Initial Selection Test - Introduction


This page provides a high level introduction to the Initial Selection Test element of the recruitment process.

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. 

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 written responses. There is no audio components with the IST elements. 

Verify Interactive - Deductive Reasoning 

This is an assessment for candidates that require deductive reasoning ability. 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: Interactive / Activity-based, Adaptive.

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. 

Question Format: Forced Choice

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.