Trusted Psychological Testing for Public Safety
Hiring the right people for public safety roles is one of the most important decisions an agency can make. Officers, firefighters, dispatchers, and other first responders face extraordinary stress and responsibility, and agencies must ensure that candidates are psychologically prepared for the job. Our team understands the realities of the hiring landscape, and will work collaboratively with your team to get results.
The Counseling Team International (TCTI) is one of the nation’s most trusted providers of psychological testing for law enforcement and public safety. Our evaluations are:
POST-Compliant
All evaluations meet California POST requirements and are conducted by licensed, POST-approved psychologists.
Culturally Competent
Conducted by clinicians with decades of experience serving law enforcement, fire, corrections, and dispatch.
Confidential, Professional, Efficient
Our process respects the candidate, protects the agency, and delivers timely, reliable results.
Pre-Employment & CCW Psychological Evaluations
Required by law in California for peace officers and correctional officers, and increasingly adopted by fire and dispatch agencies.
Evaluations Include
Background Review
Agency-provided materials reviewed by the evaluating psychologist
Standardized Testing
At least two personality assessments: one measuring normal-range traits, one measuring pathology
Clinical Interview
One-on-one interview with a licensed psychologist, conducted in person or via telehealth when permitted
Official Determination
For pre-employment psychological evaluations, a POST-compliant declaration form and, when requested, a narrative report
CCW Evaluations
Flexible Testing Options
TCTI offers multiple ways for candidates to complete testing, ensuring both compliance and convenience:
In-Person Testing
At our offices in San Bernardino, San Diego, Murrieta and Irvine.
Remote Proctored Testing
Secure online assessments, monitored by trained proctors in compliance with POST guidelines.
Telehealth Interviews
Available when authorized by the department, especially for out-of-state candidates.
Hybrid Evaluations
A mix of remote testing with in-person interviews, depending on agency preference.
For candidates traveling long distances, same-day evaluations are available on a limited basis — testing in the morning and interviews in the afternoon.
“Pre-employment psychological evaluations are a crucial part of the hiring process. Working closely with the psychologist helps to protect agencies from hiring people who won’t serve their communities well while also protecting individuals from taking on jobs for which they aren’t well suited.”
Dr. Nancy Panza, Ph.D., ABPP
Board-Certified Police & Public Safety Psychologist
+ years serving public safety
hours for results
% respect, consistency, and confidentiality
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the candidate need to bring for their pre-hire psychological testing appointment?
All testing materials, pens, and pencils will be provided, and the dress code is business casual. Water and coffee will be provided, and it is advisable to bring a snack/lunch as the candidate is not allowed to leave the premises during the written portion of the testing process.
How much time should I allow for the written testing?
The length of time varies between applicants. For the written portion of the testing, the average length of time is between 4-6 hours.
Is the oral interview on the same day as the written testing?
Typically the oral interview is scheduled no later than 5 working days after the date of the written testing process. Some departments require same-day oral interviews and those departments are asked to notify the testing staff at the time of scheduling to determine same-day availability.
How long should I plan for the oral interview and what is the dress code?
The appointment ranges from 30 minutes to 1 hour, and the dress code is business attire for the oral interview.
How soon will the department receive the results?
The written report is mailed to the respective department/agency no later than 5 working days after the oral interview. The interested department/agency has the option to request a verbal, over-the-phone score in order to expedite the process.
How long are the results of a pre-employment evaluation valid with POST?
Evaluation results are valid for 1-year from the date of the evaluation.
Is another evaluation required if an employee is applying for different roles within the department?
If the evaluation is still valid (within one year of the prior evaluation) then the original department will be contacted to get their approval to release the original evaluation results.
If I am a job candidate and I was evaluated at your office, can I access my results?
No. The results of pre-employment evaluations go directly to the hiring agency and candidates do not receive a copy of the results.
Get Started
To schedule psychological testing or request more information about services for your agency, call 800-222-9691 (Press 4 to be connected with our Testing Division), email info@thecounselingteam.com, or submit your information on the page below.
