Study Guide: Law, Public Safety, Security & Corrections Core Assessment
Assessment Information
What is the Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Career Cluster Core Assessment?
The Law, Public Safety, Security & Corrections Core assessment is an end-of-program assessment for students in law enforcement, criminal justice, security and or corrections programs. The assessment provides an indication of student mastery of basic knowledge and concepts necessary for success in careers in these areas.
How was the assessment developed?
The assessment was developed by the CareerTech Testing Center in partnership with the National Partnership for Careers in Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security. Items were developed and reviewed by a committee of subject matter experts from several states, including Michigan, North Carolina, Alaska, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas. In addition, students from across the United States assisted with beta-testing the assessment.
What does the assessment cover?
The assessment is aligned to the Knowledge and Skills Statements for the Law, Public Safety, Security and Corrections cluster that were developed by the States’ Career Clusters Initiative. Specifically, the test includes 75 multiple-choice test items over the following areas:
- Academic Foundations 10%
- Communications 21%
- Problem Solving & Critical Thinking 8%
- Information Technology Applications 3%
- Systems 4%
- Safety, Health, & Environmental 13%
- Leadership & Teamwork 18%
- Ethics & Legal Responsibilities 11%
- Employability & Career Development 10%
- Technical Skills 3%
What are the benefits of using the assessment?
The assessment provides a measure of mastery of basic knowledge and skills needed by employees in law-related careers. Students who score 70% or higher on the assessment receive a Certificate of Mastery bearing the Partnership’s logo, which can be displayed in the student’s portfolio.
When should the assessment be taken?
The CareerTech Testing Center recommends that students take this assessment as soon as possible after receiving all standards-related instruction, rather than waiting until the end of the school year.
Is the assessment timed?
No. Although students may take as long as they need, most finish the assessment within one hour.
Can students use a calculator on the assessment?
No – calculators are not permitted. If needed, the test proctor will provide paper and a pencil to be used during the test. These items will be collected from the student when the assessment is submitted for scoring.
What accommodations can be made for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)?
Accommodations are allowed for students with an Individualized Education Plan. Examples of allowable accommodations include:
- Extended time – This assessment is not timed, therefore students may take as much time is needed to finish. The assessment must be completed in one testing session.
- Readers – A reader may be used to read the assessment to a student who has been identified as needing this assessment.
- Enlarged text – Students needing this accommodation can activate this feature by clicking the "AA" icon in the upper right corner of the screen.
What can students expect on Test Day?
The assessment is web-based and delivered exclusively online by a proctor in the school’s assessment center. The proctor cannot be an instructor or anyone who was involved with the student during instruction. Once the exam window opens, the entire assessment is visible. Students can skip questions and return to them later. However, it is important to answer all questions before submitting the test for scoring – unanswered questions will be counted wrong.
After the assessment is scored, the student will receive a Coaching Report that not only shows the student’s score on the assessment, but also how the student performed in each standard area. Students who pass the assessment will also be awarded a Certificate recognizing their accomplishment.
Can students retake the test?
Students may retake the test unless their school or state testing policies prohibit retesting. Students who can retest must wait at least three days between test attempts.