Entry Level Exams
Assessment and exam services for public safety agencies.
Entry Level
Exams
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Interested in learning more about a specific off-the-shelf exam? Fill out the following form to submit an email to our office. We'll contact you promptly after we receive your email. Please note, this email form is intended only for municipality/agencies/companies interested in further information about IOS off-the-shelf exams.
Off-the-Shelf-Exams
browse entry level exams by agency type:
Law Enforcement – Flagship Examination Series
IOS offers a portfolio of entry level law enforcement selection tools. Each tool has been engineered to solve the hiring challenges faced by modern law enforcement agencies. Each of our flagship entry level law enforcement exams combines multiple measures into a single test battery. The following information will help you identify the IOS tool that can help you find the right person to protect your community.
Law Enforcement Officer Selection Tool (LST)
Goal: Maximum Prediction
Leverages four distinct measures to maximize validity and differentiation of skills and abilities.
National Criminal Justice Officer Selection Inventory – Squared (NCJOSI²)
Goal: Optimal Balance
Designed to achieve optimal balance between prediction (validity) and disparate impact.
Next Generation Law Enforcement (NGLE)
Goal: Maximum Diversity
Focuses on minimizing disparity between applicant groups by minimizing emphasis on cognitive predictors and heavily weighting non-cognitive predictors.
Law Enforcement – Legacy Exams
IOS continues to support our legacy examinations. These are our “first generation” entry level law enforcement selection tools. These tools have been well-researched and have a long history of successful use by hundreds of law enforcement agencies. These tools served as a foundation for the development of our newer flagship examinations.
National Basic Abilities Test (NBAT-LEO)
The IOS National Basic Abilities Test assesses minimum cognitive competencies for police officers. IOS conducted several job-task analyses throughout the nation. These analyses provided a current and valid list of essential job tasks performed by incumbent officers in these areas. Using this information, IOS was able to create test questions and scenarios that represent actual jobs in law enforcement.
Law Enforcement – Supplemental Examinations
IOS has a number of examinations that measure single dimensions and are intended to supplement other, more comprehensive examinations.
Situational-Based Styles Assessment for Law Enforcement (SBSA-LEO)
The SBSA-LEO measures aspects of job performance that are not often found in other exams. This exam measures those skills generally evaluated later in the selection processes (by structured oral interviews and assessment centers). This exam uses a situational judgment test (SJT) format. The SBSA would be a good complement to the NCJOSI² or LST, or could be used in place of an oral interview.
Integrity Inventory (I²)
The Integrity Inventory (I²) is a national exam developed for the public safety sector. The I² predicts individuals’ likelihood of engaging in counterproductive workplace behaviors such as theft, violence, and drug abuse. Counterproductive workplace behaviors in the public safety sector are hazardous and place the civilian population at heightened risk.
Fire Service – Flagship Examination Series
IOS offers a portfolio of entry level selection tools; each tool has been engineered with forethought on solving challenges surrounding hiring in today’s fire service agencies. With the vast offerings we have, one or more of our flagship selection tools is certain to meet your agency’s needs. Each selection tool in this series combines multiple measures into a single test battery. Discover how IOS can help you find the right personnel to protect your community.
Firefighter Selection Tool (FST)
Goal: Maximum Prediction
Leverages four distinct measures to maximize validity and differentiation of skills and abilities for fire safety positions.
National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NFSI)
Goal: Optimal Balance
Designed to achieve optimal balance between prediction (validity) and disparate impact.
Next Generation Firefighter (NGFF)
Goal: Maximum Diversity
Focuses on minimizing disparity between applicant groups by minimizing emphasis on cognitive predictors and heavily weighting non-cognitive predictors.
Fire Service – Legacy Exam
IOS continues to support our legacy examinations. These are our “first generation” entry-level firefighter selection tools. These tools have been well-researched and have a long history of successful use by hundreds of fire service agencies. These tools served as a foundation for the development of our newer flagship examinations.
CWH Selection Solutions for Firefighter (SSFF)
This entry level exam assesses the skills and abilities important for firefighters. The CWH Selection Solutions for Firefighters measures cognitive ability through reading comprehension, writing/grammar and mathematics. This exam also measures practical judgment and emotional skills.
Fire Service – Supplemental Examinations
IOS has a number of examinations that measure single dimensions and are intended to supplement other, more comprehensive examinations.
Situational-Based Styles Assessment (SBSA-FF)
The SBSA-FF measures aspects of job performance that are not usually assessed in other exams. The focus of the SBSA-FF is to measure those skills typically evaluated later in the selection processes (by structured oral interviews and assessment centers). This test utilizes a situational judgment test (SJT) format. The SBSA complements the NFSI or FST, and can be used in place of an oral interview. This format is meant to accompany other exams to speed up the candidate selection process.
Integrity Inventory (I²)
The Integrity Inventory (I²) is a national exam developed for the public safety sector. The I² predicts individuals’ likelihood of engaging in counterproductive workplace behaviors. Some examples are theft, violence, and drug abuse. Counterproductive workplace behaviors in the public safety sector are hazardous and place the civilian population at heightened risk.
Mechanical Reasoning Ability Test (MRAT)
The MRAT was created to assess a candidate’s mechanical abilities. This test requires a candidate to predict the outcomes of mechanical activities, troubleshoot, or identify the purpose of a device or tool. The MRAT is designed to complement our entry-level firefighter tests. In addition, the MRAT can be used as a test for other positions where such abilities are important and job-related.
