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1. WHAT'S THE NEW DIRECTION OF THE PROMOTIONAL EXAMS?
Due to a lawsuit filed in January 2010 by the US Department of Justice, we anticipate some exam formats will change. As we are
the only national test preparation company doing work in New Jersey, we are familiar with the different exam formats used
throughout the country. The new test for 2010 will be very similar to the Bernstein work sample assessment test or B-WSAT.
We will show you exactly what the written and oral work samples will look like, and
how to answer the new work sample questions. The
goal in answering work samples is to score points! Additionally, we review the new changes on the exam.
2. WHAT IS THE LATEST ON THE POLICE PROMOTIONAL LAWSUIT?
The scoring of the 2009 Police Sergeants exam is on hold.
According to NJ Civil Service, all police promotional exams are on
schedule for 2010. June announcement and application for
lieutenant and captain candidates, September test. July
announcement for sergeant candidates, October test. One thing we can tell you is
we believe the format and content for
the next sergeants exam will change. We believe they will be changing the sergeants exam to be more like what is done in Miami, Chicago, and New Orleans. These are all places where the Justice
Department forced changes in the police promotional exams. As Dr. Bernstein has taught classes in Miami, Chicago and New Orleans, the Bernstein students will be well prepared for the new exam.
If you decide to study with us this year beginning in June, you will be prepared for the new sergeant,
lieutenant and captain's exam.
3. WHAT IF I REGISTER WITH BERNSTEIN & ASSOCIATES FOR THE 2010 POLICE PROMOTIONAL EXAM AND THE 2010 EXAM IS POSTPONED?
You should still attend the 2010 course, even if it's just to learn about the new parts of the exam. If you register now for our course and civil service postpones the 2010 sergeants exam until 2011, you
may attend our 2011 course. That means you can take the
2010 course and 2011 course at no additional cost.
It’s our goal to make sure our students score higher than anyone
else.
4. WILL THE OLD STYLE MULTIPLE CHOICE TEST QUESTIONS LIKE THOSE PREVIOUSLY TAKEN FROM THE
HOLTZ HANDBOOK BE USED ON THE NEW POLICE PROMOTIONAL EXAM?
No, the United States Department of Justice has demanded that New Jersey not use these multiple choice questions on the sergeant's promotional exam.
The US DOJ likes the work sample assessment test.
5. WHAT IS THE NEW WORK SAMPLE ASSESSMENT TEST?
Work samples are the kinds of things supervisors have to deal with in the real world. Some involve things that a supervisor does every day e.g.
high frequency items - reports, letters, memos, emails, wanted
flyers, schedules, etc. Others involve situations where it is of
critical importance for a supervisor to respond to e.g. highly critical items - officer involved shootings, hazmat incidents, pursuits, sexual harassment,
bias incidents, terrorist attacks, etc. When I developed the original
Bernstein Work Sample Test, I made up test items involving all these things. To this day in New Jersey a major incident is referred to as a
"Bernstein."
The Justice Department approved work sample type tests, allow candidates an opportunity to show what they know. In this type of test, you are placed in the situation and asked "What actions would you take?"
Just like in the real world, you have to know what to do. A good candidate should know what to do. Because as we all know in the real world you don't have four choices like A B C or D. You have to show
leadership and make a decision. An example here may be appropriate. When I worked as a uniformed patrol sergeant in Miami Beach, an officer who worked for me
unfortunately got shot. While enroute to his location I had
to know to ensure the following got done:
• First aid squad was enroute
• Back up officers dispatched to the scene
• Bolo issued for subject
• Information on weapon obtained
• Direction of travel for subject
• Crime scene preserved
• Hospital alerted
• Inner and outer perimeter
• Search for subject initiated
• Notify my supervisor
Now remember, I'm not even on scene yet. But I knew what to do. Again, no A B C or D. You have to know!
