Basic Abilities Test (BAT)
NOTICE!
If you took the I/O Solutions (IOS) Basic Abilities Test (BAT) for law enforcement officers and did not pass, changes to the pass/fail threshold, may mean you are now eligible to enter a law enforcement basic recruit training program.
A change to the Law Enforcement BAT was approved by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. Scores at or above 70% are now passing for applicants who took the BAT between June 1, 2010 and February 1, 2016.
If you took the IOS Law Enforcement BAT and received a score of 70% to 78%, you are now eligible to enter a law enforcement basic recruit training program. Results have already been changed in the Automated Training Management System and your test can be used for admission into a law enforcement basic recruit training program. Contact the law enforcement academy of your choice. The modified results will be valid through February 2, 2020.
Overview
- Individuals who desire to enter a basic recruit training program for law enforcement or corrections must first pass a basic abilities test (BAT). This test is based on a job task analysis (JTA) in each of these subjects, adopted by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (Commission) pursuant to Section 943.17, F.S., and further detailed in F.A.C. 11B-35.0011(1). It predicts the likelihood for success in basic recruit training and the State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE). (Background)
- FDLE has contracted private test providers to create, manage, and administer the BAT at Commission-certified training centers, criminal justice selection centers, and criminal justice agencies. FDLE manages score management, contractual issues, program clarification, and enforcement.
- The BAT is administered only within the state of Florida.
- The BAT score is valid for four years from the date of the test.
Composition
- The BAT assesses written comprehension and expression, information ordering, spatial orientation, memorization, problem sensitivity, and inductive and deductive reasoning.
- It is a multiple-choice test in a computer-based or paper and pencil format. The test is administered in accordance with contract requirements.
Test Sign-up Procedures
- Fees and scheduling are unique to each location—contact them directly for more information.
- Study guides and/or practice tests are available through the test providers.
- A specific test provider’s BAT cannot be taken more than three times per discipline during any 12-month period.
Scores
- Because the tests’ compositions and difficulty levels are unique, the passing scores are exclusive to the test providers. The passing scores are based on individual research using educational and psychological principles; thus, the passing scores differ between the test providers. Using scores for other purposes (e.g., minimum score for hiring or ranking candidates) may not be valid unless specific research supports such use.
- Please note that the ONLY official BAT result is the electronic record stored in FDLE’s Automated Training Management System (ATMS). For this reason, FDLE cannot provide official BAT results to applicants. All Florida criminal justice agencies have access to ATMS.
Exam Records
- If BAT information is missing from (ATMS), contact the test provider. If the provider is unknown, call (850) 410-8600.
Note: Allow a minimum of 15 business days from the date of the test for scores to be uploaded.
- For further information, call (850) 410-8600 or click here to request information by e-mail.
NOTICE
Should you elect to participate in any training described herein, please understand that you will be asked to provide your Social Security Number (SSN). The decision to provide your SSN is at your option, but failure to provide your SSN may result in a delay in processing your application or request. If you provide your SSN, FDLE will use it for purposes of identification, and may share the information with other agencies for the same purpose. FDLE’s request for your SSN is authorized by state law because it is imperative for the performance of FDLE's duties and responsibilities pursuant to Section 119.071(5)(a)2.a.II, F.S.
PLEASE NOTE: Your BAT results cannot be processed without your SSN. If you do not provide the information at this stage, FDLE must receive it in writing before your score can be processed and your training eligibility can be verified. Providing your SSN separately will result in a delay of your basic recruit training eligibility.