BTP Online
Maths and English Tests
British Transport Police sets online maths and English tests for applicants who do not hold GCSE grade 4 (C) or an accepted equivalent in both subjects. Upload qualifying certificates and you skip them. This guide explains who sits the tests, what BTP does and does not publish and gives original worked practice in fares, percentages, timetables, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Independent information, not advice · Sources checked 23 October 2026 · Great Britain unless stated
BTP's stage two, which it calls Online Ability Testing: online English and maths assessments for candidates who do not hold GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in English Language and Maths, or an accepted equivalent. If you hold them, upload the certificates and skip the stage. Passing the tests meets BTP's Level 2 requirement. BTP's portal includes instructions and practice tests, but BTP does not publish the format, timing or pass marks and there is no retake: if you fail, you reapply.
The rules on this page come from BTP's careers site, live adverts and recruitment pack, read on 23 October 2026. BTP does not publish its test format, timing or pass marks. Every practice item and worked answer below is original PolicePay material and the guide to what Level 2 usually covers is general, not BTP's syllabus.
The BTP Online Tests at a Glance
| Point | What BTP says | Where |
|---|---|---|
| BTP's names for it | "Online Ability Testing" (role page), "Online Assessments" (guidance page), "online Maths and English assessment" (recruitment pack) | Role page, application guidance, recruitment pack |
| Where it sits | Stage 2, after the application form and SJT and before the video assessment (role page order) | Role page |
| Who sits it | "Candidates who do not hold GCSE Grade 4 (C) or above in English Language and Maths, or an accepted equivalent qualification, will be required to undertake online English and Maths assessments." | Application guidance |
| Who skips it | Anyone who holds the qualifying Level 2 English and maths certificates and uploads them | Role page, application guidance |
| Help from BTP | The recruitment pack says the portal "includes full instructions and practice tests" | Recruitment pack |
| Retakes | Recruitment pack: "Unfortunately not ... If you fail, you are more than welcome to reapply again in 6 months' time". Current adverts give three months to reapply (see below) | Recruitment pack, adverts |
| Format, length, timing, pass mark | Not published | None |
Many applicants can skip this stage. If you hold GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in English Language and Maths, or an accepted equivalent, upload the certificates with your application form.
Who Has to Sit the Tests
BTP's guidance says: "Candidates who do not hold GCSE Grade 4 (C) or above in English Language and Maths, or an accepted equivalent qualification, will be required to undertake online English and Maths assessments." In practice:
| Your situation | What happens |
|---|---|
| You hold GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in English Language and in Maths and upload the certificates | No test. You skip this stage. |
| You hold an accepted equivalent Level 2 qualification in both and upload the evidence | No test. You skip this stage. |
| You hold the qualification in one subject only | BTP's wording requires both English Language and Maths at grade 4 (C) or equivalent. BTP does not say whether you can skip one test and sit the other; ask BTP. |
| You hold neither, or cannot find your certificates | You take BTP's online English and maths assessments. Passing them meets the Level 2 requirement for the PCEP. |
Exemptions: Level 2 Certificates
The tests stand in for Level 2 English and maths qualifications. BTP's rules differ slightly between England and Wales and Scotland:
| Where | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| England and Wales (PCEP) | Level 2 English and maths: GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent; or pass BTP's Level 2 English and maths assessment | Adverts 1746 and 1736, role page |
| Scotland | Level 2 maths and English: GCSE C/4, Functional Skills Level 2, SCQF Level 5, Intermediate 2 or Standard Grade credit; or take the tests. Other subjects are not accepted. | Role page |
| Also needed in England and Wales | Either a Level 3 qualification (for example two A levels A to E, a BTEC National Diploma, an NVQ Level 3 or an Access to HE Diploma) or the experience route. The maths and English tests do not cover this part. | Adverts 1746 and 1736 |
BTP's FAQ page still says "You don't need any qualifications to become a Police Officer", but the live adverts set the rule above. Follow the advert. The full rules are in BTP eligibility requirements.