When an exam format is changed, it's always controversial. Change is scary for most cops. Try and look at it this way. It doesn't matter if you like the new test or not. It doesn't matter if I like it or if the
State of New Jersey likes it. In my 20 years of testing experience, if the U.S. Justice Department demands a test be changed, it always is! They believe the Bernstein
work sample type test is more fair and valid
than a multiple choice book test. So, get ready for it. It's definitely coming.
6. HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DEPARTMENT IS TESTING?
The best approach is to ask your union representative to check with the Police Chief to see if the department has requested an exam.
You can also email us
(info@bernsteintestprep.com) and we will check for you.
7. WHAT IS THE NEW JERSEY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION POLICE PROMOTIONAL EXAM SCHEDULE FOR 2010?
| Police Capt & Lt |
June 1st, 2010 application;
September 2010 test tentative |
| Police Sgt |
July 1st application;
October test tentative |
8. WHEN & WHERE WILL THE BERNSTEIN POLICE PROMOTIONAL PREPARATION CLASSES BE HELD?
Comprehensive Police Promotional Exam Review Course
When |
Where |
| June, July, August, Sept., October |
St. Demetrius Community Center, Carteret |
| |
Elm Fire Hall, Hammonton |
Fee: $2,450 $2,250 if pre-registered by May 1st, 2010
9. WE WORK DIFFERENT SHIFTS. WILL I MISS SOME CLASSES BECAUSE OF IT?
No, classes are held in the morning 9am to 1pm and repeated at night from 6pm to 10pm.
10. WERE THERE
WORK SAMPLE QUESTIONS ON THE MOST RECENT CSC POLICE PROMOTIONAL EXAMS?
Yes, there were a number of work sample questions.
11. WERE THESE AREAS COVERED IN YOUR COMPREHENSIVE 4-MONTH CLASS?
Yes, our instructors reviewed the areas that were tested. Students felt well prepared.
12. WHAT DO I NEED TO READ NOW?
You should begin with the Attorney General Guidelines, N. J. Criminal Code (2C) and Case Law.
13. WHAT MATERIALS DO YOU PROVIDE IN YOUR TRAINING?
You will be given the Bernstein Review materials which cover the new work sample test, AG Guidelines, N. J. Law, and Case Law.
Additionally, you will be given the Bernstein Breakdowns for all books and materials on the reading list.
14. DO I NEED TO BUY BOOKS ON THE READING LIST?
No, all books are provided for you. The most important book is the Bernstein Work Sample Assessment book, which is only available to Bernstein students!
15. HOW HAVE THE RESULTS BEEN FROM YOUR TEST PREPARATION TRAINING?
Excellent!! Click here for prior Sgt, Lt & Capt results
16. THERE ARE SO MANY BOOKS TO READ ON THE READING LISTS, HOW DO YOU COVER ALL THESE BOOKS?
First, Dr. Bernstein reads each book. He determines which areas in the book have the highest probability for test questions.
Our instructors read each book. Then, our instructors take you through each book line by line and page by page. After reviewing you on the books, we then test you over and over. Then we give you the "Bernstein Bullets" which are like cliff notes to study.
17. WHY SHOULD I ATTEND A TRAINING PROGRAM SPONSORED BY BERNSTEIN & ASSOCIATES?
A. Dr. Bernstein will teach you a specific strategy for each part of the new work sample assessment test. e.g. Management, Legal, Scheduling, Patrol, etc.
B. Bernstein & Associates will give you a number of items on the reading list for free, e.g. Bernstein text book breakdowns, 2C, AG Guidelines, Constitutional Amendments, Case Law, Title 39, School Search Policy, and more.
C. Our candidates have consistently scored higher on the new promotional test
than their competition, including those who have attended other
training programs. We have done preparation on the new work
sample test all over the country where its used!
D. Dr.
Bernstein, Capt. Bartuccio, Deputy Chief Quatrone, Lts. Willams & Bialecki,
Sgt. Wenger and Dr. Ramos will provide individualized help.
