take an exam and pass with at least a 70. Then, wait a couple months, like 4-8, to get your score. After that, there's a medical/psychology exam that takes all day. They check your heart, eyes, back, take tattoo photos, do a hearing exam, and check your blood pressure. Then a 1000+ question psychology exam and a meeting with a psychologist. Combat vets beware, they'll target you unprofessionally, basically assuming you have PTSD if you were in combat and not a desk jockey. They'll ask for paperwork you might not have. It seems NYPD doesn't like combat vets and has had lawsuits over this. Next, you meet with a background investigator. Bring pens and be ready to write statements for *everything* you've ever done. Bring copies of everything, it's an all-day thing. Also, budget $50-$100 for tolls or parking in NYC. Then there's a PT exam (pass/fail) and a mini physical. If you pass all that, you get a job offer.