The RPAT is an electronic or written exam that is the first part of judging your viability of joining the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police). It is a test that assesses your mental ability and helps in selecting candidates who will be successful in police training as well as in policing. RPAT is an acronym that stands for RCMP Police Aptitude Test. The electronic RPAT is conducted online on the Public Service Commission’s platform and results are gotten immediately upon completion. The test can also be done using pen and paper if logistics do not allow for the computerized exam.
The e-RPAT measures six skills in a candidate:
- Composition
- Comprehension
- Judgment
- Observation
- Logic &
- Computation
- In the paper and pen exam, Memory is also tested.
The e-RPAT is a semi-adaptive test, which means moving on from the first stage, the preceding questions will be determined by the answers of the previous questions. Stage 1 has various versions, though the level of difficulty is the same for all versions. Moving on, the points awarded will be determined by the level of difficulty of the question, with more difficult questions getting more points. These are the characteristics of the exam:
- It consists of 50 multiple choice questions derived from any of the six skills tested.
- It is divided into five stages.
- It has a total of 75 minutes to complete with 15 minutes allocated to each stage.
- The written RPAT is non-adaptive and has 114 questions.
- The written test is allocated 4 hours to complete.
- All the questions of any given section should be attempted.
- You can change the answers during the stage.
- You cannot go back to a completed stage when the time has elapsed.
Composition
This part of the test examines your skill in grammar, vocabulary and spelling. It tests your ability to present their written thoughts in a clear and short manner. In order to prepare for this part, you should familiarize yourself with some of the resources used to prepare it like ‘The Elements of Style’ by Strunk Jr. & White. You should also read widely and engage in crossword puzzles and writing too.
Comprehension
This stage assesses your ability to read and understand written copy. It comprises of short passages that you have to read and answer a question about each to show understanding. Reading passages attuned to the job of a police officer will help you prepare for this section. The Canadian Geographic is a good example of a practice article.
Judgment
This section seeks to test your ability to exercise sound reason when dealing with different situations. It tests your logical thought in order to understand what you would do in situations that demand action. In this part, you should reason on the best action with the least negative consequences. Judgment can only be exercised and improved by testing yourself in theoretical scenarios. You can also analyze the police’s reaction and course of action in various scenes.
Observation
This stage tests your knack for detail. The stage is presented with five sketches. One of these sketches is labeled as an alleged criminal with the rest of the four labeled a, b, c, and d. You are tasked with the duty of identifying the sketch that is closest to that of the alleged victim. You should concentrate on features that are not changeable without the use of plastic surgery. You should not use hair color or style to determine a match, nor should one focus on the clothes worn.
Logic
This part of the test examines your ability to identify and analyze situations. This is by utilizing your ability to use general rules in order to come up with conclusive answers. It also tests your ability to combine information to make up general rules. One of the ways this will be tested is by asking you to arrange information in a logical order.
Computation
This section evaluates your computing skills including when and how to apply addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. It will also test basic algebra functions. You should prepare yourself with mathematics no higher than the 9th grade in order to prepare for this section.
Memory
This is a part of the written exam which assesses your ability to retain information. The test includes being given mug shots of four individuals with their names, descriptions along with the crimes committed. Six vehicles with their details will also be provided. You are required to remember this information thirty minutes after it is given.