Uploading Your Certificates
BTP's role page says the online tests are skipped if you hold the qualifying Level 2 certificates and upload them. BTP's adverts say evidence of qualifications or experience is required. Practical points:
- Find them early. If you have lost a certificate, the exam board or your school may be able to help, but that takes time.
- Upload both subjects. BTP's wording names English Language and Maths.
- Make the scan readable. Name, subject, grade and the awarding body should all be clear.
- Not sure if yours counts? BTP refers to an "accepted equivalent qualification" without listing every one for England and Wales. Ask BTP's recruitment team before the closing date.
How It Works Step by Step
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Application form and SJT | You complete BTP's online application, including the SJT. You upload any Level 2 certificates. |
| 2. Exempt or not | If your certificates qualify, you skip to the next stage. If not, BTP's portal sets the online English and maths assessments. |
| 3. Read the instructions and practise | BTP's recruitment pack says the portal includes full instructions and practice tests. Use them: they are the only official guide to the format. |
| 4. Sit the tests online | BTP does not publish the length, timing or pass mark. Find a quiet place and follow the portal's instructions. |
| 5. Next stage | If you pass, BTP's role page lists the video assessment next, then the assessment centre. |
BTP's Inner London advert lists a different stage order ("Online application; Situational Judgement Test; Online Assessment Centre; Final interview") and does not name the maths and English tests. BTP does not say what its online assessment centre contains. The role page order above is the one BTP describes in most detail.
What Is and Is Not Published
| Point | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Who must sit the tests and who is exempt | Published | Application guidance, role page |
| That they are online and cover maths and English | Published | Role page, recruitment pack |
| That the portal has instructions and practice tests | Published | Recruitment pack |
| That there is no retake within the same application | Published (recruitment pack) | Recruitment pack |
| Number of questions, sections or time limits | Not published | None |
| Whether a calculator is allowed | Not published | None |
| Who supplies the tests | Not published | None |
| Pass marks | Not published | None |
An older line on BTP's guidance page describes the online tests differently from the role page and the recruitment pack. We follow the role page and pack, which describe maths and English. The portal's own instructions are the final word.
What Level 2 Means in Practice
BTP describes its test as a Level 2 English and maths assessment, the level of GCSE grade 4 (C). BTP does not publish a syllabus. As a general guide only, Level 2 English and maths usually covers areas like these:
| Area | Typical content |
|---|---|
| Number | Whole numbers, decimals, fractions and percentages; working with money |
| Measures and time | The 24-hour clock, durations, timetables, speed, distance and time |
| Ratio and proportion | Sharing in a ratio, scaling up and down, rates |
| Data | Reading tables and simple charts; working out an average |
| Spelling | Common and work-related words, including words that are often misspelt |
| Grammar | Agreement between subject and verb, consistent tenses, the right word (fewer or less, their or there) |
| Punctuation | Full stops, capital letters, apostrophes, commas and speech marks |
| Reading | Finding facts in a short text, following instructions, telling fact from opinion |
The practice below works through each area in a railway or policing setting.
BTP vs Home Office Forces
BTP's recruitment pack says BTP "moved away from the national recruitment process (NPIA) and the SEARCH Assessment centre, favouring a robust selection process that is bespoke to BTP".
| British Transport Police | Home Office forces (England and Wales) | |
|---|---|---|
| Separate maths and English test? | Yes, unless you upload Level 2 certificates | The College of Policing's National Sift has a situational judgement test and a behavioural styles questionnaire; check each force's own qualification rules |
| Who sets it | BTP, within what it calls "a bespoke assessment process" | Each force, using the College of Policing's process |
| Scores transfer? | No: BTP says scores from other forces "are not transferable" | Not applicable to BTP |
| Retake | No retake; reapply (three months on current adverts, six months in the pack) | Varies by force |
Maths Practice: Fares and Percentages
Original PolicePay practice, not BTP's questions. Cover the right-hand columns, work each one out on paper, then check.
