OSPRE Part 2 exams success

More than 1,500 police officers have passed the 2011 Sergeants’ OSPRE Part 2 assessment.

A total of 1,988 officers took the assessment centre in October and November, with 1,572 (79.1 per cent) of those being successful. Fifty candidates were awarded an exceptional grade for showing outstanding ability in tackling the situations and challenges presented within the exercises.

Other key figures include:

• 87.5 per cent of females passed (464 candidates) compared to 76 per cent of male candidates (1108 candidates);
• 87.6 per cent of those aged 26-30 years passed (482 candidates) and had the greatest success rate out of all age ranges;
• Candidates who had a degree level qualification had a success rate of 85.1 per cent (600 candidates). Those with no formal qualifications had a pass rate of 66.7 per cent (14 candidates);
• Avon & Somerset had the highest success rate of 92.9 per cent with 13 of its candidates being successful;
• The only Non-Home Office force candidates were from British Transport Police, who achieved a success rate of 67.5 per cent (52 candidates); and
• Candidates without a disability had a pass rate of 79.3 per cent (1,511 candidates) compared to 62.8 per cent of those with a disability (27 candidates).  Of the 23 candidates who received a reasonable adjustment for the Assessment Centre, such as additional preparation time or adapted booklets, 65.2 per cent (15 candidates) were successful.

Ciaran McGuigan, head of NPIA Examinations and Assessment, said: “Overall this year, we have seen a noticeable drop in attendance at the OSPRE Part II Assessment Centre.  Across both the Sergeants’ and Inspectors’ processes, attendance numbers are down 30 per cent on 2010 totals. 
“This reflects similar declines we have recently seen for the OSPRE Part I Examination attendance, and is perhaps further indication of the limited promotion opportunities currently available in forces. It is encouraging, though, that those candidates putting themselves forward continue to perform well.”