Florida State Exam-Tips/suggestions

[topher1301]

I graduated the academy in 2002, failed my first attempt at the FL state exam. Now 3 yrs later, I'm retaking it. I'm sure this is the career I want to be in.

Want to know if anyone out there has taken the FL State exam recently and what they think is the best way for me to attack the books to get prepared to take it again. I'm testing on July 27th, that gives me approx. a month and a couple of weeks to get ready. I have been studying for the last 2 weeks.

Please Help!! :eek:

[smalls545]

What type of academy did you go through, CMS or Traditional?

I just took the CMS based state test in February, I thought it was really easy (passed first try)... same questions from the academy tests, just reworded. If I were you I'd go over the big stuff firearms, first responder, vehicle ops., and DT especially the resistance matrix. Another big one is go over all the constitutional law stuff. Basically the stuff they stressed the most in the academy is what you should study, the rest is pretty much common sense.

Also I think Barnes & Noble still sells the traditional exam review book (I'm pretty sure no academies teach traditional anymore, it's all CMS), its green and white. That will give you an idea of how much you remember and what you need to really focus on.

Good luck!

[topher1301]

I took the traditional exam. Now, I heard the difference between the traditional and the CMS is the 'high liability' sections.

I went to my academy and they were nice enough to supply me with the new curriculum for these areas. I've been reading over EVERY page of my text books and this week I'm starting on Legal. I'm hoping I'll be able to pass it this time around. I think the first time, I rushed it....different approach now...

Thanks for your help!! Appreciate it!!

Are you hired on anywhere as of yet? If not good luck..... :)

[smalls545]

They still offer the traditional exam for those who went to academies that taught the traditional curriculum, so you probably shouldn't worry too much about the new stuff because you'll more than likely be given the traditional exam. They can't expect you to know CMS stuff if you didn't get that in the academy (it's the same material, just a stupid way of teaching it). CMS is scenario based and rather retarded :rolleyes: (my personal opinion). As for rushing through the test, just read each question carefully. I think the time limit is 4 hours which should be plenty of time.

The ISBN # for that study guide is 1-5164-109-X and its by Doerner & Rushing, i think that would help you see what you remember, it's made up of old test questions.

I'm not hired yet :mad: , finally going through background checks, so soon!

Good luck with the test and getting hired!

[Pops]

In December 2004 they were still giving different tests depending on whether you were traditional or CMS. They plan to stop the traditional test sometime, but I'm not sure when. If you did well on the CMS tests during the academy you should be able to breeze through the CMS version of the state test by doing a review of the material you got from the academy. It's not that hard, but don't take it for granted. I've heard of a few people who have actually failed it, but not many.

[pd821]

I was reading your posts about the Florida exams, Im and out of state officer in Nevada. I have over the required hours and standards to be admitted to the out of state equivilancy. My question is Do they give a different test to out of state candidates or is it the same as if you went through the Florida academy?

[Airforcop]

I'm interested in this too. I'm applying to an agency in Florida, and still waiting to see if my EOT will get approved. If it does, is there a study guide geared specifically towards the EOT testing? I know I will be supplied will all needed study material when/if I attend the 2 week course, but I'd like to get a jump on things and start studying now as too not have to cram everything into my head in a 2 week period.

[tcode3]

Airorcop & pd821,

I took the EOT training a year ago. When I went through the training, we only had one written test that was for First Responder (first aid & cpr).
The rest of the class was to show your proficiency in given areas. After the class was completed that is when I was able to take the state exam.
There is a study guide that I used to get ready for the state exam. It is made by Pineapple Press I can not remember the title. The book had actual test questions that were used on the test,it helped me alot. I passed on the first try. I will go to my storage next week and try to find the book so I can give you more accurte information. When I took the exam we had out of state officers and people that had just graduated the academy. So, I think there is only one test, just different variations of the test. I hope this hope you out. GOOD LUCK!!!

[Airforcop]

Thanks, Think I found it.

