Sergeant Exam (NPPF) vs Inspector Exam (NPPF): which career suits you?
Both are the College of Policing's NPPF step two legal exams: 150 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours, online, on crime, evidence and procedure, and general police duties, drawn only from the current Blackstone's Police Manuals. The difference is the bar and who can sit it. The sergeants' exam is for substantive constables with two years' service and probation complete, with a 55% pass mark (77 of 140 scored questions). The inspectors' exam is for substantive sergeants and needs 65% (91 of 140). Same syllabus areas, deeper application expected at inspector level.
Sergeant Exam (NPPF) vs Inspector Exam (NPPF) at a glance
| Sergeant Exam (NPPF) | Inspector Exam (NPPF) | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Police Sergeant Promotion: NPPF Step Two Legal Exam | Police Inspector Promotion: NPPF Step Two Legal Exam |
| Questions | 150 multiple-choice questions; 10 poorly performing questions are removed at marking, so you are scored on 140 | 150 multiple-choice questions; 10 poorly performing questions are removed at marking, so you are scored on 140 |
| Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Passing score | 55% (77 of the 140 scored questions). 75% or more earns an exceptional grade; under 30% is a low-band fail | 65% (91 of the 140 scored questions). 85% or more earns an exceptional grade; under 35% is a low-band fail |
| Format | Syllabus is only the 2027 edition of the Blackstone's Police Manuals (Crime; Evidence and Procedure; General Police Duties, which now contains road policing). No help from anyone else, no AI tools and no unauthorised devices; breaches go to the College's disqualification panel. Questions test application, not recall of tables | Syllabus is only the 2027 edition of the Blackstone's Police Manuals (Crime; Evidence and Procedure; General Police Duties including road policing). Chapter 1.8 Weapons is not examined for inspectors. No help from others, no AI tools and no unauthorised devices |
| Cost | No candidate exam fee is published by the College; entry is arranged through your force. Officers and staff in England and Wales get 30% off the Blackstone's manuals | No candidate exam fee is published by the College; entry is arranged through your force. Officers and staff in England and Wales get 30% off the Blackstone's manuals |
| Languages | English | English |
| Where | Online, unsupervised, on your own device at home or in a force testing room; registration through your force examinations officer on the College's AIMS system. 2027 sittings: 16-18 March and 5-7 October (any day in the window, 8am to 8pm) | Online, unsupervised, on your own device at home or in a force testing room; registration through your force examinations officer on the College's AIMS system. 2027 sittings: 11-13 May and 2-4 November (any day in the window, 8am to 8pm) |
| Level | Police | Police |
What each exam covers
Sergeant Exam (NPPF)
- Promotion Process, Eligibility and the Exam
- Crime
- Evidence and Procedure
- Custody, Detention and Interviews (PACE Codes C to F)
- General Police Duties
- Road Policing
- NPPF Steps Three and Four: Assessment and Interview
- Study Plan and Exam Technique
Inspector Exam (NPPF)
- Promotion Process, Eligibility and the Exam
- Crime
- Evidence and Procedure
- Custody, Detention and Interviews (PACE Codes C to F)
- General Police Duties
- Road Policing
- NPPF Steps Three and Four: Assessment and Interview
- Study Plan and Exam Technique
Which should you take?
Both are the College of Policing's NPPF step two legal exams: 150 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours, online, on crime, evidence and procedure, and general police duties, drawn only from the current Blackstone's Police Manuals. The difference is the bar and who can sit it. The sergeants' exam is for substantive constables with two years' service and probation complete, with a 55% pass mark (77 of 140 scored questions). The inspectors' exam is for substantive sergeants and needs 65% (91 of 140). Same syllabus areas, deeper application expected at inspector level.
Try both, free
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FAQ
What is the difference between Sergeant Exam (NPPF) and Inspector Exam (NPPF)?
Both are the College of Policing's NPPF step two legal exams: 150 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours, online, on crime, evidence and procedure, and general police duties, drawn only from the current Blackstone's Police Manuals. The difference is the bar and who can sit it. The sergeants' exam is for substantive constables with two years' service and probation complete, with a 55% pass mark (77 of 140 scored questions). The inspectors' exam is for substantive sergeants and needs 65% (91 of 140). Same syllabus areas, deeper application expected at inspector level.
Which is harder, Sergeant Exam (NPPF) or Inspector Exam (NPPF)?
Sergeant Exam (NPPF): 150 multiple-choice questions; 10 poorly performing questions are removed at marking, so you are scored on 140 in 3 hours. Inspector Exam (NPPF): 150 multiple-choice questions; 10 poorly performing questions are removed at marking, so you are scored on 140 in 3 hours. The longer exam covers more ground, but the harder one is the one further from your daily work. Take both free practice tests to see where you stand.
Can I hold both Sergeant Exam (NPPF) and Inspector Exam (NPPF)?
You can prepare for and apply to more than one, and many people do, because the judgement, verbal and numerical tests and the structured interviews overlap a lot. Each organisation runs its own process and vetting, and some roles can't be held at the same time (you can't be a serving regular police officer and a regular in the armed forces, for example), so check the eligibility rules in each job advert.
How do I prepare for Sergeant Exam (NPPF) and Inspector Exam (NPPF)?
Start with the free practice test for each, then study by topic. Premium is per exam (£45 a month each), so most people start with the exam they'll sit first and add the second when they're ready.
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Exam details are summarized from recruiting organisations' published information as of November 2026. Confirm with the recruiting organisation before you book. UKCivilServicePrep is an independent career-prep service, not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency.