Saskatoon Police Service Recruitment & Test Prep

Here is what you need to know about the SIGMA Survey and the POPAT.

If you are pursuing a career with the Saskatoon Police Service, you are entering one of the most competitive recruitment processes in Western Canada. Unlike some agencies that require a certificate before applying, the Saskatoon Police Service manages its own testing in-house.

However, the written test they use—the SIGMA Survey for Police Officers (SSPO)—is the exact same standard assessment used by police services across Ontario and other provinces.

The first major hurdle in the Saskatoon recruitment process is the written exam. The SPS utilizes the SIGMA Survey for Police Officers (SSPO) to assess cognitive ability.

Many candidates underestimate this test because it covers “basics” like spelling, vocabulary, and math. However, the test is strictly timed and designed to put pressure on your problem-solving skills.

The SIGMA measures:

Incident Report Writing: Can you spot spelling and grammar errors in a police context?
Problem Solving: Can you use logic to identify patterns and solve arithmetic problems?
Vocabulary: Do you understand the nuances of language required for accurate reporting?

How to Prepare
Because the Saskatoon Police Service uses the standardized SIGMA Survey, our OACP SIGMA Study Guide is the perfect preparation tool.

Note to Candidates: Don’t let the title fool you! While our guide is labeled for the OACP (Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police), the SIGMA test content is identical. The logic puzzles, grammar sections, and practice questions in our guide will directly prepare you for your Saskatoon exam.

Once you pass the SIGMA, the physical demands increase. Unlike Ontario’s PREP test, Saskatchewan uses the POPAT (Police Officers Physical Abilities Test).

This is a high-intensity circuit that simulates a chase to an incident, a physical struggle, and a victim rescue. You must complete the circuit in 4 minutes and 15 seconds or less.

The Course Includes:

Agility Run: A 400m obstacle run with stairs and hurdles.
Push/Pull Station: Simulating a physical control situation with 80 lbs of resistance.
The Vault: Clearing a 3-foot rail.
The Carry: Moving a 100 lb torso bag over 50 feet.

Applying to the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS)?

Step 1: The Written Test (SIGMA Survey)

Step 2: Physical Testing (The POPAT)

SPS Application Requirements Checklist