Study Gde for the FL Law Enforcement Cert. Exam.
Officer's Certification Examination

William G. Doerner, Charles W. Rushing



Paperback $18.95
ISBN: 1-56164-109-X
Size: 8 1/2 x 11
240 Pages
TOTALLY UPDATED IN 2002 Cadets who have just completed the basic recruit training program at the police academy may be tempted to rest on their laurels. But the Florida Law Enforcement Officer Certification Examination awaits them. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement does not permit anyone who fails this test to work as a sworn law enforcement officer within this state. They must pass the test.

Academy training teaches that police officers plan and prepare before taking any action. This book will help prospective law enforcement officers plan and prepare for the most important test of their careers. This is an indispensable supplement to academy training. No one should leave the academy without it!

[smalls545]

Airforcop & pd821 this would be helpful for you two...

http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/OfficerRequirements/equivalency.html

[SoInTeNsE54]

Now that everyone has their questions answered.. im jonna temporarily hijack this thread... :p What are these "cms" and "traditional" terms i keep hearing about?

[smalls545]

The Traditional curriculum was basically each instructor had certain things to cover in their lessons and could basically teach the lesson any way they felt necessary. CMS (I think its curriculum maintenance/or management system) is a standardized curriculum, meaning no matter what academy in FL you go to you get taught the exact same thing, the exact same way.

My experience with it, the instructors had to read every lesson word for word, which is super for those illiterate recruits but boring as hell for everyone else (maybe my instructors misunderstood the instructions and weren't supposed to read word for word :confused: ). CMS also focused on this thing called SECURE (safety, ethics, community, understanding, response, evaluation) and they drilled it into your head throughout the academy. Also with CMS it is scenario based, in the lessons there are a lot of scenarios and you're also a member of Spanish Moss Police Dept. :rolleyes: (a lame fictional dept.). I can see how it is beneficial having everyone learn the same thing, but it is redundant and treats you like you have no common sense. The few pages on how to lock/unlock your firearm from a lock box was by far the most stimulating lesson EVER :p .

If I got any of this wrong someone correct me, but this is the gist I got from going through the curriculum and from what my instructors told me of the old "traditional" curriculum. Anyone else's experience with CMS like mine?

[SoInTeNsE54]

I heard in the "cms" style training there is less PT, is that true? Also, have all florida accademies adopted this style?

[smalls545]

The PT is all up to the individual academies, CMS is strictly academics. I don't think my academy PT was as hardcore as some other academies. Don't get me wrong it was work, just not as bad as what I've heard about other academies.

I'm pretty sure FDLE/CJSTC requires every academy to teach the CMS curriculum now, I think it was June (or somewhere around there) 2004 that all academies had to switch to it.

[tony1677]

I am a police officer in Louisiana and am looking to get certified in Florida. I have read about the two week certification course needed to become certified. Do I need to complete an EOT evaluation before applying to a training center for the two week course. Thanks!

[Airforcop]

Yes, you will need to fill out a EOT form and submit it to I believe one of the schools that does EOT training. I believe the cost is around $100. Or, if you plan to start tesing with an agency, most will have you submit it to them, and they will agree/disagree with your EOT, and then submit it to FDLE and pay the fee for you.

[eh19512]

I took the two week cross-over course Feb. 03. I live and work in Pa. right now. The test I thought was really simple, lot of common sense, and all the info on the test came from the curriculum I was provided. I went to Lake County Tech school for the 2 week course, and they really do a good job getting you everything you need.

So....I still don't work in Florida. Why? I've exhausted all searches after over a year. Oh, I can get hired, but I would have to work PT at Burger King, then leave for Home Depot(When I have a full two days off that is). From North to South, East to West in the state it is pretty bad pay wise. I don't know how the guys and gals do it there....$25,000 for a starting pay in the North, topping out at $42,000??? Ouch :eek:

Down South the pay goes up, but the cost of living kills it off again. Maybe I'm spoiled, but Florida pays soooo much into their benefits and pension, if you get payed $1200 a week takehome, you're left with about $500.00.

I know it sounds like I'm harsh here, but I'm really more disappointed then anything else. I should have looked into all that before I took the course.

