What does t-Score Mean?

Key Takeaways

  • Understand that a T-score measures your performance relative to other test-takers on a bell curve, where 50 represents the average score of the group.
  • Learn why a T-score of 42 is the typical minimum for most California agencies, while the California Highway Patrol (CHP) requires a higher score of at least 48.
  • Recognize that on a curved scale, every single point is magnified; a small increase in your raw score can significantly boost your T-score and ranking.
  • Prepare for the competitive nature of the PELLETB, where your goal is not just to "pass" but to outscore as many fellow applicants as possible to remain a top-tier candidate.
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T-score on Police Exams

You remember when you were in school how some tests were graded on “the curve.” This meant that the instructor was less concerned about the absolute number of correct answers but was more interested in how students did relative to everyone else taking the exam. The T-score is the same thing.

The Police Written Exam that is best known for using the T-score is the PELLETB in California.

A T-score is computed based upon a large number of test takers and looks like a bell-curve. A T-score of 50% means that you are “average.” A score of 60 or higher is considered “above average” and 40 is “below average.”

Consider the two examples shown here. In both cases, 100 students take the exam. In Example 1, the scores range from a low of 10 points to a high of 90 points with a score of 50% being in the middle, or average. Assume the agency sets the passing score at 40 on the X-axis - the red line. A student with an absolute score of 40% correct answers would pass.

Next, consider the same 100 test taker’s take a different exam. Scores range from zero to only 70% as shown in Example 2. In this case, the red line shows where 40% of the class scored as in Example 1. But since everyone did more poorly on this exam, an absolute score of 20% will be enough to pass.

Most police agencies in California want a T-score higher than 42 in order to pass the PELLETB. The CHP wants at least 48.

 
 

California PELLETB Practice Questions

Select an answer for each question to see the correct answer and explanation immediately.

Why the T-score is More Competitive for Test-takers

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Students should note that every point counts more on a T-score scale compared to a regular pass/fail scoring system. This is because, as one score ranks higher in the list of all scores, it will cause other scores to go down in rank. This means that it is critical to answer ALL questions as well as you can.

Here is a detailed example of how this works.

What is a Passing T-score for the PELLETB?

 
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Click on the image above to find out how to Pass the PELLETB

Most police agencies in California want a T-score higher than 42 in order to pass the PELLETB.

The CHP wants a T-score of at least 48 to pass the PELLETB.

The best PELLETB Prep Course on the market as measured by ShopperApproved™ is PELLETB QuikPrep by Sgt. Godoy.