The Neuro-Psychiatric Examination tests the mental stability, adaptability, and psychological functioning of applicants before they are recruited into service. The purpose of the exam is to filter applicants if they are really suitable for the uniformed services of the government.
It is also an “assurance” that the entire recruitment process for the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is devoid of “palakasan” or political intercession.
Barcode system
The selection process — especially in PNP — has now become a lot stricter because of the barcode system. The barcode system will make the names of the applicants anonymous to prevent insider influence.
All medical results of applicants are also barcoded as well to keep them anonymous and irreversible.
They believe that it’s a foolproof system of screening applicants from “human intervention” of influence peddlers. This way, people are assured that all uniformed law enforcers are competent and deserve the respect and admiration of the public.
5 tips to pass the neuro-psychiatric exam
The neuro-psychiatric exam has two parts:
- written examination
- personal interview
It comprises a 35-item Aptitude (Adaptation) Test, Work Environment Preference Schedule (WEPS), Applicant Risk Profiler, Guilford Zimmerman Temperament Survey, The Industrial Sentence Completion Test, Hand Test, and Drawing.
Believe us when we say you won’t need to study for this exam. Use the following tips instead because they will definitely guide you on how to pass the neuro-psychiatric exam.
1. Follow the instructions
The ability to follow instructions is an important aspect of everyday life. Failing to do so during the neuro-psychiatric exam can impede your desired results.
Following instructions requires that you read the instructional text or pay close attention to the verbal directions and perform the intended action afterward.
Knowing how to follow instructions is a good indication that you have the potential to be an excellent policeman, fireman, jail officer, or soldier.
It means that you know how to comply with the directions from your superior. Knowing how to obey a command will make you a good example to the community or the institution that you will be a part of.
2. Be honest and true with your answers
When you are true and honest with your answers during the neuropsychiatric test, that means you are consistent, reliable, and dependable.
Keep in mind that those three characteristics are vital to the position that you are applying for.
Be accurate with your answers as they will reflect your personality.
3. Practice a little bit of drawing
The neuro-psychiatric exam will have a draw-a-person test.
You don’t have to be excellent at drawing, just good enough. That means do the best you can and avoid drawing stick figures.
Draw people with complete parts including ears, eyes, hairs, fingers, etc., and with a happy face, of course. Make clear distinctions between male and female like mustache and long hair.
You will then be asked to describe the drawing or make a story about it in 4 to 5 sentences. It’s a screening technique to analyze the viewpoint of a person towards another and the environment.
4. Improve your English language skills
Hone both your written and oral communication skills using the English language. Pay attention to grammar.
The neuro-psychiatric exam may include essay exercises to evaluate your reporting skills.
5. Be confident in the interview
The last part of the exam is an interview with a psychologist to assess how you will present yourself under pressure.
Be confident and precise with your answer while being fluent at the same time. With conviction but not arrogant. Be humble.
Lastly, do not make unnecessary body and hand gestures as it is an indicator that you are nervous.
[Bonus] Exam preparation
There are a few things you should do before the test if you wanna increase your chances of passing the neuro-psychiatric test:
- Get a good night’s sleep, since being tired and stressed affects your thinking.
- Eat a good (actually, great) breakfast.
- Don’t drink anything with alcohol one week before the neuro-psychiatric exam.
- Relax and don’t worry about the results.
Final thoughts
The neuro-psychiatric exam ensures that only individuals with good moral character and the right mindset shall be admitted.
In simple terms, it’s a personality test. Be genuine and truthful in every answer you give. Because at the end of the day, these are the characteristics we need for our uniformed personnel to show.
