How to Pass the Neuro-Psychiatric Exam

The  Neuro-Psychiatric Examination tests the mental stability, adaptability and psychological functioning of applicants before they are being 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 one of the most decisive parts of the recruitment process in the PNP, BFP, BJMP, BuCor and all the branches of the AFP. In fact,  only 25% of the applicants pass the Neuro-Psychiatric exam, making it the most dreaded part of the application process.

The  Neuro-Psychiatric Exam is comprised of two parts- the written and the personal interview. It includes a 35-item Aptitude (Adaptation) Test, Guilford Zimmerman Temperament Survey, Applicant Risk Profiler, The Industrial Sentence Completion Test, Work Environment Preference Schedule (WEPS), Hand Test, and the “Drawing”. Sounds scary, right? Well, here are some tips and pieces of advice to help you pass this crucial part of your application. Please read on.

6 Important Tips to Pass the Neuro-Psychiatric Exam

Are you still searching for ways on how to successfully hurdle this important part of your application? Check these important tips on how to pass the Neuro-Psychiatric Exam like a boss.

1. Follow instructions

In every exam, following the instructions is as important as knowing the right answer to every question. Knowing how to follow instructions is a good indicator that you will be a good policeman, fireman, jail officer, or a soldier as these services require utmost compliance to instructions. When you are told to write your name in block capitals, do it exactly as you are told.

2. Manage your time during the exam

Like what I’ve said earlier, the Aptitude or what we call the IQ test is composed of 35 questions. You have to answer all these questions in only 15 minutes. That means you only have two minutes to answer each item. The proctors are strict regarding the time limit so never think that they will give you time extension. The trick is to answer the easy questions first then go back to difficult items in case you still have time. This way, you can maximize the time and increase your chances of completing the test.

3. Be consistent with your answers

Be mindful of your answers in every question of the exam. Always remember your answer in a particular question because you will be asked similar and related questions in the next following items. You have to be always consistent with your answers. Inconsistent answers may indicate that you are untruthful and just telling lies.

4. Learn how to draw

When I say learn how to draw, it does not mean you have to be like Michaelangelo or Da Vinci. If you are told to draw people, do not draw stick figures. Draw people with complete parts like ears, eyes, hairs, fingers, and the likes. Draw them with happy faces. Make evident distinctions between male and female e.g., mustache for male and long hair for female. After that, you describe each drawing or make a story of it in 4-5 sentences. Some of the concepts included here are tricky, and everything being drawn could mean something to the psychologists, therefore, be careful.

5. Hone your English skills

Sometimes, the exam may include essay exercises. The purpose is to evaluate the incident reporting skills of the applicants. Practice your English writing skills, be precise and pay attention to the grammar rules.

6. Prepare for the interview

The final part of the exam is the one-on-one interview with a psychologist to assess how you will present yourself under pressure. Answer all the question with wit, consistency, and fluency. Do not make unnecessary body and hand movements or gestures during the interview. Be snappy and stand firm when talking. Lastly, always be humble.

To wrap it up

The neuro-psychiatric test wants to know if you have a mindset of an average person. Do not pretend that you are an extraordinary one and just be yourself. Be consistent on your answers, bring out the good in yourself and do not show any violence in your words. Lastly, never leave anything unanswered. Those unanswered questions might determine the result of the neuro-psych either you are RECOMMENDED or NOT RECOMMENDED. Good luck and may the odds be in your favor.