E. All classes are dual track in North and South Jersey locations, and have been rated overall as excellent. (For your convenience, the morning class is repeated at night.)
F. P.B.A. members and F.O.P. members have recommended and continue to endorse this
work sample test training to their family and friends.
G. The comprehensive course, "Management and Supervision of Public Safety Personnel," has been recommended for up to 12 college credits by the American Council on Education.
H. Candidates will receive periodic
work sample email updates.
I. Candidates will receive an updated, comprehensive notebook with carefully designed training materials and new practice exams TO TAKE HOME.
J. Throughout the course, all students will be continually updated and prepared for any and all changes that might occur in the law and the promotional exam process.
18. WHAT HAVE CANDIDATES SAID ABOUT THE BERNSTEIN TRAINING PROGRAM?
“Dr. Bernstein is the best guy to get you ready for the new test. Everything was great!” – Carol C.
“The Book Breakdowns you gave out were outstanding. You made it so easy for us. Thanks.” - Mark P.
“You didn’t waste our time with a review of law books not on the reading list. Your legal review was right on, and gave me what I needed for the test, Thanks.” - John P.
"I came out #1 . . . I credit Dr. Bernstein for giving me the edge over my competition. The # 2 candidate was 6 points behind me." – Dan D.
“It was nice to have Dr. Bernstein personally reviewing us on the AG guidelines. He found all the test questions.” – Ken M.
“I am extremely impressed with the Management review. . . . I never thought I would say this, but I am actually looking forward to the next class.” – Joe C.
“The case law was right there . . . Your management and supervision material was a direct hit. It was all there.” – Russell M.
“The training was outstanding and the instructors were enthusiastic. It was the best investment I ever made.” – Paul S.
19. WHAT IS THE BACKGROUND OF YOUR INSTRUCTORS?
Click here for backgrounds of our instructors
20. CAN I RECEIVE COLLEGE CREDIT FOR ATTENDING THE BERNSTEIN PUBLIC SAFETY MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION COURSE?
This course has earned the recommendation of up to TWELVE (12) COLLEGE CREDITS from the American Council on Education (ACE). Officers who register for this course will receive information on how to apply for college credit. It is suggested that officers interested in obtaining college credit, check with their union representatives regarding their department's tuition reimbursement policy.
21. CAN A TAX DEDUCTION BE TAKEN FOR SUPERVISION AND MANAGEMENT TRAINING?
The Internal revenue service has ruled that a tax deduction may be taken for training that is designed to maintain or improve professional skills. Students should check with their tax advisor on this matter.
22. WHAT MAKES BERNSTEIN AND ASSOCIATES FOUR-MONTH COURSE A BETTER CHOICE TO PREPARE ME FOR THE POLICE PROMOTIONAL EXAM?
• We will get you ready for changes in the new test.
• Comprehensive 4-month course.
• Dual track – North & South, 9am-1pm & 6pm-10pm
• Dr. Bernstein supervises and teaches parts of the core classes e.g. AG and
Work Sample Management exercises.
• We will give you all the books on the new reading list.
• We provide extensive book breakdowns for all books on the new reading list.
• Brand new practice test questions for the new reading list based on important core areas & books on the list.
• Take home practice tests.
• Legal review of highly testable areas.
• The best & most comprehensive oral preparation for Captain and Chief positions. One on one oral assessment is given to Captain and Chief candidates with no extra charge.
• We focus on what you need for the test, not to get you through law school.
• Highly satisfied promotional students.
• Best results.
23. ONCE I REGISTER FOR THE FOUR-MONTH COMPREHENSIVE COURSE, WILL I RECEIVE SOME ADVANCE STUDY MATERIALS?
Yes. When you register for the course, Title 2C and
the AG Guidelines will be sent to your home address no
later than March 1st.
24. HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR THE POLICE 4-MONTH COMPREHENSIVE PAID COURSE?
Click here to register for the Police Comprehensive Paid Course
