Frequently Asked Questions - Dauphin County Chiefs of Police Testing Consortium
What is a Consortium?
Together, the Dauphin County Chiefs of Police Association and its members participate together in a testing consortium that pools its resources to test for those interested in becoming a municipal police officer. Applicants must complete and pass a Physical Fitness test and written test in order to be added to the final listing of interested applicants.
How often is the Consortium conducted?
Currently, the Dauphin County Chiefs of Police Testing Consortium is held annually.
How is payment made to participate in the Consortium?
Payments must be made online directly through PoliceApp.com when registering to participate in the Consortium.
Why should I participate in the Consortium?
By participating in the testing consortium and passing, your name will be forwarded to all participating agencies who are interested in hiring officers rather than just a single agency, therefore making it easier for applicants to get hired.
How many departments are hiring?
It is unknown how many departments will be hiring from this consortium process as some may only need to update a valid list to use should they need to hire, while others need to fill spots.
What exactly happens in the Consortium Process?
1. Applicants are asked to complete the online preliminary questionnaire and submit the testing fee.
2. Once this is completed and you have submitted the final forms (Physicians Statement Form and the
Informed Consent Form), you will be scheduled to take the Physical Fitness test through PoliceApp.com.
3. Upon passing the Physical Fitness test, you will be eligible to participate in the Written Exam.
4. Notification of your written test results will be given through the PoliceApp.com website in which
you registered to participate. The Consortium results are then passed to each participating department for further processing.
5. From that point on, it’s all up to the individual departments on how they move forward. Each will have their own unique timeline and process and will get in touch with the candidates on their list once they begin processing it. Any additional evaluation process will be coordinated by the individual departments (i.e. – departmental applications, physicals, interviews, polygraphs, etc.) (These tests, do not take place of any physical fitness or reading test given to obtain acceptance into any Act 120 program.)
Can I pick my time for the Physical Fitness Test?
Unfortunately no you cannot pick your time. Testing is held over the course of two days and starts in the early a.m. hours in 2 hour blocks of time.
Do you have make up days for the Physical Fitness Test?
No makeup days are available for those who may miss the test due to the scheduling of facilities months in advance to hold the testing process.
How should I prepare for the Physical Fitness Test?
The Physical Fitness Test is a specific battery of tests that applicants must be able to pass. You can download a copy of the Fitness Test Standards at www.DauphinPoliceTesting.org along with a guide on how to prepare and complete the test properly.
What happens if I fail the Physical Fitness Test?
If any portion of the Physical Fitness Test is failed, the applicant is no longer able to move forward in the process and would need to begin the process over the following year.
How will I be notified of my written exam score?
Once all test results are received, every applicant who takes the written exam will be notified by email through PoliceApp.com of their written test results within approximately one Month.
What happens if I fail the Written Exam?
If your exam score falls below the cutoff (which varies by agency) you are no longer able to move forward in the consortium process and would need to begin the process over the following year.
How should I prepare for the written test?
The written test is designed to measure basic skills, reading, writing and arithmetic that are important for successfully learning and performing an entry-level, law enforcement position. An online Study Guide will be available for purchase at https://www.applytoserve.com/Study/.
In addition to the study guide, an online practice test is available for purchase by visiting https://www.applytoserve.com/Study/. The Online POST Practice Test enables you to prepare yourself by taking an online practice version of the test you will encounter on exam day. Each section of the practice test is timed the same as the real test and feedback is received once the test has been completed or after time expires. Thorough explanations are provided for each incorrect response so you better understand how to improve.
What is Act 120?
Under Pennsylvania ACT 120, any person employed as a municipal police officer in the Commonwealth is required to have successfully completed a 919 hour course of instruction covering all areas of police work. All applicants, whether in-service or preservice, must comply with all MPOETC regulations and application procedures. Each applicant must successfully complete the Nelson-Denny Reading test and achieve a minimum score in the 30th percentile on the required MPOETC Fitness Standards Test. Additional information regarding the MPOETC Fitness Standards can be viewed by visiting: https://mpoetc.psp.pa.gov/training/Pages/Basic- Police-Officer-Training.aspx
Is it beneficial that I have my Act 120 Certification?
Yes, while some municipalities may pay for you to attend the Police Academy, others may require that you already be certified before moving through their individual hiring process. Certification is not a requirement to participate in the consortium.
I submitted the application and fee but can no longer attend the testing, can I receive a refund?
Unfortunately all payments are non-refundable once your application has been submitted.
Will my criminal history preclude me from employment?
Please refer to the Municipal Police Officer Education Training Commission (MPOETC) standards online for disqualifications.