My recommendation is if you want to get into LE in Florida, take the crossover course if you are from out of state, or the regular academy if you need it, then get a job with one of the state LE agencies(Liquor, Tobacco, Insurance, AG's) where the money is a lot better.

If there is anyone out there that has any other suggestions, I'm all ears. Please e-mail me at eh19512@yahoo.com. I'd like to hear other ideas and keep some hope alive, but I gotta tell ya, I worked damn hard to try and find something, and short of going broke and probably getting divorced I just can't see any way.

[BayCityBrawler]

I took the two week cross-over course Feb. 03. I live and work in Pa. right now. The test I thought was really simple, lot of common sense, and all the info on the test came from the curriculum I was provided. I went to Lake County Tech school for the 2 week course, and they really do a good job getting you everything you need.

So....I still don't work in Florida. Why? I've exhausted all searches after over a year. Oh, I can get hired, but I would have to work PT at Burger King, then leave for Home Depot(When I have a full two days off that is). From North to South, East to West in the state it is pretty bad pay wise. I don't know how the guys and gals do it there....$25,000 for a starting pay in the North, topping out at $42,000??? Ouch :eek:

Down South the pay goes up, but the cost of living kills it off again. Maybe I'm spoiled, but Florida pays soooo much into their benefits and pension, if you get payed $1200 a week takehome, you're left with about $500.00.

I know it sounds like I'm harsh here, but I'm really more disappointed then anything else. I should have looked into all that before I took the course.

My recommendation is if you want to get into LE in Florida, take the crossover course if you are from out of state, or the regular academy if you need it, then get a job with one of the state LE agencies(Liquor, Tobacco, Insurance, AG's) where the money is a lot better.

If there is anyone out there that has any other suggestions, I'm all ears. Please e-mail me at eh19512@yahoo.com. I'd like to hear other ideas and keep some hope alive, but I gotta tell ya, I worked damn hard to try and find something, and short of going broke and probably getting divorced I just can't see any way.

Tell me your joking? State agencies in Florida have the worst pay hands down! Why? Because there is no step plan for ANY state agency! What you start at is what you stay at unless you get promoted. They have COLA increases but that is it, nothing more! You are misguided my friend. I work in the Tampa area for a local agency. I started at around #36,000 and after 3 years I'm at a base of $41,000 without overtime. We top out at $56,000 in 9 years. The COL in Tampa is a little high but not out of control in my opinion. If you want a nice house you would have to live in out of the city, but could remain in the county. I'm not struggling in Tampa with my pay, and I live in the city.

[Airforcop]

Tell me about it. I'm applying to an agency in Fl and the pay is the only drawback. I'd be starting around 36/yr and get around 4% raise each year, which doesn't equate to much. I am also applying to another agency in a different state which starts around 39/yr but has a step program. After 6 years, I would make $20,000 more at the other agency as opposed to working in Fl.

[eh19512]

Not to be argumentive, but I'm not quite understanding your post. Joking about what??? The pay? I think you agreed with me in your post Florida has the worst pay, "Hands Down". Uhhh....that's what I think I was saying. And you are right, it is also due to the COLA raises, and no real step system, so I'm not disputing anything there either. In fact, Police Unions in Florida are weak compared to up North, which is a significant reason that the step plans are not insitituted, and the pay is so low. I've never heard of the Teamsters representing a local agency before until I looked at Florida.

Also, which part am I "misguided" about??? I know what the cost of living is in the Tampa area, I've done over a year of research on the cost of living in Florida and pay scales, both private and government sector. It's difficult to dispute your assertion that you appear to be doing good on the pay you are making...I don't know your financial status, if you are married or have children, Based on your salary you are stating, you appear to be newer. But I know my situation, and know that if I made what you do now....even if I made your top salary, having little debt and a family, I'd be serving you up happy meals and asking if you want fries with that during my off time.

