Administered by
Houston Police Dept.
Exam type
Written civil service exam
Hiring process
Ranked eligible list
How the Exam Works
Houston Police Department hires new officers through a civil service process. Candidates apply, sit for a written entrance exam, and, if they pass, move into a physical readiness test, background investigation, polygraph, medical exam, and psychological evaluation before an academy seat is offered.
The written exam measures core skills needed for police work: reading comprehension, writing, reasoning, and situational judgment. It is not a knowledge test about Texas law or HPD policy; no prior law-enforcement experience is assumed.
Pay for HPD recruits and officers changes over time under current union contracts and city pay schedules. Use the current recruiting material or city posting for the most accurate starting-pay figures tied to your hiring cycle.
What the Exam Tests
HPD’s written exam draws on the same core skill areas used across most municipal police entrance exams: reading, writing, reasoning, and judgment under time pressure.
Reading Comprehension
Policy passages, incident reports, and procedural language. Tests speed and accuracy under time pressure.
Writing & Grammar
Punctuation, spelling, and sentence correction. Maps directly to report writing on the job.
Math & Reasoning
Arithmetic, ratios, and word problems drawn from everyday patrol scenarios.
Memory & Observation
Photo-based and passage-based recall. Tests short-term memory under pressure.
Situational Judgment
Ethics, use of force, and community interaction scenarios. Tests professional decision-making, not a single "gut" answer.
Everything You Need to Prepare
Practice the tested skills, review your mistakes, and follow a structured study plan before exam day.
200 Practice Questions
Exam-style questions covering every major tested category, plus a full-length timed mock exam.
Detailed Explanations
Understand why each correct answer is right — and why each wrong answer is wrong.
30-Day Study Plan
A structured day-by-day schedule, with a condensed option for candidates testing sooner.
Role-Specific Prep
A full study guide built around this exam's tested categories, not generic test-prep material.
What Score Do You Need?
Passing-score rules and the exact cutoff can vary by hiring cycle, so confirm the current requirement against HPD’s official announcement before you apply. Clearing the minimum keeps you eligible; a stronger score improves where you land on the ranked list.
Because HPD hiring can draw a large candidate pool, list position often determines how soon you are called forward for the next stage. A higher written-exam score is the most direct way to improve that position.
Passing is not the same as being competitive. A higher score moves you up the eligible list, not just past the cutoff.
Complete prep bundle
Houston Police Department — Police Officer Exam Prep Bundle
Covers the core police exam skill areas (reading, writing, reasoning, and judgment) with 200 practice questions, full answer explanations, and a 30-day study plan.
- 200 Practice Questions
- Detailed Explanations
- 30-Day Study Plan
- Role-Specific Prep
Want ongoing practice instead of a one-time guide?
Pro includes ongoing timed practice, a readiness score, weak-area insights, saved progress, and detailed explanations for $14.99/month.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Houston Police Department hiring work?
HPD hires through a civil service process. Candidates apply, take a written entrance exam, and, if they pass, move through a physical readiness test, background investigation, polygraph, medical exam, and psychological evaluation before receiving an academy offer. The overall timeline depends on hiring needs and how quickly the eligibility list moves.
What does the HPD entrance exam cover?
The exam focuses on core skills needed for police work: reading comprehension, writing and grammar, math and reasoning, memory and observation, and situational judgment. It does not require prior knowledge of Texas law or HPD policy.
What is the passing score for the HPD exam?
Passing-score rules can vary by hiring cycle. Confirm the current cutoff against HPD’s official recruiting announcement. Even after clearing the minimum, a stronger score improves your position on the ranked eligibility list.
What is the starting salary for a Houston Police Officer?
HPD pay changes over time under current union contracts and city pay schedules. Use the current recruiting material or city posting for the most accurate starting-salary figures tied to the hiring cycle you are entering.