- LEBAT
- Designed for those individuals wishing to enter the field of Law Enforcement.
- COBAT
- Designed for those individuals wishing to enter the field of Corrections.
The exam is 2 hour time limit with 104 questions. Examinees are allowed 3 exam attempts in a 12 month calendar period.
- The FBAT will assess your skills in the following areas:
- Deductive Reasoning - the ability to apply rules to specific problems to come up with logical answers
- Inductive Reasoning - the ability to combine separate pieces of information, or specific answers to problems to form general rules or conclusions
- Information Ordering - the ability to correctly follow a rule or set of rules in order to arrange things or actions in a certain order
- Memorization - the ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures and procedures
- Problem Sensitivity - the ability to tell if something is wrong or likely to go wrong
- Spatial Orientation - the ability to tell where you are in relation to the location of some objects
- Written Comprehension - involves reading & understanding written words and sentences
- Written Expression - ability to write a paragraph using proper grammar and spelling
How to sign-up for the FBAT Test Prep:
Step 1- Click on the "Sign Up" button on this page, you'll be directed to account creation page of our partner school californiarealestatelicenseschool.com which hosts real estate and law enforcement test preps on their server including our CJBAT and FBAT test prep.
Step 2- On the Register page, enter your name, email, and password and choose your subscription level: Select CJBAT FBAT Test Prep and finish by processing the payment. At this stage, you should have access to the premium content so click on the CJBAT-FBAT Test Prep Tab in the menu and access all the practice materials, multiple choice CJBAT FBAT practice tests, flashcards and video tutorials.
Background Investigation and Polygraph Exam
Prior to the Initial Background you will be required to complete Personal History Statement, which requires the compilation of extensive biographical information. On the day of the Initial Background, a background investigator will review the Personal History Statement and interview you about any issues noted. You will also be fingerprinted. If, based on the information obtained, it appears that you may meet the agency's background standards, a thorough field investigation will be conducted. The field investigation includes checks of employment, police, financial, education, and military records and interviews with family members, neighbors, supervisors, co-workers, and friends. The investigation may take from 60 to 180 days to complete. You will be evaluated on your past behavior and the extent to which your behavior demonstrates positive traits that support your candidacy for a Law Enforcement Officer position. The findings of the background investigation are kept by the background investigator in a confidential manner.
Plain talk about this test part: Honesty is the best policy. Everyone has done things they're not proud of, but the worst possible action is to try to cover it up. Please take time to carefully evaluate your background and experiences before you get started.
- Check the Agency's Background Information website/Flyer to see the types of things that are not befitting of a LEO for the agency. Be prepared to address any that may apply to you.
- Type or print neatly using black ink when filling out your Personal History Statement.
- You must do the research necessary to provide accurate answers in every area. "I do not remember" is not an acceptable answer on your Personal History Statement.
- Be well rested and have a good meal before your background interview. Hunger and thirst can distract you.
- Dress comfortably. (Business casual, Military Class C Uniform)
- Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled background interview appointment time.
- For parking during regular business hours, make sure you have an idea of where you will be parking your vehicle a day before your appointment to avoid being late the day of.
- Please research the agency's website for Frequently Asked Questions regarding the background investigation process.
- PLEASE BE AWARE: A Release and Waiver form is needed at the time of your Initial Background. The Waiver needs to be signed.
The Background Standards for public safety positions in the State of Florida reflect the very high standards demanded of candidates for public safety job classifications and safety sensitive positions within the agency's service. They are designed to identify the kinds of behaviors which are required of Public Safety Officers serving the citizens of the state of Florida. Each candidate's past choices, judgments, and behaviors will be compared to these demanding standards. Candidates who fall short of demonstrating consistently sound decision making, maturity, and responsible past behaviors in each of these areas will not be further considered for employment in these critical positions.
Each Standard represents an area that is essential for success in public safety employment. Positions such as Police Officer, Police Specialist, Port Police Officer, Correctional Officer, Probation Officer, Special Officer, and Firefighter, along with other public safety positions designated by the Agency's Manager, are positions of special public trust for which these exacting standards have been designed. Each Law Enforcement Agency identifies and selects only those individuals with the highest chance of success in their training and in continuing employment in these critical positions.