Let me just close with an example, and please understand I am not looking for fights here, I honestly have a lot of respect for you and LE in Florida.
I have Family in Daytona Beach area. The cost of living there is about the same as where I live now in York, Pennsylvania. The rent and what'all you get with it is comparable. Home sales...They are a little more expensive there at the beach, and really skyrocketing, even for a 1200ft rancher. I make $56,000 yearly here, wife about $42,000, own our own home. We could easily move and rent again, no big deal there. But the best paying department in Volusia County starts at $32,000 and tops at $42,000. If I took a voluntary $24,000 pay cut here, had my wife quit her job(which she would have to do for a time moving to Florida), we'd be filing for bankruptcy in a year. So, essentially, it would amount to the same thing moving to that area of Florida. Do I make any sense here?
The only point I am trying to make is if you are from Florida originally, and are hired by a police department in most cases if you are young you are now making more than you did before. In my case, it would be financial suicide.

[eh19512]

Yeah, that's what I was trying to say, it's tough in Florida. Hey, some do great there, as apparently Bay City is, but that is the exception rather than the norm. With your experience, I'd be looking more at the state level jobs. Check out www.myflorida.com. This is the state page and lists all the FL state jobs. You can register for free, and have open positions e-mailed directly to you when they become available....or simply search the state database for open positions. I love Florida, and I'm not singling the state local law enforcement out by any means. If you want a real good laugh, check out the starting salary in Valdosta, Ga.. $23,500 to start!! When I checked into that, the city manager's secretary(real nice lady though) told me most of the guys go in halves on houses or rent, including married couples to help get by. Kinda kinky, but I guess it works!

Point is, most of the Southern states until you get to Virginia are low pay states. I do have a hot tip though if you are interested in Virginia. Around Richmond there is Chesterfield County and Henrico County that border the city. I have some friends there. Those departments are some of the best in the country, great pay and offer take home cars. And if you live away from the city a little ways, man is it cheap to live there. You should check out their websites.

But...Don't give up on Florida yet. I only have 9 years to go to retire here, but if the state gave me a job there, like with the FDLE, I'd be gone in a second. There's something about walking out the door in February still wearing shorts that soemhow perks me up :) !

Good luck!

[Airforcop]

There's something about walking out the door in February still wearing shorts that somehow perks me up :) !

But it's reverse in the summer. Walk outside and your shirt is sticking to you and you can hardly breath because of the humidity, hahaha. I thought I was going to die when I drove down last month. Wife and I swapped driving outside Nashville and I woke up somewhere in Ga when she stopped for gas. I opened the door and the humidity hit me like a ton of bricks.

[eh19512]

You are right...it is hot, but to be honest with you, it depends where you live in Florida. My family lives around Daytona, and here in Pennsylvania it gets hotter in the summers here with BAD humidity, worse than there. My feet are still cold from winter three years ago here, but if you're in Wyoming, you know what that's about more than me. Northern Florida is a lot more tolerable than South Florida in the summer. The nice part about North Florida is they do get cool in the summer, down into the 30's at night sometimes, and 50's during the days. That's my kind of weather.

[BayCityBrawler]

Not to be argumentive, but I'm not quite understanding your post. Joking about what??? The pay? I think you agreed with me in your post Florida has the worst pay, "Hands Down". Uhhh....that's what I think I was saying. And you are right, it is also due to the COLA raises, and no real step system, so I'm not disputing anything there either. In fact, Police Unions in Florida are weak compared to up North, which is a significant reason that the step plans are not insitituted, and the pay is so low. I've never heard of the Teamsters representing a local agency before until I looked at Florida.

Also, which part am I "misguided" about??? I know what the cost of living is in the Tampa area, I've done over a year of research on the cost of living in Florida and pay scales, both private and government sector. It's difficult to dispute your assertion that you appear to be doing good on the pay you are making...I don't know your financial status, if you are married or have children, Based on your salary you are stating, you appear to be newer. But I know my situation, and know that if I made what you do now....even if I made your top salary, having little debt and a family, I'd be serving you up happy meals and asking if you want fries with that during my off time.

