Initial Selection Test - Introduction


This page provides a high level introduction to the Initial Selection Test (IST) stage of the recruitment process.

We have selected two test elements to make up the IST. In order to ensure testing is universally accessible the test elements are deliberately not set in a policing (or similar) environment. Through the IST we hope better understand a candidate’s ability to learn, adapt and take on new skills. This will help inform us if you have the potential to excel as a Student Officer.  

Verify Interactive - Deductive Reasoning and Global Skills Assessment (GSA): 

Please see below guidance for test practice, familiarisation and other related IST information.

The Initial Selection Test (IST) will consist of two assessments that have been created by the testing provider SHL. They are: 

  • Verify Interactive - Deductive Reasoning and 
  • Global Skills Assessment (GSA).

How can the tests help you?

  • They will help to show you where your particular strengths are
  • They have been chosen because the skills they involve are utilised 
  • The tests are carefully designed so that they are for all applicants 
  • The tests will help you find if this job suits you 

Where can I practice or familiarise myself with the IST assessment?

You can use the practice assessments / familiarisation assets available on the SHL website ahead of testing. 

Pre-IST practice is not essential, but at your discretion you may wish to prepare ahead of time by familiarising yourself with what will be expected.

For the Verify Interactive - Deductive Reasoning element some practice questions are available via SHL website. For the Global Skills Assessment it is not possible or necessary to complete practice questions. Where available, practice questions are indicative only. The actual questions may differ in terms of difficulty. Practice questions are simplified versions of the real assessment intended to familiarise participants with how question answering functions. Practice questions may not be representative of actual test questions.

For both elements of the IST the best preparation is to familiarise yourself with the test format and response mechanism to allow you to get a feel for how the system works. An opportunity to complete such familiarisation is available within the SHL platform and will be available to you immediately before you undertake testing. Further instructions and guidance which you should follow will be provided in your IST invitation. Also, please consider the following for a basic introduction.

How will I access my IST and what will the format be?

Candidates will be emailed an invitation to testing which will include a link to a dedicated portal within the online SHL platform - Talent Central.  

Testing and question elements will be presented in written or visual format via an online platform. You will be required to respond by interacting with or selecting options presented on screen and, if necessary, inputting / selecting written responses. There is no audio components within the IST elements. 

Support and accessibility options are available within the SHL system. Candidates are welcome to make use of all tools available within the system, or (where compatible) make use of any third-party accessibility tools. (N.B. Candidates must participate without outside assistance with regard to question responses, i.e. you must do the IST yourself without attempt to cheat). The primary language of the recruitment process is the English language, however, a range of language options are available within the SHL platform. If you would find it beneficial, you are welcome to select from the available language options while attempting the test. (Please note, only the language options offered by the SHL system, per test, are available. We apologise in advance if your preference is not supported). 

Verify Interactive - Deductive Reasoning 

Deductive reasoning is the ability to identify valid conclusions based on information presented or it can be described as the ability to systematically apply rules accurately.

Skills that will be tested as part of this assessment:

  • Problem Solving 
  • Reasoning Skills

Scenarios within the test will need to be analysed by candidates, with conclusions drawn from the analysis. 

Question Format: Timed. Interactive / Activity-based. Adaptive.

Tools Required: It will help if you have a pen/pencil and some paper available when attempting the Deductive Reasoning element. 

The assessment will use Computer Adaptive Testing, which means that the level of the next question depends on the answer you give on the one before: when you make a mistake, the next one will be a bit easier, when you answer correctly the next one will be more difficult. Because of this, the majority of all candidates find this a difficult assessment, so do not get discouraged. Just keep going until the time is up. The system will analyse your performance to formulate a comparable score. This technology provides a fair assessment for all.

Verify Interactive - Deductive Reasoning involves considering 12 pieces of source material within a time limit (18 minutes - standard. Time may vary for those with reasonable adjustment needs - Please check individual communications from Deloitte if your have requested reasonable adjustment needs.)

Possible themes include the following:

  • Team schedule.
  • Team rooms.
  • Rankings / schedule exercises.
  • Team Calendar.
  • Tasks - scheduling.
  • Other themes possible, please consider on screen / live information.

Global Skills Assessment (GSA)

The GSA has been created to measure the related skills and competencies associated with the role of a Student Officer, mapped against the College of Policing Competency Values Framework (CVF). 

The aim of the GSA is to identify applicants with the skills and workplace behaviours relevant to this job.

It is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the current CVF (see below), for all competencies and values expected of a police officer. Note however, that although the GSA considers the policing CVF, it is not set in a policing environment. You should approach the GSA based on your own personal circumstances. We don’t expect or require you to have work experience at this stage, so you can bear that in mind when responding. For example, where an organisation is referenced – for you this could mean a school or volunteer group or previous employer if you have had one. Or, for another example, in your circumstances a manager could be a coach, teacher, or anyone else who has set you tasks for you to complete in the past.

Question Format: Not timed. Forced Choice

Tools Required: No outside tools are needed for the GSA.

The GSA is designed to look at a wide range of behaviours in different settings. Some of these behaviours will feel very relevant to you, whilst others are likely to be behaviours that you haven’t engaged with much, if at all, in the past. Don’t worry – you should answer the questions by focusing on the behaviours that are most representative of you. Some candidates may feel it a little odd to be self-reflective of themselves while attempting the GSA, but this is intended. Don't overthink your response, it is usually best to go with your first reaction. The system will analyse your responses to formulate a comparable score mapped against the CVF. This technology provides a fair assessment for all. 

Assessment Guidance 

The Fact Sheets for Verify Interactive - Deductive Reasoning and the Global Skills Assessment can be found on the SHL website.

Verify Interactive - Deductive Reasoning - Verify Interactive - Deductive Reasoning 

Global Skills Assessment (GSA) - Global Skills Assessment

The Competency Values Framework - College of Policing website. 

Values (3)

Values are beliefs which are important to us as individuals, and which motivate particular behaviours and actions. Policing is a deeply ethical profession.

  • Courage
  • Respect and empathy
  • Public Service

Competencies (6)

Competencies are skills, abilities and practical behaviours that contribute to effective job performance.

  • We are emotionally aware
  • We take ownership
  • We collaborate 
  • We support and inspire
  • We analyse critically
  • We are innovative and open-minded 
Capture_CVF_Diagram.JPG

*Source College of Policing Ltd.

Contains information licensed under the Non-Commercial College Licence.