January 10, 2025 | Human Resources , Officer and Staff: Recruitment and Promotion
Request: FOI/13365
Category: Human Resources - Promotion
Subject: Inspectors Promotion Exam 2024
Your request for information has now been considered. In respect of Section 1(1)(a) of the Act we can confirm that the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) does hold information to which your request relates. The decision has been taken to disclose the following.
Request 1
In relation to the 2024 Inspectors promotion exam who were the question writers and what qualifications/experience made them suitable for this?
Answer
Questions were written by Officers of Inspector rank who have participated in the College of Policing Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) writing course to enhance skills, knowledge and guidance on recommended practice when creating exams.
Request 2
In relation to the 2024 Inspectors promotion exam was the exam quality assured prior to candidates sitting it and if so by who/what method?
Answer
All questions used in promotion exams go to a Review Panel. This is made up of an Inspector, a member of Legal Services, and a Police Officer of at least Chief Inspector rank. Questions must be approved by the panel before being noted as suitable for use in a promotion exam.
The Review Panel met multiple times prior to the Inspector and Sergeant exams, with this process commencing in June 2024.
Request 3
In relation to the 2024 Inspectors promotion exam were any changes made to the exam, whether that be content or spelling/grammar errors, between the initial sittings and the mop up exam sessions?
Answer
No alterations were made to the 2024 Inspectors promotion exam between the initial sittings and mop up exam sessions.
Request 4
In relation to the 2024 Inspectors promotion exam, how many complaints/queries/appeals were received from candidates?
Answer
A total of 101 emails were received by the Exam Team following the 2024 Inspector’s promotion exam. PSNI’s Human Resources received 95 queries in relation to the Inspector exams.
Request 5
What were the mean average scores in the previous four inspector’s exams? Including 2024
Answer
The mean average scores were as below:
Inspector exam 2019 - 64%
Inspector exam 2020 - 71%
Inspector exam 2022 - 68%
Inspector exam 2024 - 45%
Request 6
What were the pass marks in the previous 4 inspector’s exams? Including 2024
Answer
There are no pass marks set in advance for the PSNI promotion exams. Strategic Promotion and Examination Board (SPEB) determine the number of candidates they wish to take forward to interview and therefore that number progress.