Let me just close with an example, and please understand I am not looking for fights here, I honestly have a lot of respect for you and LE in Florida.
I have Family in Daytona Beach area. The cost of living there is about the same as where I live now in York, Pennsylvania. The rent and what'all you get with it is comparable. Home sales...They are a little more expensive there at the beach, and really skyrocketing, even for a 1200ft rancher. I make $56,000 yearly here, wife about $42,000, own our own home. We could easily move and rent again, no big deal there. But the best paying department in Volusia County starts at $32,000 and tops at $42,000. If I took a voluntary $24,000 pay cut here, had my wife quit her job(which she would have to do for a time moving to Florida), we'd be filing for bankruptcy in a year. So, essentially, it would amount to the same thing moving to that area of Florida. Do I make any sense here?
The only point I am trying to make is if you are from Florida originally, and are hired by a police department in most cases if you are young you are now making more than you did before. In my case, it would be financial suicide.

Read your original post AGAIN then read my first AGAIN. What I was stating was that in Florida the STATE agencies meaning trooper, DOT, DEP, DLS, FDLE, Fraud investagator make the worst pay in the state. The municiple and county agencies make the best, except in northern Florida. Even in northern Florida they will eventually make more than any state officer will because THEY DO HAVE step plans unlike the state agencies. This is where you were misguided stating that someone should look at going with a state agency. They are the worst paying. If you are a special agent with FDLE or DEP your initial starting pay may be around $42,000 but that is where you stay at, you get no increases other than COLA. Where as a Sheriff's Office in mid Florida may start you at $32,000 you will top out at $56,000 in 9 years. So over time you would be making more than if you were to be a state officer. Lets put it this way, I've been an officer now for 3 years and my base salary is more than a 30 year trooper working in Miami Dade county with locality pay. My base is around $41,000 because I'm on a step plan and his is around $38,000 because troopers (like all state officers) have no step plan. Guess what rookie troopers make in Miami Dade County? $38,000....same as the 30 year vet. So you are misguided in thinking that state agencies are the place to be, they have the highest turnover rates in the state.

[eh19512]

Easy there buddy, all friendly here...My point was even at what you are saying, that is still too low of pay for someone like myself to make at this point. If it's all good for you, then that's great. A "step" system here is starting at i.e. $36,000, and in 5 years mid $50's, then usually 4% PLUS COLA, no paying into benefits or pension(Under the state system in Pennsylvania). There may be a "step" system in Florida, but I am in no way misguided about the additional money the officers pay into their pensions and medical benefits, am I??
I think that deserves to be pointed out to someone considering employment in Florida LE, because I know that is statewide and was and is a serious consideration I took while looking. There is a big difference making $38,000 and paying that much in as opposed to making $38,000 and not since that directly affects takehome pay.
As far as the state agencies, I don't think I said that was the place to be...I was only offering another avenue out to someone who may not have considered it before. I've been doing this job 22 years, and before making any committments to anything in life, I consider ALL options, good and bad. And I still maintain that the pay in Florida is not comparable to the cost of living there in the majority of places, especially when raising a family(Which does cost a lot of money you know) and buying a home. Under what you are telling me, and correct me if I am wrong, you are saying that starting at $32,000 a year, paying into your meds and pension, raising a family, buying a $150,000 house and paying the bills, mortgage and day care is all feasible??? If so, I don't believe I am the one that is misguided, at least on that subject.

[BayCityBrawler]

Easy there buddy, all friendly here...My point was even at what you are saying, that is still too low of pay for someone like myself to make at this point. If it's all good for you, then that's great. A "step" system here is starting at i.e. $36,000, and in 5 years mid $50's, then usually 4% PLUS COLA, no paying into benefits or pension(Under the state system in Pennsylvania). There may be a "step" system in Florida, but I am in no way misguided about the additional money the officers pay into their pensions and medical benefits, am I??
I think that deserves to be pointed out to someone considering employment in Florida LE, because I know that is statewide and was and is a serious consideration I took while looking. There is a big difference making $38,000 and paying that much in as opposed to making $38,000 and not since that directly affects takehome pay.
As far as the state agencies, I don't think I said that was the place to be...I was only offering another avenue out to someone who may not have considered it before. I've been doing this job 22 years, and before making any committments to anything in life, I consider ALL options, good and bad. And I still maintain that the pay in Florida is not comparable to the cost of living there in the majority of places, especially when raising a family(Which does cost a lot of money you know) and buying a home. Under what you are telling me, and correct me if I am wrong, you are saying that starting at $32,000 a year, paying into your meds and pension, raising a family, buying a $150,000 house and paying the bills, mortgage and day care is all feasible??? If so, I don't believe I am the one that is misguided, at least on that subject.