| # | Question | Working | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | An Anytime Return costs £48.60. A railcard takes one third off. What is the discounted fare? | One third of £48.60 is £16.20. £48.60 minus £16.20 is £32.40. | £32.40 |
| 2 | A family buys 4 adult singles at £7.80 each and 2 child singles at half the adult fare. What is the total? | Adults: 4 × £7.80 = £31.20. Children: 2 × £3.90 = £7.80. Total £31.20 + £7.80. | £39.00 |
| 3 | They pay for the tickets in question 2 with a £50 note. How much change? | £50.00 minus £39.00. | £11.00 |
| 4 | Reports of cycle theft at a station rose from 240 one year to 276 the next. What is the percentage increase? | Increase 36. 36 ÷ 240 = 0.15. | 15% |
| 5 | Calls about a problem fell from 1,250 to 1,100. What is the percentage decrease? | Decrease 150. 150 ÷ 1,250 = 0.12. | 12% |
| 6 | Of 180 incidents recorded in a month, 45 were thefts. What percentage were thefts? | 45 ÷ 180 = 0.25. | 25% |
| 7 | After a 20% rise, a season ticket costs £36 a week. What did it cost before the rise? | £36 is 120% of the old price. £36 ÷ 1.2. | £30 |
Quick Methods Without a Calculator
BTP does not say whether a calculator is allowed. These mental methods are general techniques, worth knowing either way:
| To find | Do this | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Divide by 10 | 10% of £48.60 is £4.86 |
| 5% | Halve 10% | 5% of £48.60 is £2.43 |
| 1% | Divide by 100 | 1% of £48.60 is about 49p |
| 15% | 10% plus 5% | 15% of 240 is 24 plus 12, so 36 |
| 25% | Divide by 4 | 25% of 180 is 45 |
| One third | Divide by 3 | One third of £48.60 is £16.20 |
| 20% | Divide by 5 | 20% of £30 is £6 |
| Fraction | Decimal | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | 0.5 | 50% |
| 1/4 | 0.25 | 25% |
| 3/4 | 0.75 | 75% |
| 1/5 | 0.2 | 20% |
| 1/8 | 0.125 | 12.5% |
| 1/10 | 0.1 | 10% |
| 1/3 | about 0.333 | about 33.3% |
Change ÷ starting value × 100. For a rise from 240 to 276: 36 ÷ 240 × 100 = 15%. Dividing by the new value (276) is the most common mistake.
Maths Practice: Time, Timetables and Pay
| # | Question | Working | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | A train leaves at 21:47 and arrives at 00:13. How long is the journey? | 21:47 to 00:00 is 2 hours 13 minutes. Add 13 minutes. | 2 hours 26 minutes |
| 9 | Trains leave every 12 minutes from 06:04. What is the first train after 07:00? | 06:04, 06:16, 06:28, 06:40, 06:52, 07:04. | 07:04 |
| 10 | A train covers 84 miles in 1 hour 10 minutes. What is its average speed? | 1 hour 10 minutes is 7/6 of an hour. 84 ÷ 7/6 = 84 × 6 ÷ 7. | 72 mph |
| 11 | You walk 1.2 km at 4.8 km an hour. How many minutes does it take? | 1.2 ÷ 4.8 = 0.25 hours. | 15 minutes |
| 12 | Three people search a car park in 40 minutes. At the same rate, how long would four people take? | Total effort is 3 × 40 = 120 person-minutes. 120 ÷ 4. | 30 minutes |
| 13 | A team of 18 is split between two stations in the ratio 2:1. How many at each? | 3 parts. 18 ÷ 3 = 6. 2 × 6 and 1 × 6. | 12 and 6 |
| 14 | Footfall counts for five days were 3,420, 3,180, 3,560, 3,300 and 3,540. What is the mean? | Total 17,000. 17,000 ÷ 5. | 3,400 |
| 15 | BTP pays every four weeks, 13 times a year. A starting salary is £33,609. What is the gross pay each four-week period, to the nearest penny? | £33,609 ÷ 13 = £2,585.307... | £2,585.31 |
| 16 | The Inner London allowances total £9,044.75 a year, paid in the same 13 periods. How much is that each period? | £9,044.75 ÷ 13. | £695.75 |
Reading a Timetable
An invented timetable from Northgate to Riverside. Use it for items 17 to 21.
