Sergeants’ exams are being held over three days to avoid a repeat of the IT problems, the College of Policing has revealed.

The College of Policing has confirmed that the traditional selection test for sergeants will run on the 10, 11, and 12 November as an online test.

Around 6,500 entrants will be told over coming days which of the three groups they will be in.

The decision follows the online inspectors’ exam which was abandoned half-way through after entrants were hit by a buffering problem that meant they were delayed in answering questions.

That test has now been rescheduled and concerns had been raised by the Police Federation about the potential for the problem to repeat itself. Local chairs, including Sussex Police Federation, had urged the College to extend the days available.  

The College said it was “managing this process so it can meet both force and candidate needs”.

In a statement it said: “We want to make sure that the approximately 6,500 officers from all forces are able to complete their exams during the three days. While we had hoped to have confirmed dates with individuals by Tuesday, 27 October 2020, the logistical challenge means dates will be issued to candidates by their forces in the coming days.”

It added: “We understand that you have put in an extraordinary amount of work in preparation for this exam, in addition to the work you did earlier this year, before the exam was postponed due to the restrictions in place.

"We apologise for any disruption or inconvenience caused and want to reassure you that the actions we are taking are to ensure that the Sergeants' promotion exams can take place smoothly and successfully.”