Well, every agency is different, I don't pay one cent into my retirement, my dental is free, and so is my medical. If you have dependents its an extra $84 for HMO or $120 PPO a month. This is the same for many agencies around me. Or the agency with have those benefits on a cafeteria style plan and supplement you with an extra $200 a month which is not included in their respective salary figures. So I don't think your research was a thorough as you would believe it to be. Also after you top out where I'm at you still get COLA its not like your increases just stop. As I stated in a previous post our pay will start at around $36,000, $37,000, or $38,000 depending on experience and whether you have a degree or not. Not $32,000, thats what most STATE agencies start at. See above ^^^. The only difference I see is that your current agency you top out after 5 years in mid 50's and at mine its 9 years in mid 50's. Some agencies around here it only takes five as yours, or even up to 19 years to top out at one agency I can think of. If you want to know where I work and how to get this info on local agencies then PM me and I will provide it. If all your research is from north Florida you ARE misguided.

[BayCityBrawler]

The nice part about North Florida is they do get cool in the summer, down into the 30's at night sometimes, and 50's during the days. That's my kind of weather.


I don't know where your talking about, it barely gets that cold in the winter in north Florida? HAHA, I hope your not just hearing this from other people. My buddy lives in Union County, I've been up there in all seasons. There is a little bit of a difference but its nothing to boast about. All of Florida is HOT in the summer, whether it be night or day. Tell me where it hits the 30's at night and I'm buying a weekend house. HAHA laughable! :D

[eh19512]

You've never lived in the Daytona area, have you?? Or Jacksonville?? It NEVER gets into the 30's?????

Anyway, I'm not into debating much. But yeah, I would like more information on where you work if your benefits are that good. I think you said around Tampa, right? It would be worth looking into then, that is not an area I checked into much. Also, I didn't just check into North Florida. My family is in Volusia County, so I concentrated my efforts mostly around the surrounding counties there, plus in South Florida. Check out some of the LE websites there for both county and city to see what I mean about paying into pensions and benefits. It's in writing there. Port Orange is one of the better paying departments in Volusia(Actually where my mom and dad are living), they list all the "pay ins" there....you will see what I am talking about.

But, if you have agencies your way that are similiar to what you are telling me about yours, let me know what a few are.

[BayCityBrawler]

[QUOTE=eh19512]You've never lived in the Daytona area, have you?? Or Jacksonville?? It NEVER gets into the 30's?????
QUOTE]


What did I say, IT DOSN"T GET INTO THE 30's IN THE SUMMERTIME! Any it rarely hits those levels in the winter! Usually only the first day after a real bad cold front. In the summer in Florida you are sweating at night, even in North Florida. Anyway, the Tampa area is regarded as the best place for COL and Pay in Florida. COL is not the lowest but not near what Southeast Florida is like or even the Naples area. The pay is almost what those agencies get, maybe a little less by $1-2000 than some of them. A buddy I work with lives in the county with two kids who are home schooled, a housewife, and no other source of income. He still has money left over to have fun with. He got on with our dept. the same time I did so he is also a little over $40,000 now.

[Pops]

During the winter Central Fl hits the 30s at least a few times. It occasionally even hits the 20s, but it's rare. Volusia county has excellent agencies VCSO, Daytona Beach, etc., but the surrounding counties pay better (although not great). Most PDs in Seminole county start you in the $32,000+ range with no prior LE experience.

[eh19512]

Sorry, didn't mean in the summer, you're right...it's hot then. I was referring to winter, but I'm not saying you can build snowmen then either. Can you give me some county agencies or locals you're referring to around Tampa to look at?