The Initial Selection Test (IST) is the first stage of the assessment process. This briefing document is intended to help you prepare for the IST.
When your fully completed application is received it will be reviewed thoroughly and if you meet the eligibility requirements you will receive an email containing a unique link to the online IST. You can then complete the test at any time during the defined period that the online IST will be open for this recruitment campaign. The email will clearly outline this time line.
Information and instructions on completing the online Initial Selection Test (Please read all of the following information very carefully):
We will email you with details of your online IST from either our info@joinpsni.co.uk or scheduling@joinpsni.co.uk mailboxes. (Please ensure that these email addresses are included on the 'safe senders list' of your email account and check regularly for emails from us).
Should you wish to contact the Deloitte Recruitment Team please do not attempt to reply to your IST invitation email from the scheduling@joinpsni.co.uk as this mailbox is not actively monitored for incoming email, and email sent to this mailbox will not be responded to.
You may email info@joinpsni.co.uk with queries. If doing so include your full name and UID number (which you will find at the beginning of your IST invite email). Before attempting to contact us we would encourage you to consider the comprehensive information provided about the IST below.
1. The Initial Selection Test
The IST will be conducted online only. You will access the IST via a unique link specific to you. This link is provided within your invitation email. You should be aware that you will have only one opportunity to use this link to submit a fully completed IST (this campaign).
The IST is made up of two assessments. They are the Verify Interactive - Deductive Reasoning and the Global Skills Assessment (GSA).
You will be required to take the Verify Interactive - Deductive Reasoning and the Global Skills Assessment (GSA). Both elements of the IST must be completed in the one sitting, and you must complete the IST fully - once campaign is launched guidance for this stage of the recruitment process will be made available. Once the campaign is live and if you fail to meet the deadline, you will not be able to progress in this recruitment process. Partially completed ISTs will not be considered. Please note that as soon as you commence the test questions, the IST will register as being in progress. You cannot then return to your assessment to fully complete it at a later time.
All candidates who successfully pass the online IST will be invited to the next stage of the recruitment process, and be given an opportunity to provide evidence in relation to the PSNI Education Criteria and Right to Work, before progressing to the Assessment Centre.
2. Preparing for your Initial Selection Test
Detailed instructions for both assessments will be provided when you log on to complete the IST. Before taking the assessment you will have as much time as you need to read through the instructions for both tests and you will have the opportunity to complete practice questions to ensure you are fully prepared for the assessment.
N.B. The Police Service of Northern Ireland selection process (including the IST) is a bespoke design, which is delivered by and copyright to Deloitte. Please be cautious of unofficial training providers engaged in tutoring potential applicants on elements of the process. These training providers are not endorsed. (No one outside of the Deloitte design team has the appropriate knowledge to help applicants prepare).
3. Rules for your Initial Selection Test
While there are certain system-based safeguards we have in place, you too have a role to play in ensuring that high professional standards are upheld during the IST stage of police officer recruitment.
4. Recommendations for completing the Initial Selection Test
To give yourself the very best opportunity to do well in your IST it is important that you adhere to the following:
5. Minimum system and device requirements
The online IST platform is browser based and can be accessed via laptop, tablet and desktop. You will be able to access the online IST system via the following browsers (and any later versions subsequent to those listed below):
Optimal Operating Systems: Windows 10, macOS 10.12+, iPhone 7+, Any mobile device using Android device 8+ with Chrome.
If you are trying to access the online IST on a non-compatible (e.g. very early version/outdated browser, this will be flagged when you log in, advising you to upgrade to a more up to date browser version.
6. Dealing with loss of internet while completing your Initial Selection Test
If you lose internet connection or are disconnected from the test platform for any reason, do not worry, the system will handle such instances so that your progress to date is captured. You must contact the Deloitte Recruitment Team via email to info@joinpsni.co.uk to make us aware of any issue as soon as possible.
7. Accessing and completing your Initial Selection Test
It will take less than one hour for you to complete the whole IST process online. The system will close promptly, so it is important that you leave plenty of time aside to ensure that you can complete the IST within the indicated testing timeframe. Exceptions to this deadline will not be made.
You will access the IST via the unique link issued to you in your invitation email. By using this link you will be directed to our dedicated secure online IST platform hosted by SHL Assessments. When accessing the IST via the link your test will appear. Since the test is unique to you there will be no need to provide any personal details within the test platform. The system will automatically attribute your test performance to you.
You can only access the test using one computer or device at a time and the system will record your internet IP address when you first access the test (i.e. from you click the link in your email). This IP address will be retained for 60 minutes and as such, if you try to access the test from another IP address within 60 minutes, you will not be able to do so. If you need to access the test using a different IP address please wait until the original 60 minutes has lapsed before attempting to re-access the test. You will then be allowed back into the system and the system will record the new IP address against your record.
Please note this 60 minutes only relates to the IP address and is separate to the time allocation for completing the test questions.
When you have successfully completed your IST you will see a confirmation screen indicating that you have completed the IST. To ensure that your submission is registered it is important that you follow all on-screen instructions. Please note that you will not receive an automatic email to confirm your submission.
8. Supporting you while you complete your Initial Selection Test
It is anticipated that the process you will follow in completing your IST will be straightforward.
Before clicking on your IST link we would ask you to ensure that you have a stable internet connection. If you experience genuine technical difficulties while attempting to access your IST, we would ask that in the first instance you attempt to gain access by using a different device, however you must use the same internet connection. As soon as you click your IST link, the URL will register to your internet connection, meaning the link will not work if you attempt to use it on a different internet connection. This is part of the security built into the IST to ensure that your unique link can only be used once.
If you continue to have difficulties with accessing / completing your IST having made best efforts and having tried the different means of access suggested you should contact Deloitte by email at info@joinpsni.co.uk. Include your full name and UID number and it will help if you can provide precise details of the access problems you experience (e.g. details of your internet browser), and details of any error messages you see on-screen. Do not attempt to contact the platform host SHL Assessments.
9. Results of your Initial Selection Test
Deloitte will email all participants with the outcome of their IST. We would ask for your patience while we process results.
Please remember that you will not receive an automatic email to confirm the completion of your IST, but providing you follow all on-screen instructions your submission will be registered. We are sorry but we will not be in a position to confirm IST submissions on an individual basis during the open IST phase.
Please be aware that all candidates who successfully pass the IST and are subsequently invited to the Assessment Centre stage of the recruitment process may be expected to complete a re-test of the online IST during the Assessment Centre session.