Candidates are asked to critically assess their own background in light of these Standards before beginning the examination process.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS, SENSITIVITY, AND RESPECT FOR OTHERS
Public Safety Officers must be able to draw on extraordinary levels of tact and diplomacy to achieve their goals while dealing with the diverse population of the State of Florida. They must be able to use advice, appropriate warnings and persuasion to engender cooperation from the public. Additionally, they must be able to work effectively either as an individual or as a member of a larger team. Each candidate shall demonstrate an understanding of the skills necessary to deal effectively with others in a cooperative and courteous manner. Desired behaviors may include, but are not limited to:
- Understanding the impact of words and behavior on others, and modifying one's own behavior, comments, or course of action accordingly
- Concern for the feelings and perspectives of others
- Demonstration of impartiality in dealing with issues of age, gender, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity, religion, and cultural diversity
- Use of tact and diplomacy to achieve goals, resolve disputes, and to diffuse or deescalate conflict
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team, making appropriate contributions and recognizing the achievements of others
- Examples of Potentially Disqualifying Evidence
- Incidents of domestic violence; use of verbal or physical abuse or violence toward others indicating a lack of self-control; inability to get along with others in work or personal life; failure to listen effectively; use of derogatory stereotypes in jokes or daily language; making rude and/or condescending remarks to or about others; use of physical force to resolve disputes; demonstrated overreaction to criticism; inability to work effectively as a "team player"; disruptive/challenging to authority; use of harassment, threats, or intimidation to gain an advantage.
DECISION MAKING AND JUDGEMENT
Public Safety Officers must possess extraordinarily good sense and must demonstrate through their past behavior that they can analyze a situation quickly, make sound and responsible decisions, and take appropriate action. Desired behaviors may include, but are not limited to the ability to:
- Critically analyze options and determine an appropriate course of action in a given situation
- Act assertively and without hesitation, but without overreacting
- Make quick, responsible decisions under pressure
- Persuade others to own point of view or to desired course of action
- Know when to make an exception; exercise appropriate discretion
- Prioritize competing demands
- Simultaneously and appropriately address multiple tasks
- Make appropriate choices without constant supervision or detailed instructions
- Creatively develop innovative solutions to problems
- Examples of Potentially Disqualifying Evidence
- Making poor choices given known circumstances; indecision when options are not clear-cut; failure to take action when appropriate or demonstrating insecurity about making a decision ; behavior indicating poor judgment or failure to consider appropriate options; failure to learn from past mistakes; inability or unwillingness to modify a position; rigid adherence to rules without consideration of alternative information; failure to see or consider all options; succumbing to peer pressure.
MATURITY AND DISCIPLINE
Public Safety Officers must present a background which demonstrates maturity and readiness for such employment. Their past choices must be free from behavior inappropriate to the position being sought. A significant degree of personal discipline must be displayed to ensure that candidates can consistently refrain from taking actions which may be detrimental to their own health and well-being or the health and well-being of others. They must be able to maintain their composure and stay in control during critical situations, maintain a positive attitude, and accept constructive criticism without becoming defensive. Desired behaviors may include, but are not limited to the ability to:
- Refraining from engaging in conduct which, by its very nature, would reflect poorly on the agency and limit a Public Safety Officer's ability to do his or her job effectively
- Adhering to legal and societal constraints and requirements of conduct
- Considering the consequences prior to taking an action
- Accepting responsibility for past actions and mistakes
- Taking proper precautions and avoid unnecessarily risky behavior
- Using constructive criticism to improve performance
Working well in unstructured situations with minimal supervision
- Examples of Potentially Disqualifying Evidence
- Use of illegal drugs; abuse of alcohol or prescription medications; failure to follow all laws and common rules of conduct; associating with individuals who break the law; being argumentative, defensive, or blaming others (or circumstances) for mistakes made; past behavior which indicates a tendency to resort to use of force to gain objectives; overbearing in approach to resolving problems; unnecessarily confrontational taking unnecessary personal risks; placing others at risk through one's own actions; reacting childishly or with anger to criticism or disappointment.
HONESTY, INTEGRITY AND PERSONAL ETHICS
Public Safety Officers are required to demonstrate the highest possible personal integrity through their honesty and ethical conduct. They must be able to maintain high standards of personal conduct, abide by the law, and demonstrate attributes such as truthfulness and fairness in relationships with others. Each candidate must demonstrate a willingness to work within "the system". Examples of behaviors which meet this standard include, but are not limited to:
- Being truthful in dealings with others
- Fully cooperating and being completely forthcoming during the pre-employment selection process
- Admitting and understanding past mistakes
- Refraining from using employment or a position of authority for personal gain
- Refraining from "bending" rules or otherwise trying to "beat the system"
Accepting responsibility for one's own actions
- Examples of Potentially Disqualifying Evidence
- Makes false and/or misleading statements or intentionally omits relevant information; purposefully withholds information; minimizes past mistakes or errors; blames others/makes excuses for mistakes; attempts to induce others to give false information; "bends" the rules or uses a position of authority for personal gain; refuses to accept responsibility for improper actions; condones the unethical behavior of others through silence; engages in illegal or immoral activities of such a nature that would be offensive to contemporary community standards of propriety; theft; fraud.
