Written Exam, Physical Agility Test, Video Scenario Test, and Oral Interview

The San Francisco Sheriff’s Office administers these portions of the process and submit the results to the Department of Human Resources to publish Examination Results.

San Francisco Sheriff’s Office utilizes the National Testing Network (NTN) Corrections Test, which can be taken In-Person or Online (a $25 fee applies to online testing).

OPTIONAL, BUT NOT REQUIRED:  

REACT Video Practice Test will cost $24.90 and includes two run-throughs of the same test. 

Written Exam Components (Approximately 2 Hours): 

• Video Human Relations Test (REACT):  

• • Focuses on judgment in inmate supervision, public relations, and teamwork.  

• • Candidates view video scenarios and select the best course of action in a multiple-choice format.  

• • Each question allows 10 seconds to respond. No prior experience is required. 

• Reading Test:  

• • Assesses comprehension of correctional officer training materials. Candidates select words to fill in blanks. 

• Count Test:  

• • Evaluates accuracy in tracking inmate movements within a correctional facility. Candidates have 10 seconds per question. 

• Incident Observation and Report Writing Test:  

• • Candidates watch video scenarios, write a brief report, and are evaluated on content, organization, and writing skills. 

PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST (PAT)

The Physical Agility Test (PAT) consists of three TIMED performance tests, to be taken on the same day, which are scored on a pass/fail basis. Check our out video that shows you what to expect! Physical Agility Test 

• 500 Yard Run – Run two and a half laps within a set course from start to finish under two (2) minutes. 

• 99 Yard Obstacle Course – Run 99 yards while negotiating sharp turns, stepping over six-inch-high curbs, and vaulting over a 34-inch sawhorse under thirty-five (35) seconds. 

• Body Drag – Lift and drag a 165-pound life-like dummy 32 feet while moving backwards under twenty (20) seconds.  Check out our video here!

Looking for helpful tips? Watch here!

*All three (3) portions of the PAT will be tested in sequences, you are required to pass each portion in order to advance to the next. 

*All candidates are given two chances to pass each portion of the tests. If a candidate fails the first try, he or she will be given thirty (30) minutes break before the second try. If a candidate fails the second try, he or she will be escorted out of the campus. 

PAT Waiver Eligibility: Candidates may qualify for a PAT Waiver if they 

• Completed a POST-Certified Police Academy within the last year,  

• Left a Law Enforcement Agency within the last year,  

• Are currently employed as a Police Officer / Deputy Sheriff,  

• Passed a Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB) within the last year. 

VIDEO SCENARIO TEST

Candidates who pass the Physical Agility Test are invited to Video Scenario Test. 

Candidates watch a Fifty-three (53) second scenario video and answer ten (10) questions. Each question is worth of 10 points and Candidates require to pass with minimum score of 80 points. 

ORAL INTERVIEW

Upon completing Video Scenario Test, Candidates move on to Oral Interview. 

The Oral Interview will be conducted by a panel of Two Sworn San Francisco Sheriff’s Deputies trained in POST hiring practices. Questions are drawn from the POST Oral Interview Question Bank, covering Experience, Motivation, Interpersonal Skills, Problem-Solving, Integrity, Community Involvement, and Background.  

• Four questions total of Twenty (20) points. 

• Each question is scored out of Five (5) points.  

• Candidates must score at least Twelve (12) points to pass. 

• Candidates will be given total of Ten (10) minutes to answer.