Inspector Exam
Explained (UK)
NPPF Step Two: what it tests, how it’s marked, and how to prepare properly
Police Pay (UK) provides independent explanatory guidance. We are not affiliated with the College of Policing, any police force, or any staff association. This guide is educational and does not guarantee outcomes.
Executive Summary
The Inspector exam (commonly referred to as the NPPF Step Two legal exam) is the national knowledge gate for promotion from Sergeant to Inspector. It is designed to test whether you can apply law and policy at the level expected of an Inspector: not just “what is the rule”, but “what decision is lawful, proportionate, defensible, and properly authorised”.
Most candidates underestimate Step Two because they approach it like Step One. Step Two is different. It expects Inspector-level judgement, oversight, and accountability.
Direct Answer
The Inspector exam in the UK is the NPPF Step Two legal exam. It tests advanced operational law and decision-making at supervisory level, including authorisation thresholds, PACE application, public order, professional standards, and human rights. Passing Step Two usually qualifies you to enter a local selection process, but it does not automatically result in promotion.
The Inspector
Exam Context
In most UK forces, the “Inspector exam” refers to the National Police Promotion Framework (NPPF) Step Two legal examination. Once you reach Inspector, the decisions you make have wider consequences for organisational risk and public legitimacy. Step Two exists to verify your technical reliability at this level.
Who this is for
- Sergeants preparing for promotion
- A/T Sergeants planning ahead
- Promotion coaches
- Progression stakeholders
What this guide is not
- An assessment of character
- A guarantee of promotion
- A technical cheat-sheet
- Official force policy
Step One vs
Step Two Diffs
Step One (Sergeant)
Focused on accurate recall of core law, recognising clear thresholds, and correct procedural sequencing.
Step Two (Inspector)
Focused on application under complexity, oversight responsibilities, and decision making that survives scrutiny.
NPPF Step Two
Topic Map
Advanced application of arrest necessity, detention clock consequences, and procedural fairness.
Supervisory accountability for proportionality and challenging force justifications.
Risk balancing between assembly rights and public safety thresholds.
Early management actions, conduct risk recognition, and integrity processes.
Applied logic of necessity, legality, and proportionality interferance.
Vulnerability decision metrics and balancing enforcement with duty of care.
Realistic
Question Patterns
Pattern A: The "Two Rights" Trap
Two answers look correct. One is correct because it meets the threshold properly or accounts for the specific oversight step that the other omits.
Pattern B: The Defensible standard
The correct option is often slower and more procedurally careful. The "hero" option usually fails to meet legal proportionality at the Inspector level.
Why Strong
Sgts Struggle
Revision Method
Revising facts/recall instead of application patterns. Shallow study fails on Step Two logic.
Operational Bias
Assuming operational success equals legal correctness. Habit often overrides statutory requirement.
Instinct Dependence
Step Two is designed to expose over-confidence. It rewards structured reasoning, not 'gut feeling'.
Topic Avoidance
Ignoring blind spots like Civil Law or Conduct Regs. Step Two always finds the gap.
Readiness
Self-Check Tool
Readiness Diagnostic
Inspector Exam Check
Complete all checks for readiness band
The Revision
Strategy Matrix
Rank weak areas. Start with what you avoid.
Convert law into 'If this, then that' patterns.
Timed blocks: move from 10 to 50+ questions.
Track why you miss marks. Not just the score.
Exam Day
Battle Tactics
- 01Read like a report, not a story
Don't invent missing details or operational assumptions. Sticky to the facts presented in the stem.
- 02Find the missing safeguard
Step Two often rewards choices including proper authorisation, documentation, or welfare considerations.
Exam FAQS
Is the Inspector exam the same as NPPF Step Two?
Yes. In most UK forces, the Inspector promotion exam refers to the NPPF Step Two legal exam.
Does passing Step Two guarantee promotion?
No. Passing Step Two usually makes you eligible to enter a local selection process, but promotion depends on vacancies and local assessment.
How hard is Step Two compared to Step One?
Most candidates find Step Two harder because it tests applied judgement, oversight and proportionality, not just recall.
What should I revise first for Step Two?
Start with your weakest domain, then build decision patterns and timed practice. Step Two rewards consistency.
What if I fail Step Two?
Many candidates fail at least once. Treat it as diagnostic feedback: identify your weak domains, change your revision method, and return with timed practice.
Knowledge Web
Exam Cluster: What's Next?
Psychologically honest analysis of recent cycle difficulty and pass rates.
Deep dive into the structural and psychological failure patterns of high performers.
Sources & Methodology
This is an independent guide based on publicly available descriptions of the National Police Promotion Framework (NPPF) and general UK policing legal principles. Local force processes vary significantly in application. Always confirm your specific force's promotion policy and official exam guidance for the current cycle.
All guides on this platform undergo periodic review to ensure alignment with current NPPF standards. However, passing the legal exam is subject to individual performance and candidate preparation depth.