SETTING AND ACHIEVING GOALS
Public Safety Officers are required to demonstrate the ability to set and achieve personal and professional goals. Candidates for public safety positions can best position themselves for positive consideration through continuing achievement in the workplace, educational environment, volunteer activities and/or community involvement. Each candidate must demonstrate initiative and the ability to follow through on all commitments without constant supervision and detailed instruction. Candidates have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to set and achieve goals, their ability to work in a diligent, reliable, and conscientious manner in accordance with specific rules and policies, and their readiness for, and commitment to, public service through the following:
- Advancement in the workplace through promotion or increased responsibilities
- Completing work as required and on schedule
- Meeting high standards for punctuality and attendance
- Meeting family obligations
- Educational achievement
- Involvement in volunteer or community improvement activities
- Easily meeting unpredictable or unexpected challenges
- Examples of potentially disqualifying evidence
- Failure to meet commitments to work, school, family, volunteer or community activities.
Candidates for public safety positions are held to exacting standards of behavior throughout all aspects of their lives. Candidates can expect specific inquiry to be made into their past behavior regarding:
- The exercise of fiscal responsibility and acceptance of responsibility for financial obligations
- Employing safe driving practices
- Maintaining stable employment
- Obeying laws, rules, regulations, and orders
- Military accomplishments
- Examples of potentially disqualifying evidence
- Past due accounts, discharged debts, late payments, collection accounts, civil judgments and/or bankruptcy; failure to exercise fiscal responsibility commensurate with income; failure to follow all traffic laws; numerous moving and non-moving violations; at fault traffic accidents; terminations or suspensions from work; reprimands or counseling for poor work performance (including Military service); failure to meet obligations (for example, auto insurance, auto registration, selective service registration, IRS requirements, child support obligations, etc.); law enforcement contacts, arrests, and convictions (as appropriate); other than Honorable discharge from the military.
It is in every candidate's best interest to be completely forthcoming and truthful during the background investigation process. Many candidates are disqualified during the background portion of the selection process as a result of dishonesty. These candidates purposely omit information they think will result in their removal from the selection process, when that may not have been the case. When this information is later discovered during the background investigation, the candidate is disqualified, but not necessarily for the behavior he or she failed to disclose. Rather, the candidate is disqualified for what the failure to provide complete, accurate, and honest information reveals about his or her character.
Agencies may require a Polygraph Examination to be conducted to confirm information obtained during the selection process.
Plain talk about this test part: For some, this is the most frightening part of the examination. Relax, be yourself, and tell the truth.
- You must have had at least 6 hours of sleep the night before your exam. Eight is better!
- If it takes you over one hour to drive to the City, please consider coming into the City the day before your appointment and staying at a local hotel or arriving well ahead of your appointment. You must be well rested for your exam.
- Have a good meal. Hunger and thirst can distract you.
- Do not wear a suit, tie, long sleeves, jeans, or high heels. Dress comfortably. Wear a short-sleeved, polo style shirt/blouse. (Business Casual)
- For evening appointments, please report to guard.
- Do not take polygraph test if you are ill.
- Remember to relax and be honest. Do not take steps to "help" yourself pass or attempt to beat the polygraph. Listen only to the examiner's instructions at the time of your polygraph.
The Psychological Evaluation consists of an individual oral interview and evaluation by a psychologist on factors related to successful performance in the difficult and stressful job of Law Enforcement Officer. The information evaluated includes the written psychological tests completed during the medical evaluation along with information obtained in the background investigation process.
- Psychological Factors of Concern
- Candidates with a history or prior diagnosis of a psychological or psychiatric condition, including learning disabilities or Attention Deficit Disorder, or who have been treated with psychotropic medication or therapy, will be asked to provide relevant medical records before a final psychological determination can be made.
- Certain conditions that have been suspected or diagnosed such as most learning disabilities or Attention Deficit Disorder, with or without hyperactivity, may require additional testing and review of relevant medical records. In some cases, these conditions/diagnoses are accompanied by functional limitations that might necessitate a psychological disqualification.
- Conditions such as bipolar disorder, recurring major depression, with or without psychotic features or suicidal ideation, recurring anxiety disorders, with or without panic attacks, obsessive/compulsive disorder, and most diagnoses leading to a psychiatric hospitalization require review of relevant medical records. These conditions are frequently accompanied by functional limitations that are difficult to manage, and as a result, tend to result in a psychological disqualification. . Be assured, each candidate receives an individualized assessment of his or her unique circumstances, and no condition or diagnosis is automatically disqualifying.
Plain talk about this test part: If you know you had prior treatment or a major injury, go to your doctor in advance and bring your records with you to the examination.
- The FBAT will assess your skills in the following areas: