Placing A Test Order
1. Complete a Current Testing Agreement
A Testing Agreement must be completed by an authorized representative of your agency before test orders are processed. Testing Agreements are kept on file and remain current for 2 years, upon which time a new agreement must be completed.
2. Select Textbooks
Agencies typically select 5 textbooks on which to base their tests from our current police and fire service reading lists. However, more or fewer books can be used. Agencies should refrain from asking WTS to make a test based on specific pages or chapters of a reading source, beyond what is specified in the reading lists.
Note that although WTS provides agencies with tests based on the books on our reading lists, we will not provide the textbooks. Book costs are the responsibility of the promotional candidates or the agency. All of these textbooks may be ordered directly from the book publisher or other sources.
3. Submit the Test Order Form
A copy of the test order form should be completed and submitted to WTS via mail or fax. Test orders must be submitted in writing at least 4-6 weeks prior to the testing date. Please submit separate forms for each rank.
On the reading lists, each reading list source is identified by a code number which is in bold print. Please use these code numbers when ordering promotional examinations. Circle the appropriate numbers on the order form to indicate your choice of books. If you choose more or fewer than five books, indicate the number of items to be taken out of each book. On the order form, you may request a preview copy (see below), select hand or machine scoring, and estimate the number of test booklets you will need.
4. Confirmation of Your Test Order
After your test order is received, a letter will be sent confirming your order. Please review the letter carefully to confirm the textbook titles and editions.
Two weeks prior to the scheduled testing date, you are responsible for contacting WTS to specify the actual number of test booklets needed.
5. Examine Preview Copy
WTS encourages users of our reading list promotional examinations to request preview copies of tests prior to their administration. The practice of previewing tests before they are administered is highly beneficial because it prevents possible challenges by candidates, such as appeals to civil service commissions regarding test accuracy. When previewing examinations, test users should be guided by the WTS Guidelines for Review of Examination Preview Copies, enclosed with the preview copy. Requests for preview copies should be made early enough to avoid unnecessary time problems. Test preview must be completed no later than three weeks prior to the scheduled testing date.
6. Receive Tests and Store Securely
Test materials will be shipped by UPS so that you will receive the test materials between 4 to 8 days prior to your testing date. Along with the test booklets, you will receive a scoring template, Instructions for Test Use, Certificate of Test Usage, and Policy on Appeals.
While you have the test booklets and scoring stencils in your possession, it is important to treat them with the utmost security. We must receive back the same test booklets which have been sent to you. Neither the test booklets nor the scoring stencils may be copied.