Corrections – Flagship Examination Series
IOS offers a portfolio of entry level selection tools; each tool has been engineered with forethought on solving challenges surrounding hiring in today’s correctional agencies. With the vast offerings we have, one or more of our flagship selection tools is certain to meet your agency’s needs. Each selection tool in this series combines multiple measures into a single test battery. Discover how IOS can help you find the right personnel to protect your community.
National Correctional Officer Selection Inventory (NCOSI)
The NCOSI is an alternative to conventional correctional officer written entrance examinations. This exam measures what an individual is capable of doing (cognitive ability) and what an individual will likely do (attitude, personality, motivation). The correctional officer exam measures the same attributes as our popular entry level law enforcement exam, but is custom-designed for correctional officer candidates. As with all of our examinations, the NCOSI complies with all federal, state and local testing guidelines.
Corrections – Legacy Examination Series
IOS continues to support our legacy examinations. These are our “first generation” entry level corrections selection tools. These tools have been well-researched and have a long history of successful use by hundreds of corrections agencies. These tools served as a foundation for the development of our newer flagship examinations.
National Basic Ability Test for Correctional Officers (NBAT-CO)
The IOS National Basic Abilities Test (NBAT- CO) was developed to assess minimum cognitive competencies for correctional officer candidates. Different versions of the NBAT were developed based on the unique requirements and specifications of the positions. This is a very effective correctional officer exam.
Corrections – Supplemental Examinations
IOS has a number of examinations that measure single dimensions and are intended to supplement other, more comprehensive examinations.
The Integrity Inventory (I²)
The Integrity Inventory (I²) is a national entry-level selection tool developed for the public safety sector. The I² predicts a person’s likelihood of engaging in negative workplace behaviors including, theft, violence, and drug abuse. Qualified individuals with a reduced risk of such counterproductive workplace behaviors are selected for employment, leading to a more productive workforce. Counterproductive workplace behaviors are hazardous and place the civilian population at higher risk.
National Public Safety Dispatcher Selection Inventory (NPSDSI)
The NPSDSI is the most unique and effective public safety dispatcher examination available. This is a high-tech, audio-based, job-simulation assessment that is easy to administer and measures critical dispatch skills, such as listening comprehension, problem-solving, multitasking and composure under stress as required in a typical dispatch setting.
Dispatcher Selection Tool (DST)
The DST is IOS’ most recently developed entry level exam for dispatchers and represents state-of-the art research and design. This is an audio-based, job-simulation test. This exam is easy to administer and measures critical dispatch skills.
Custom Entry Level Exams
Cognitive ability tests have been used as selection tools for many decades, but IOS has expanded its tests for better candidate selection. Personality, integrity and other types of questions have been added to increase the quality of the selected candidate. IOS’ custom development team can work with your organization to design tests that better suit your needs.
IOS also works with local agencies to modify our off-the-shelf examinations to achieve better results. Based on local job analysis data and regional differences, IOS is often able to make modifications to our off-the-shelf entry level exams.
Any agency wishing to conduct a local validation study or modification of an off-the-shelf exam should contact IOS.
Interested in contacting us directly about our exams? Click to fill out this quick form!
Interested in learning more about a specific off-the-shelf exam? Fill out the following form to submit an email to our office. We'll contact you promptly after we receive your email. Please note, this email form is intended only for municipality/agencies/companies interested in further information about IOS off-the-shelf exams.
Off-the-Shelf-Exams
Reasons to use IOS Entry Level Examinations
Legally Defensible
Each IOS exam has been developed to meticulous specifications and is supported by validity evidence. Nonetheless, the legal system tends to favor local validity evidence. IOS is concerned about legally supporting all our exams and offers assistance with both local validation and transport validity evidence for our entry level testing. Through these methods and the generalized evidence of validity we gather during development and ongoing research and development efforts, our exams have never been legally challenged successfully.
Validity Evidence
As a testing and consulting firm, it is our mission to make sure that our entry level testing is supported by robust validity evidence. Validity evidence is among the most important aspects to demonstrate in selection. Our Research and Development Division is devoted to continually seeking further evidence that our exams measure intended job constructs, knowledge, skills or abilities. Having quality validity in testing ensures that your agency will be able to choose the best person to hire.
Job Related
It is vitally important that IOS entry level exams measure the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for competently performing the job in question. IOS exams are developed to measure job-related knowledge, skills and abilities. The first step in developing any of our exams is a job analysis. IOS’ psychologists expertly gather information about a given job through interviews, job observations and job analysis surveys. This information is condensed down to the critical elements of the job. The necessary knowledge, skills and abilities are identified and linked to these critical elements. Each exam is reviewed by experts to ensure it is psychometrically sound and job-related.
Fairness
IOS was founded on two key principles: scientific rigor and fairness. It is our mission to develop sound tools for selection that are supported by the latest scientific theories. IOS ensures that our methods and models are designed to mitigate adverse impact on protected groups. Our first exam (the NCJOSI) brought a unique alternative selection tool to public safety testing. It was the first tool available designed for the public safety industry with a compensatory model that combined cognitive ability and personality. Research suggests that this model could maximize validity while minimizing adverse impact. Following this legacy, we have continually consulted research and investigated ways not only to maximize validity, but also to minimize the adverse effects and unfair consequences of improperly designed selection tools.
Learn More about IOS Philosophies, Procedures and Studies
The following catalog of IOS white papers is authored by IOS' Consulting and R&D teams. Each paper was written as an educational piece to share IOS expertise. Please use these papers as a means to better understand these various topics, as well as to gain insights on IOS' positions/methods/policies regarding these important issues.
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