FAQs

We use a video-based, job simulation multiple choice exam administered and proctored by National Testing Network. The applicant registers, pays the required fee, and selects which location, in their respective state where they would take the test.

There is no definitive answer to this question. We operate under a Civil Service Commission. The commission establishes an eligibility list from those candidates who successfully passed the testing process, and we hire from that eligibility list. Hiring is typically done quarterly, and the number of positions hired is dependent on the number of openings we have due to retirements, resignations, increases in authorized strength, etc. Your placement on the eligibility list relative to the number of openings available will determine when you will be offered a position.

No, all phases are mandatory.

The physical abilities test is the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board’s (ILETSB) Police Officer Wellness Evaluation Report(PDF, 55KB) (POWER) test. It measures strength, flexibility, and aerobic capacity/cardiovascular endurance — the general components of overall physical fitness. Anything you do to increase these three areas will help, but one of the best ways to prepare for the test is to do the test. Visit the Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report Test(PDF, 55KB) page for the ILETSB’s publication outlining the POWER test, what it consists of, the standards, and recommendations for preparing to take it.

The written test is a general aptitude test designed to test your inherent skills and abilities. There are many test guides published that claim to be useful study guides for police written tests. The City of Aurora and the Aurora Police Department neither vouch for nor recommend any of these products.

The City of Aurora offers preference points that are added to test results to determine final placement on the eligibility list. Those preference points are as follows:

• Aurora Residency: 5 points
• Bachelor Degree: 5 points
• Associate Degree (or 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours): 2 points
• Military service: 5 points for active duty service of more than 180 days
• Total preference points are not cumulative, and can not exceed a total of 10 points.

No, but the high school and college GPAs are independent of one another.

1. If your high school GPA was under 2.0 but you’ve had at least 16 hours of college credit and your college GPA is 2.0 or higher, you’re eligible.
2. If your college GPA is under 2.0, but your high school G.P.A. was 2.0 or higher, you’re eligible.
3. A GED with a passing score equivalent to 2.0 grade point average would also make you eligible.

Yes! You must have a GED with a passing score equivalent to 2.0 grade point average and/or have at least 16 hours of college credit with a 2.0 GPA.

No. All new officers begin in uniformed patrol division.

There are three components to the National Testing Network: a video-based human relations test, a reading ability test, and a report writing test. Testing takes approximately 2.5 hours.