| Service | Departs Northgate | Arrives Riverside | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 07:12 | 07:58 | 2 |
| B | 07:35 | 08:09 | 4 |
| C | 07:50 | 08:41 | 2 |
| D | 08:05 | 08:39 | 4 |
| # | Question | Working | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | Which service has the shortest journey? | A 46 minutes, B 34, C 51, D 34. | B and D (34 minutes each) |
| 18 | You must reach Riverside by 08:30. Which is the latest train you can catch? | D arrives 08:39, too late. B arrives 08:09. | B, leaving 07:35 |
| 19 | Service C is delayed by 18 minutes. When does it now arrive? | 08:41 plus 18 minutes. | 08:59 |
| 20 | What is the mean journey time of the four services? | 46 + 34 + 51 + 34 = 165. 165 ÷ 4 = 41.25 minutes. | 41 minutes 15 seconds |
| 21 | How long is it between the departures of A and D? | 07:12 to 08:00 is 48 minutes. Add 5. | 53 minutes |
Bridge to the next whole hour first. From 21:47 to 00:13: 13 minutes to 22:00, 2 hours to 00:00, then 13 minutes more. Total 2 hours 26 minutes. Never subtract times as if they were decimals.
Items 15 and 16 use real BTP figures: starting pay of £33,609 and Inner London allowances of £9,044.75 from BTP's live adverts, paid every four weeks (13 times a year) according to BTP's transferee pack. The answers are gross figures before tax, National Insurance and pension. See BTP pay scales and our BTP take-home pay calculator.
English Practice: Spelling
Original practice. Each sentence has one misspelt word. Find it before you look at the right-hand columns. These are words that often go wrong in police writing.
| Sentence | Error | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| The witness said the car was seperate from the others. | seperate | separate |
| We recieved the report at 14:20. | recieved | received |
| The incident occured on platform 4. | occured | occurred |
| She was definately on the 08:15 service. | definately | definitely |
| He reported harrassment by a group of passengers. | harrassment | harassment |
| Officers will liase with station staff. | liase | liaise |
| Accomodation is not available for Inner London postings. | Accomodation | Accommodation |
| It was neccessary to close the gate. | neccessary | necessary |
| At the begining of the shift we were briefed. | begining | beginning |
| The vehical was parked across the entrance. | vehical | vehicle |
Spelling matters beyond this test. BTP says an application form with an unreasonable number of spelling or grammatical errors will be unsuccessful and the video assessment tests written communication.
English Practice: Grammar
Original practice. Correct each sentence, then check the answer and the reason.
| Sentence | Corrected | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Each of the officers have a radio. | Each of the officers has a radio. | "Each" is singular, so the verb is singular. |
| I could of caught the earlier train. | I could have caught the earlier train. | "Could of" is a mishearing of "could've". |
| There was less people on the platform today. | There were fewer people on the platform today. | "Fewer" for things you can count; the plural noun needs "were". |
| Me and my colleague attended the call. | My colleague and I attended the call. | "I" is the subject; put the other person first. |
| He walked to the barrier and shouts at the guard. | He walked to the barrier and shouted at the guard. | Keep the tense consistent. |
| The man who's bag was left behind came back. | The man whose bag was left behind came back. | "Whose" shows belonging; "who's" means "who is". |
| The passengers left there bags on the train. | The passengers left their bags on the train. | "Their" shows belonging; "there" is a place. |
| The delay will effect everyone. | The delay will affect everyone. | "Affect" is usually the verb; "effect" is usually the noun. |
English Practice: Punctuation
Original practice. Fix the punctuation, then check.
| Sentence | Corrected | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The officers radio was not working. | The officer's radio was not working. | One officer, so the apostrophe goes before the s. |
| Both officers radios were charged. | Both officers' radios were charged. | Several officers, so the apostrophe goes after the s. |
| The train stopped at it's usual platform. | The train stopped at its usual platform. | "Its" shows belonging; "it's" means "it is". |
| The train was late, the passengers were angry. | The train was late. The passengers were angry. | Two full sentences cannot be joined by a comma alone. |
| i travelled from kings cross to york on monday. | I travelled from King's Cross to York on Monday. | Capitals for I, places and days; King's Cross has an apostrophe. |
| He said stay back from the edge. | He said, "Stay back from the edge." | Exact words go inside speech marks, starting with a capital. |
| We need tickets, passes and, warrant cards. | We need tickets, passes and warrant cards. | No comma after "and" in a simple list. |
Belonging: one owner, apostrophe before the s (the officer's radio); several owners ending in s, apostrophe after it (the officers' radios). Missing letters: it's (it is), who's (who is), can't (cannot). "Its" and "whose" never take an apostrophe for belonging.
