In order to become a Police Constable, you will need to pass a number of challenging assessments. One of these assessments, and relatively new, is the Police Constable Behavioural Styles Questionnaire. In this blog, we’ll tell you all about the behavioural styles questionnaire, and show you how to pass it!
What is the Police Constable Behavioural Styles Questionnaire?
In a nutshell, the Police Constable Behavioural Styles Questionnaire is a multiple-choice assessment, which will test whether you have the right behavioural traits and strengths to work as a police constable. You’ll be provided with a number of statements, and will then have to choose one of the following categories as an answer:
- Completely Disagree
- Strongly Disagree
- Somewhat Disagree
- Neither Agree nor Disagree
- Somewhat Agree
- Strongly Agree
- Completely Agree
So, for example, a question might be:
‘I am a person who feels comfortable with making important decisions.’
Your task is then to decide whether you completely disagree, strongly disagree, somewhat disagree, etc.
What is the purpose of the questionnaire?
For the assessors, there are a number of benefits to asking candidates to take this test. Firstly, there is the fact that the test provides a completely objective means for the police to assess their candidates, based solely on the behavioural requirements of the role. The questions are very simple, and your responses will tell the assessors a great deal about your suitability. Secondly, there is the fact that the test gives candidates a fantastic chance to demonstrate their strengths, on a level playing field. As mentioned, there’s nothing complicated about the test. All you need to do is answer honestly. The test is deliberately designed to cover a broad range of behavioural qualities, and responses. You’ll notice that you’ve been given the option to say that you either ‘somewhat agree’, ‘strongly agree’ or ‘completely agree’. This gives you a great deal ‘manoeuvrability’ so to speak – you can pick the answer which suits you best, without having to answer definitively.
Example Questionnaire
Below we’ve included a set of sample questions, all of which are similar to what you are likely to see in the actual Police Constable Behavioural Styles Questionnaire. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers here, just answer honestly! Tick the answer box which you think corresponds with your response. Please note: in the actual test you’ll be required to fill in a circle.
Q1. I put one hundred percent effort into every single task that I am set.
Q2. I can be trusted with confidential and personal information.
Q3. I am willing to sacrifice my personal beliefs to make things easier.
Q4. I am accepting of other people’s views and opinions.
Q5. I am someone who behaves with integrity, at all times.
Q6. I am unwilling to work cooperatively if the team doesn’t agree with my opinions.
You can get more practice for the police behavioural styles questionnaire here.
Somewhat agree
Do you have the answers for above please
Hi Josie,
There are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers for the behavioural styles questionnaire. Your answers must honestly reflect yourself and your behaviour.
Hi is there any help and advise with the test please
Completely agree
Some what disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Strongly agree
Strongly disagree
I did the online application form and it did not have the same questions as on the video you have recorded that goes with the gold pack my question is ,will this questionnaire be presented on a later stage ( i have already done the Behavioural style questionnaire online)? And obviously the video is still very much interesting and useful due to the prep nature of it.
Hi Patricio, can you advise which constabulary you have applied to?
Can you complete the questionnaire again if you are unsuccessful or make a mistake. ?
Hi Daisy, if your answers in the questionnaire do not match up with the values of the police then you application may be rejected and you will have to reapply.
Hi would you be able to tell me what the score is out of as I recently got 31 and was wondering if that is considered good or not.
Hi Harry, unfortunately, the scoring criteria for the behavioural styles questionnaire is not publicised so we’re not able to advise on your score.
How many of these questions are there in the application process?
Also, for number 3 I felt confused as to what they would want to hear for that one!! Any advice?
Can you prepare for these questions or just have to go for it on the day?
Hi Sarah – there is no set ‘right answer’ but it’s important to note that it may not be favourable to the police if you identify as someone who is willing to easily forfeit their own beliefs.
Hi, I recently applied for Policr Constable but I failed the behavioural style questionnaire, I am about to re-apply but I feel as if I need some practice questions or guidance. Do you have any Practice Questions I could go through.
Hi Ahsan, there are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers for the behavioural questionnaire as it is designed to be answered honestly to assess if your beliefs and values match with those of the police.
If you have been unsuccessful previously I would recommend studying the competencies and values the police are currently assessing candidates against and ensure that you understand them fully and are a true reflection of your own behaviours. You may find situational judgement questions useful for understanding the behaviour that is expected of police officers.
Do you know what the pass mark is for this test?
Hi Jim, thanks for your comment! The behavioural styles questionnaire is designed to test whether your views and motivations closely match those of the police. As such, there is no set ‘pass mark’ but each individual answer will help the assessors determine if an applicant is suitable for the role.
My son applied to the met last year and after answering this questionnaire was promptly stopped in his tracks because the computer said no.
In my opinion he is a well rounded, fair minded, firm but very fair character.
He since has successfully joined the met specials and is thoroughly enjoying the role.
However, he has again attempted to reapply as a paid member of the police force and again after completing this test, he has been told no!
I find it hard to believe how a test that gives you options for completely or strongly agree can determine whether you are suitable for a police role.
I suspect the police have missed out on some very able and worthy people as a result of this ridiculous (in my opinion) test.
Strongly agree with you Layla!
Hi Gemma,
You might have answered this question already so apologies… Do you know how long before applying again after failing this particular test? Thank you!
Hi Phillippe, typically if you fail any part of the selection process you will need to wait 6 months before you can re-apply.
Do you know how long before applying again after failing this particular test? Thank you!
Hi Jenifer, you will typically have to wait 6 months to reapply if you fail any part of the selection process.
Hello, do you know if you fail this test for a special constable if it stops you being able to apply for a paid role in the police within the 6 months? or can you apply for a police constable role after you fail this for the special constable role.
Hi Kacey, typically you cannot apply for a police constable role if you have a failed application within the last 6 months with any force.
It is worth checking this with the force you want to apply with though as some forces may reduce this to 3 months or waive this criteria altogether.