EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE REACT TEST
Everything You Need to Know about the REACT Test
Correctional officers are a critical piece in keeping the prison system functioning well. They are responsible for maintaining safety in prisons, ensuring prisoner needs are met while also making certain that they are kept in order.
If you are contemplating a career in corrections, there are a few steps you will need to complete before being hired. One of these is the REACT test.
A job in the penal system is demanding. Applicants for corrections jobs need to be assertive, a good problem solver, quick to make decisions and work under pressure. REACT is a video simulation test designed to distinguish candidates that would be a good fit for a correctional officer role.
If you have applied for a job where you will be working in any capacity with incarcerated individuals, you will likely be required to successfully complete the REACT. You are probably wondering what to expect on the REACT test, and we are here to help.
This article will tell you what you need to know about the REACT test so that you are prepared and ready to take it.
The REACT Test
Becoming a correctional officer means that you will be given the responsibility of working with inmates who have been put behind bars because of criminal activity. As a result, hiring managers and recruiters need to be sure that you can handle the work environment and the responsibility.
Before sitting down to complete the REACT, you should be fully prepared. Sign up for a reputable test preparation course to help you get ready to answer the questions and feel less anxious.
There are four components to the REACT test: there is a reading portion, a math portion, an aptitude test, and a human relations portion.
Completing the test should take approximately two hours. You should complete the answers efficiently enough to give yourself time to read the questions carefully and to review your answers before submitting them.
REACT Reading Test
The reading test is essential for correctional officers, as there is a lot of training involved, even after being hired. You will be required to complete ongoing on-the-job training that will inform you of technical information, new policies, and procedures, so you must be skilled in reading and gathering information.
This portion of the test will require you to find the most appropriate word for blank spaces in several paragraphs. This test is multiple choice, and you will have fifteen minutes to complete this component.
REACT Human Relations Test
Part of a correctional officer's job is dealing directly with inmates. Not only will you be required to ensure that inmates do not escape or commit crimes while in prison, but you will also need to supervise daily activities and ensure that basic needs are met.
The human relations portion of the REACT test is based on determining good judgment in relational situations. You will need to use common sense to decide how to handle interpersonal circumstances.
You will watch video scenarios with specific details, and you will be asked to choose the best response. You will also need to answer what the worst course of action is in the situation. You will not need any prior correctional experience or training to complete this.
The test is multiple choice. The videos are quick; you will be unable to pause or stop them. You will have ten seconds to answer the question. One thing to note is that the information you require to formulate your response will be in the video. The test is not designed to determine what you know about specific policies, so you will only be asked about the circumstances in the videos.
REACT Math Test
This test is also known as the count test. Correctional officers need to be proficient in math, especially since it is crucial to be aware of the number of inmates present at all times.
You will watch videos of inmates' movement in a correctional facility and make calculations without pencil and paper. These calculations are based on the type of equations correctional officers are faced with daily. You will have ten minutes to answer each question.
REACT Aptitude Test
The aptitude portion of the test is also video-based. You will watch a video and then choose the best decision from multiple choices.
This test is designed to cover problem solving, improvisation, anticipating and predicting events, and your understanding of complicated sequences.
Preparing for the REACT Test
Many corrections departments have adopted the REACT test to determine outstanding correctional officer candidates. This is why it is vital to be as prepared as possible to take the test. Eating well, drinking enough, and getting sufficient sleep will ensure that your body is prepared to take the test, but you also need to prepare your mind.
The best way to do this is to prepare by studying for the REACT test. Purchase a practice test package from a professional career developing company like Police Test Tutor. You will find packages with practice test questions that can help you be successful on the test.
Correctional officer positions also require an interview, and Police Test Tutor offers interview coaching for correctional officers. They can help you learn how to organize your responses for the behavioural interview questions and express your skills concisely for the knowledge-based questions.