collage includes law books, examination papers and policeman's helmet and jacket

OSPRE® Part I

The OSPRE® Part I is the first part of the OSPRE® Police Promotion system.  It is designed to test police officers' knowledge and understanding of the law and procedure needed to perform at the next rank, whether  sergeant or inspector. 

In 1991 the Objective Structured Performance-Related Examination (OSPRE®) was introduced nationally as the primary means through which police officers in England and Wales are selected for promotion to the ranks of Sergeant and Inspector.

Candidates answer 150 multiple-choice questions over a three-hour period, selecting the correct response from four alternative answers.

The questions used in the examination are all prepared by trained writers who have extensive policing experience and knowledge of the relevant legislation. During the development period, all questions are extensively quality assured by a team of internal and independent experts.

The Sergeants' Part I examination is held in March of each year and the Inspectors' examination is held in September of each year. 

OSPRE ®Part I Examination Dates 2010

Sergeants - 9 March 2010

Inspectors - 7 September 2010