Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions.
How long does it take to get a custom examination created for my company?
Our specialists will set a time frame depending on the individual needs of the client. The psychometrician examination(s) will be scored as well by BCT, LLC as part of the contracted price. Examinations can be prepared as quickly as seven (7) business working days. Please contact us direct at 888.BCT.1980 or enter your client number to address specific questions.Back to Top
Can using beta blockers help you beat the polygraph examination?
Many questions have arisen recently regarding the use of beta blockers as a counter-measure in efforts to "fool" the psycho- physiological detection of deception examiner. The use of alpha (1 and 2) as well as beta (1 and 2) agonists (stimulants) and antagonists (blockers) may produce profound autonomic nervous system (ANS) effects. That said, the well known beta-1 blockers have well-demonstrated effects (direct and indirect) on myocardial function (and elsewhere), i.e., inotropic (force of contraction), chronotropic (heart rate), as well as on the rate of spread of electrical conduction within myocardial tissue. These profound effects are of little pragmatic concern in a polygraph examination, inasmuch as they are tonic effects (not phasic effects) which will affect the cardiovascular physiology monitored over the totality of the polygraph exam, effecting both control and relevant question responses whose intercomparison is the basis for polygraph scoring. Indeed, the goal of one who attempts polygraph countermeasures is to increase control question responses relative to relevant question responses, not reduce (or increase) all responses equally. The Central Nervous System (CNS) effects (antianxiety) nevertheless, the same is likely to exist for these effects as well as they would likely be undifferentiated amongst responses to control and relevant questions. Thus, such pharmacological intervention is simply futile in this respect, however; they may be of some value in some situations in reducing all responses yielding an inconclusive result. Beta Blockers or Beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists are usually prescribed for hypertension (very high blood pressure). As the name suggests Beta blocking drugs stop the uptake of norepinephrine in cardiac tissue. Simply put, Beta blockers tend to reduce galvanic skin response reactions electrodermal activity and the greatest effect is seen here and of course in the cardio tracings. If an examinee is presently on these medication(s), it may have an effect on tracings and what their normal physiological state is. The most common of the aforementioned is Atenolol a generic form of Tenormin. I have also examined individuals prescribed Metoprolol, Propranolol, Sotalol, and Timolol, That said, a competent examiner will be able to easily detect the latter. Special note: I have noted examinees who have complained of joint pain that did not reveal the use of the latter until questioned repeatedly. Respectfully, Adj. Prof. Michael J. WoodrowBack to Top
Is the personality test of the police exam a medical examination?
No, the psychopathology/psychometrician examinations are not medical examinations where there is an identifiable physical pathology to use as a metric for comparison. No measure of a psychological construct will reach absolute 100% specificity. Few medical tests can reach this threshold even. For example, the blood test for HIV is 97.9% accurate in most instances. However, the bottom line is, if you are psychologically healthy, the test will show this. I have discussed the statistical logic behind this previously. Both the sensitivity (proportion of actual positives which are correctly identified) and specificity (proportion of negatives which are correctly identified) of the individual subscales is very high when they were normed on clinical samples of patients already known to have the disorder. Sensitivity and specificity both in the upper 90 percent range on average. Continued research using varying populations, (i.e., normal, clinical, and forensic) have consistently shown high levels of sensitivity and specificity across populations. Peer reviewed literature is available. Fitness for duty as defined by individual departments is relative. The psychologist is working as a consultant for them. The ultimate decision rests on departmental guidelines/policy, with the input from the psychologist. I mentioned before that they are looking for personality traits and/or pathology that is contraindicated for being a law enforcement officer. Consensus can be concluded; the majority really do not care if you are 'slightly' anxious, as this has few ramifications it can be argued for you performing your duties as an officer; ie., Proceed with caution is my motto= SA, A, U, D, SD - Respectfully, Adj. Prof. Michael J. WoodrowBack to Top
What makes the BCT, LLC prep-courses the best?
WE UNDERSTAND THE TEST CREATOR(S) LIKE NO OTHER! Subsequent to an exhaustive amount of research in the field, we offer the most comprehensive tutorial available in a simplified non-complicated manner.Back to Top
I'm confused? What is a NJ Civil Service (NJ DOP) Police Department?
A NJ civil (DOP) service department" consists of those departments or agencies (Police, Sheriff's, Corrections, etc.) that fall under the hiring practices of the NJ DOP. They are not Chiefs jurisdictions. Generally speaking; both jurisdictions represent 50% of there respective departments.Back to Top
What law enforcement titles does the NJ DOP Public Safety Entry Exam cover?
Municipal Police Officer (City, Township, Borough, etc.), Sheriff's Deputy, Campus Police Officer, County Correction Officer, NJ State Correction Officer, Park Police Officer, NJ State Ranger, etc. IT DOES NOT COVER THOSE JURISDICTIONS WHICH FALL UNDER THE CHIEF'S TOWN AGENCY JURISDICTION.Back to Top
Please check the registration section for the exact cost of each seminar. The price will vary depending on which course you choose. Each seminar generally includes eight hours of in-depth classroom instruction as well as all materials to be taken home by the student for study. Presently the 2010 eight hour entry law enforcement exam seminars start at $450.00, excluding the NJ State Police (video assessment). PLEASE SEE THE REGISTRATION LINK FOR UPDATED TUITION COSTS.Back to Top
What Blue Collegiate Training locations are still available to enroll in?
Most locations are available for enrollment. We will place you in the nearest location to your residence availability permitting.Back to Top
Can I speak to a former BCT, LLC student before I register for the Seminar?
Yes, please contact us and we will have a student contact you depending on your preference; Police Officer, State Trooper, Corrections Officer, Etc. No other school provides this service.Back to Top
Can I get a discount if I register for the Florida and New York Police Exam?
Yes, if you are unsure of whether you wish to be a law enforcement officer in New York or Florida, BCT, LLC will offer 60% off the second prep course you choose.Back to Top
Who provides the instruction at the Seminars?
We employ only the finest pool of instructors including: Criminal Justice Professors, Police Executives, Psychiatrists, etc. They are responsible for teaching the subject matter.Back to Top
Is the 2010 NJ DOP exam the same as the 2008?
NO! Their are many revisions being made to the examination. The exam also may be released in late spring or summer 2010 depending on many factors! Contact BCT, LLC for updated information.Back to Top
How long does it take for BCT, LLC to create an examination for a business?
Please contact a specialist directly. They will be able to address all your inquiries.Back to Top
Where do the BCT, LLC seminars take place for the 2010 civil service test?
The seminars take place throughout the State of New Jersey. You will be placed at the location nearest you or by your own locale preference.Back to Top
What is the minimal contractual agreement in regards to examination creation?
A minimum order of two thousand examinations is required; please contact via-phone for further information.Back to Top
My agency is in Arizona, how can I meet a specialist?
A BCT, LLC specialist will meet with your agency to determine what examination best suits your needs at one of our convenient locations in New York, New Jersey, Florida, or Arizona.Back to Top
Can BCT, LLC also create a Web-Site for our agency?
Yes, we are able to custom create a Web-Site for your agency in partnership with WorkNotes.com Please click the icon on the upper left corner of the home Web-Site page for further information.Back to Top
How accurate is a lie detector/polygraph examination?
The APA states it is 98% accurate, depending on the competancy of the psychophysiological detection of deception examiner or psycho physiologist.Back to Top