Probation/Parole Officer Exam

Overview
Probation Officers help criminals reenter society while fulfilling the terms of their probation. The Probation Officer Exam is used by the government as part of the application process for these positions. To do well, you must understand the basics of effective probation systems, principles of parole supervision, and narcotics and drug laws. You should also be able to read and interpret written instructions and have a general understanding of the legal system.

Test Dates
Test dates vary based upon where you are applying. Contact the city, county, or state administering your exam.

Test Locations
Test locations vary based upon where you are applying. Contact the city, county, or state administering your exam.

Test Structure
The specific content on exams for Probation Officers varies from place to place. However, most run about 4 hours long and contain roughly 70 multiple-choice and reading comprehension questions. You should be familiar with topics commonly encountered by Probation Officers, such as narcotics law and issues, as well as topics specific to national, state, and local court systems.

Scoring
Your answer sheet will be read by a machine to determine your raw score. Then, using a confidential process, your raw score will be converted into a scaled score, from 1 to 100. A scaled score of 70 is usually considered passing.