1. If I understand it correctly, If I don’t pass Part 1 (the written qualifying test), I cannot take Part 2. Is that correct?
Yes, that is correct. You must earn a sufficiently high score on the Part 1 written qualifying examination in order to advance to Part 2, the written work sample assessment test.
2. What is the most important thing to know for Part 1 and Part 2 of the detective’s exam?
For Part 1, you must know select directives very well. If you watch my videos, you will know what’s important! For Part 2, the written work sample assessment test, it is critical to understand what the test is actually measuring. You must know what information to present, and how to present it, to earn maximum points. Consistent practice is also essential. Those who perform best on the written work sample assessment test will be the next detectives!
3. Will Bernstein Test Prep be offering a course to prepare candidates for the Part 2 exam?
Yes. Bernstein Test Prep will offer a comprehensive in-person paid review course specifically designed to prepare officers for the new Part 2 detective promotional exam. The course focuses on how to best prepare for and succeed on the CPD Detective promotional process. Any candidate serious about promotion should attend.
Classes will be held at Malcolm X College on March 6, 9, 10 and April 7, 8, 9, and 13. The class times are 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, and repeated again at night from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
4. Why should I attend the Bernstein Test Prep Part 2 written assessment program?
– You will learn exactly how to maximize your score, taught directly by Dr. Jeff Bernstein and his instructional team.
– Our candidates consistently outperform their competition on Part 2 assessments.
– Training focuses on the highly testable areas
– Instruction includes a specific point-scoring strategy for each section of the multi-part written assessment
5. Do you expect the multiple-choice questions for Part 2 of the 2026 Detective’s exam to be like the prior 2022 Part 2 Detective’s exam?
No, the last part 2 detective’s exam was more reading comprehension. I expect the 2026 part 2 multiple choice test questions to be harder, with differentially weighted answers, e.g., +2, +1, 0, -1, -2.
6. What are some of the frequent and critical tasks that CPD detectives perform?
– Responding to and investigating crimes!
– Information collection and analysis
– Physical evidence collection and preservation
– Arrest-related activities
– Court-related activities
– Internal/External communication and coordination
7. How are the assessors trained to score the Part 2 written responses and what are they looking for?
When I did the prior assessor training, I trained the assessors to evaluate behavioral actions. In one section of the written work sample assessment, you are evaluated on what you write. I also gave the assessors a checklist of Mandatory Courses of Action to follow. What you write in the written assessment is evaluated against the assessor checklist. The assessor checklist is the answer sheet that we will go over in each class!
8. What is the training plan for Part 2 of the Detective’s exam?
You should know we are very, very familiar with this type of testing! We will begin with an overview of what the part 2 written assessment exam is all about. Although this is the first time this test maker has developed a detective’s exam for Chicago, they have done detectives exam throughout the country. We will specifically review which areas the testmaker likes to test. After candidates learn what it is, we will teach you a strategy for each part 2 section. This strategy has worked very effectively for our students throughout the United States. Finally, we will practice with in-class assessment test items and score them in class. High probable assessment test areas will be reviewed in every class!
9. What will I receive if I attend the Bernstein course?
You will:
– Be fully prepared and will understand exactly how the I/O Solutions part 2 written assessment exam works.
– Develop a winning strategy for approaching the part 2 written assessment exam exercises.
– Practice with written assessment exercises in class, and be shown how to score the maximum amount of points.
– Learn how to respond to ANY part 2 written assessment exam scenarios.
– Receive a comprehensive part 2 notebook and be given online part 2 practice exercises up until the exam.
– Gain the competitive edge on those who choose not to attend!
10. What is the course fee and how do I register?
– Regular Course Fee: $2,395 (if paid after Feb. 13th, 2026)
– Early Registration Course Fee: $2,195 (if paid before Feb. 13th, 2026)
– Returning Students (those who attended a prior paid detective or sergeant course): $1,995 (if paid before Feb. 13th, 2026)
Click here to register for our 2026 CPD Part 2 Written Assessment Review Course
Ask any CPD Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Commander, Deputy Chief, or Chief, and they will tell you, “GO TO BERNSTEIN!“