Colorado Colorado POST Written Examination Study Guide
State-specific prep for the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) exam — built by a former U.S. Secret Service Agent.
Colorado Law Enforcement Exam Overview
POST Agency
Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)
Exam Name
Colorado POST Written Examination
Format
Multiple choice, 100 questions, 3 hours
Passing Score
70%
Exam Sections
Agency Notes
Colorado POST requires all recruits to pass the written exam prior to basic academy enrollment. Many agencies additionally use NTN or Ergometrics for pre-hire screening.
What's Tested on the Colorado Exam
Every section of the Colorado POST Written Examination — and what you need to know about each.
Reading Comprehension
Passages followed by questions testing your ability to understand, recall, and apply written information — the most common section on all POST exams.
Mathematics
Basic arithmetic, percentages, fractions, ratios, and sometimes basic algebra. Calculator not permitted.
Writing
Core competency tested on the POST written exam. Demonstrates your knowledge and readiness for law enforcement work in this area.
Situational Judgment
Scenario-based questions asking what you would do in common law enforcement situations. Tests judgment, ethics, and procedural knowledge.
Reasoning
Logical deduction and inductive reasoning: identifying patterns, drawing conclusions from incomplete information, and applying systematic thinking.
Colorado-Specific Study Tips
Priority StateInsider tips specific to the Colorado POST Written Examination — not generic advice.
Colorado POST written exam covers general law enforcement aptitude. Reading comprehension and reasoning are the highest-weight sections.
Colorado has legalized recreational marijuana — expect situational judgment questions that test your knowledge of Colorado-specific laws and enforcement standards.
Many Colorado agencies use their own supplemental written exams for hiring. The POST exam is for certification; individual agencies may have separate requirements.
⚠️ Watch Out For
Colorado law on marijuana possession and use creates unique enforcement scenarios. Be prepared for situational judgment questions specific to Colorado's legal environment.
📊 Recommended Study Time Allocation
Colorado Law Enforcement Hiring Process
Most Colorado agencies follow this sequence — though exact order varies by department.
Written Examination
Pass the POST written exam. This is your entry point — without a passing score, the rest of the process doesn't open up.
Physical Agility Test
Demonstrate physical fitness through agency-specific standards. Train consistently for 3–6 months before testing day.
Background Investigation
Comprehensive review of your history: criminal record, driving record, employment, references, financial history, and social media. Transparency is essential.
Psychological & Medical Evaluation
Psychological screening (MMPI, written exam, interview) plus a medical exam. These are pass/fail based on established standards.
Academy Training
Complete the state-mandated basic training academy. Minimum hours vary by state (400–800+ hours). Graduate to become a certified law enforcement officer.
* Exact process varies by agency. Contact your target Colorado department for their specific requirements.
Certification Exam Prep
Law Enforcement Certification
Certification requirements vary by state. Most states certify officers through academy completion. Check with your agency for specific requirements.
Firefighter Certification — NFPA 1001
Firefighters in most states must pass the NFPA 1001 exam for official certification. Required for licensure in approximately 45 states.
Prepare for NFPA 1001 →EMS Certification — NREMT
NREMT certification is the national standard for EMTs. BadgePrep covers the NREMT EMT-Basic and Paramedic exams.
Prepare for NREMT →Everything You Need to Pass the Colorado Exam
BadgePrep gives you everything you need to pass the Colorado POST Written Examination — built by someone who has sat on the other side of the badge.
- ✓State-specific study materials for Colorado
- ✓adaptive practice tests matched to Colorado POST Written Examination format
- ✓Memory games: license plates, suspect descriptions, addresses
- ✓Oral board and interview prep
- ✓Application tracker to manage your agencies
- ✓Hiring process timelines and checklists
Colorado POST Exam Prep
Tailored to the Colorado POST Written Examination
Frequently Asked Questions — Colorado POST Exam
What is the Colorado POST Written Examination?+
The Colorado POST Written Examination is the law enforcement written entrance examination administered by the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). It assesses whether candidates have the cognitive skills required for effective law enforcement work in Colorado. The exam consists of Multiple choice, 100 questions, 3 hours. All candidates seeking Colorado law enforcement certification must pass this exam as part of the academy admission process.
What score do I need to pass the Colorado law enforcement exam?+
The official passing score for the Colorado POST Written Examination is 70%. However, passing is not the same as being competitive. Many Colorado agencies will rank candidates by score and extend conditional offers to top performers first. Aim to score as high as possible — not just to pass.
How do I prepare for the Colorado police exam?+
Effective preparation for the Colorado POST Written Examination starts with understanding what's tested: Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, Writing, and 2 more sections.
Start with reading comprehension practice — it's the highest-weighted section on most POST exams. Follow with written expression and mathematics. Take timed practice tests under real conditions so time pressure doesn't catch you off guard.
BadgePrep offers state-specific study materials tailored to the Colorado POST Written Examination format, including practice questions built on official POST exam formats, timed mock exams, and memory training games. Join the waitlist for early access.
POST Physical Ability Test
Most Colorado law enforcement agencies use Cooper Institute standards at the 40th–50th percentile as their minimum physical fitness benchmark. The physical test is a hard gate — failing it ends your application immediately.
Push-Ups
29 min (male 20-29)
Sit-Ups
38 min (male 20-29)
1.5-Mile Run
Under 13:35 (male 20-29)
Sit-and-Reach
16.5" male / 19.3" female
Cooper 40th percentile defaults — verify with your specific agency. Train to 60th+ for a safe margin.
Applying for 911 Dispatch in Colorado?
Most Colorado PSAPs use the CritiCall assessment. It tests typing speed, character string memory, call processing, map reading, and incident prioritization — skills you can only build by doing, not reading.
Practice CritiCall Skill Drills on BadgePrep →Try a free practice question for Colorado
10 POST-style questions across all 5 exam categories. No login, no paywall.
Main Resource
Complete LE Study Guide →
7 exam categories, memory games, oral board prep, fitness standards, and the full hiring process.
Fitness Prep
12-Week Fitness Plan →
POST physical fitness training targeting Cooper 75th percentile. Progress tracking included.
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