English Practice: Reading for Meaning
Original practice. Read this invented station notice once, then answer the questions without looking back.
Notice to passengers. From Monday 2 March, the footbridge at the north end of the station will be closed for repairs for six weeks. Passengers for platforms 3 and 4 should use the subway at the south end. Step-free access to all platforms will remain available via the lifts next to the ticket office. Cycles may not be wheeled through the subway at busy times (07:00 to 09:30 and 16:30 to 19:00). Staff will be on hand to help. We apologise for any inconvenience.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long will the footbridge be closed? | Six weeks, from Monday 2 March. |
| Which route should a passenger for platform 4 use? | The subway at the south end. |
| A wheelchair user needs platform 3. What should they do? | Use the lifts next to the ticket office, which give step-free access to all platforms. |
| Can a cyclist wheel a bike through the subway at 08:15? | No. 08:15 falls within the busy period of 07:00 to 09:30. |
| Is "We apologise for any inconvenience" a fact or an opinion? | Neither, strictly: it is an apology. The closure dates, routes and times are the facts in the notice. |
The BTP Selection Pack covers the stages after this one: original SJT scenarios, video observation exercises with a marking checklist, presentation practice, an interview bank and an assessment day checklist. It is our practice material, not BTP's.
A Three-Week Plan
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Before anything | Check whether you can skip the tests. Find your GCSE or equivalent certificates and upload them with your application. |
| Week 1 | Number work: percentages, fractions and money. Do the fares and percentages items on this page without a calculator, then check. |
| Week 1 | Spelling: make a list of words you get wrong and test yourself daily. Start with the list on this page. |
| Week 2 | Time and rates: the 24-hour clock, journeys across midnight, speed, distance and time. Then grammar. |
| Week 2 | Read short notices and news articles and pick out the facts. Practise the reading item on this page. |
| Week 3 | Use the practice tests in BTP's portal as soon as you have access. They are the only guide to BTP's real format. |
| Week 3 | Redo every item you got wrong. Speed comes from accuracy, not from rushing. |
Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why it costs you |
|---|---|
| Not uploading certificates | If you hold GCSE grade 4 (C) or equivalent in both subjects, you can skip the tests altogether. |
| Skipping BTP's own practice tests | BTP's recruitment pack says the portal includes full instructions and practice tests. They show the real format. |
| Relying on a calculator | BTP does not say whether one is allowed. Be comfortable with mental and written methods. |
| Misreading the 24-hour clock | Journeys across midnight and times like 00:13 are easy to get wrong under pressure. |
| Confusing percentage change | Always divide the change by the starting value, not the new one. |
| US spellings | Use UK spelling: practise (verb), practice (noun), organise, travelled. |
| Rushing because you assume a time limit | BTP does not publish one. Read the portal's instructions first. |
| Treating it as a formality | There is no retake. If you fail, you must reapply. |
If You Do Not Pass
BTP's recruitment pack answers the retake question directly: "Unfortunately not ... If you fail, you are more than welcome to reapply again in 6 months' time". BTP's current adverts (from September 2026) give a three-month reapplication period after being "unsuccessful following your application, testing or interview". BTP's pages differ, so check the advert you apply to.
Use the gap well: work through Level 2 practice. If you can, gain a GCSE grade 4 (C) or an accepted equivalent so you can skip the tests next time.
What We Could Not Verify
- Format and length. BTP does not publish the number of questions, sections or time limits.
- Pass marks. Not published.
- Test provider. Not published.
- Calculator rules. Not published.
- One subject exempt, one not. BTP does not say whether you can skip one test if you hold only one qualifying certificate.
