The current LAPD police officer selection process begins with the application and a Multiple Choice Test (MCT) before later selection stages. JoinLAPD’s current process also includes a Physical Abilities Test (PAT) for applicants whose active application was submitted on or after June 26, 2026.
That date matters. LAPD states that candidates who applied before June 26, 2026 and remain active under that application are not required to take the new PAT; prior PFQ status is handled under the transition rules for those applicants.
JobPracticeTests is independent of LAPD and the City of Los Angeles. This page does not reproduce LAPD test questions and cannot guarantee progression, background clearance, academy entry or appointment.
Current LAPD hiring stages
JoinLAPD currently lists the police officer pathway as including:
- application;
- Multiple Choice Test (MCT);
- Physical Abilities Test (PAT) for applicable current applicants;
- department interview;
- Personal History Statement;
- polygraph examination;
- medical evaluation;
- field/background investigation;
- psychological evaluation.
The exact scheduling sequence can change, and some candidates may qualify for waivers or transition rules. Use your myPD account and current JoinLAPD instructions as the authority.
Official sources:
The June 26, 2026 PAT change
JoinLAPD states that the advisory Physical Fitness Qualifier (PFQ) was replaced by a qualifying pass/fail Physical Abilities Test (PAT) on June 26, 2026.
For a new application submitted on or after that date, the candidate must pass the PAT after passing or receiving an applicable waiver for the MCT in order to continue in the process. Candidates with an older active application should follow the transition instructions in their account rather than assuming the new rule applies retroactively.
What to prepare for the MCT
Use the current official candidate instructions for the exact MCT content. Broad police-entry written-test preparation can still help with transferable skills such as:
- reading carefully;
- understanding written rules;
- grammar and written communication;
- reasoning;
- attention to detail;
- professional judgment.
Do not assume the LAPD process is the same as California POST PELLET-B. If your current LAPD instructions name the MCT, prepare for that named assessment.
For generic skill work on this site, use:
Five original practice questions
These are original JobPracticeTests exercises, not LAPD items.
1. Reading
A notice states: “Applicants who submit a new application on or after June 26, 2026 must pass the PAT after passing or waiving the MCT.”
Which statement is supported?
A. Every historic LAPD applicant must take the PAT.
B. The PAT requirement applies to new applications under the stated date rule.
C. The MCT was eliminated.
D. The PAT is only advisory.
Answer: B. The rule is tied to the application date.
2. Grammar
Which sentence is correct?
A. The candidates was notified.
B. The candidate were notified.
C. The candidates were notified.
D. The candidates is notified.
Answer: C. The plural subject takes “were.”
3. Logic
All candidates who reach the interview have completed the earlier required screening steps. Morgan reached the interview. What follows?
A. Morgan completed the earlier required screening steps.
B. Morgan was hired.
C. Morgan passed the background investigation.
D. Morgan entered the academy.
Answer: A. It follows from the stated rule only.
4. Attention to detail
Which identifier exactly matches LAPD-62026?
A. LAPD-62062
B. LAPD-62026
C. LAPD-60226
D. LAPD-620266
Answer: B. It is an exact match.
5. Source control
Your myPD account gives an instruction that differs from an old prep page. Which should you follow?
A. The current myPD/LAPD instruction.
B. The old prep page.
C. A social post.
D. Another department’s process.
Answer: A. LAPD controls its own current hiring process.
FAQ
What is the current LAPD written screening step called?
JoinLAPD currently lists a Multiple Choice Test (MCT) in the entry-level process.
Did LAPD replace the PFQ?
For newer applicants, yes. JoinLAPD states that the PFQ was replaced by a qualifying PAT on June 26, 2026, with transition rules for earlier active applications.
Is LAPD’s test the same as PELLET-B?
Do not assume that. Follow the exact test name in your current LAPD candidate instructions.