Prison Officer Test is an independent practice site for people applying to be prison officers in England and Wales. The HMPPS process changed in 2019 and again around 2023, and much of the prep still sold online covers the old tests. We built practice around the current route instead: the Scenario-Based Test, the Values-Based Assessment and the online assessment centre.
How we write the practice
Every question, scenario and model answer is original. We base the formats on what HMPPS publishes about its process and on what applicants report, and we say which is which. Where HMPPS doesn't publish a detail, such as pass marks, we say so rather than guess. Explanations are tied to the four behaviours HMPPS assesses: Caring, Communicating and Influencing, Making Effective Decisions, and Managing a Quality Service.
Sensitive situations
Prison work involves self-harm, violence and drugs. Our scenarios deal with how an officer responds (keeping people safe, getting help, recording and reporting) and never go into graphic detail. If anything here affects you personally, you can talk to Samaritans any time, free, on 116 123.
What we are not
Prison Officer Test is an independent practice resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), the Ministry of Justice, the Scottish Prison Service, the Northern Ireland Prison Service or any private prison operator. Our questions are original practice material, not the official tests.
Questions or corrections are welcome through the contact form.