- Reapplication period. Current adverts say three months; the recruitment pack and FAQ say six months.
- Pass rates. BTP does not publish applicant pass rates at any stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sit the BTP maths and English tests?
Only if you do not hold GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in English Language and Maths, or an accepted equivalent qualification. If you hold them, upload the certificates with your application and you skip the online tests.
What qualifications exempt me from the BTP online tests?
In England and Wales, Level 2 English and maths: GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent. For Scotland, BTP accepts GCSE C/4, Functional Skills Level 2, SCQF Level 5, Intermediate 2 or Standard Grade credit in maths and English; other subjects are not accepted.
How long are the BTP online maths and English tests?
BTP does not publish the length, number of questions, timing or pass marks. Its recruitment pack says the portal includes full instructions and practice tests, so use those when you get access.
Can I retake the BTP online tests?
BTP's recruitment pack says no: if you fail, you can reapply. The pack says six months; BTP's current adverts give a three-month reapplication period. Check the advert you apply to.
Is there a verbal reasoning test at BTP?
BTP's current role page and recruitment pack describe online maths and English assessments. An older line on its guidance page describes the tests differently. Use the portal's instructions as the guide to what you will actually sit.
Can I use a calculator in the BTP maths test?
BTP does not say. Practise both with and without one so you are ready either way and follow the portal's instructions.
Do the BTP tests count towards the qualifications rule?
Yes, for Level 2. BTP's adverts say you need Level 2 English and maths or to pass BTP's Level 2 English and maths assessment. You also need a Level 3 qualification or the experience route; the tests do not cover that part.
Are the practice questions on this page BTP's?
No. They are original PolicePay practice items with worked answers. BTP does not publish its test format, timing or pass marks.
What comes after the BTP online tests?
On BTP's role page, the video assessment comes next: watching a short video clip and providing factual information based on what you observe. Then the assessment centre.
Sources and how we checked them
Every factual claim on this page was written from the sources below, read on 23 October 2026. Rules and figures change, so check the source for the date you are reading this. Where we could not confirm something from an official or independent source, the page says so rather than guessing. Spotted something out of date? See our corrections policy.
- BTP careers: Police Officer (Full Time) : Online Ability Testing as stage 2; skipped with Level 2 certificates; Scotland qualifications list (accessed 23 October 2026)
- BTP careers: Application Guidance : who must take the online English and maths assessments (GCSE grade 4 (C) or equivalent wording) (accessed 23 October 2026)
- BTP Recruitment Information Pack (PDF, 9 Oct 2025, attached to advert 1720) : online Maths and English assessment; portal includes instructions and practice tests; no retakes, reapply in 6 months; bespoke process (accessed 23 October 2026)
- BTP advert 1746: Police Officer, Stevenage, Colchester, Southend, Brighton and Guildford : Level 2 or BTP's Level 2 assessment; Level 3 or experience; three-month reapplication period (accessed 23 October 2026)
- BTP advert 1736: Police Officer, Inner London : qualifications rule; Inner London allowances used in practice item 16 (accessed 23 October 2026)
- BTP advert 1775: Police Officer, Truro, Swindon, Yeovil, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Milton Keynes and Leicester : three-month reapplication period; starting salary £33,609 (accessed 23 October 2026)
- BTP careers: FAQs : older six-month reapplication wording (accessed 23 October 2026)
- BTP Transferee/Rejoiner Recruitment Pack (PDF, 8 Jul 2026, attached to advert 793) : BTP pays every four weeks in arrears (13 pay days), used in practice item 15 (accessed 23 October 2026)
On this topic elsewhere
More in this guide series
More for BTP applicants and officers
Disclaimer
PolicePay.co.uk is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with British Transport Police, the British Transport Police Authority, the BTP Force Superannuation Fund, Railpen or the College of Policing. It does not recruit, test or assess applicants. Our practice questions and scenarios are original PolicePay material, not BTP's own. BTP runs its own selection process and changes it. Its own pages sometimes disagree, so check the live advert and BTP's careers site before relying on anything here. Details are as checked on 23 October 2026.