Police Lieutenant Promotional Exam

City of Columbus Division of Police Headquarters

The eligible list for Police Lieutenant has been established and is in effect until midnight, November 14, 2026.

The next planned administration for this exam is in 2026. Questions regarding this exam can be directed to Andrew Davis at (614) 645-8021. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

Exam Information

Important Dates

2026 Police Lieutenant Promotional Exam Important Dates

Event Date
Cut-off date for reading list (internal sources) October 1, 2025
Test filing period July 1 – 15, 2026
Information session video for candidates  posted by July 1, 2026
Exam notices sent on or before August 18, 2026
Cut-off date for time in rank minimum qualification August 31, 2026
Multiple-Choice Administration (All candidates will be tested on one day) September 1, 2026
 Multiple-Choice Appeals  September 2, 3,& 4, 2026
 Written Work Sample Administration  September 3, 2026
Oral Board Exam Administration (All candidates will be tested on one day) week of September 27, 2026
 Written Work Sample Clerical Review/Limited Appeals October 6, 7, & 8, 2026 
Release of tentative test results October 30, 2026
Oral Board Paper Inspection and Video Review (by appointment only) November 5, 6, & 9, 2026
Final list and results out November 13, 2026
Eligible list established November 15, 2026

Note: The scheduled dates are subject to revision in the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the Civil Service Commission. Any deviations from this schedule will be documented and applicable notifications, if any, will be made.

 

Exam Resources

Reading List

2026 Columbus Police Lieutenant Promotional Exam Reading List

The revisions cutoff date for all internal division sources is October 1, 2025.

Internal Division of Police Sources:
  • 2023, 2024, and January – September of 2025 Legal Updates*
  • Arrest, Search, and Seizure Manual
  • Directives Manual
  • Emergency Operations Manual
  • FOP Contract (December 9, 2023 - December 8, 2026)
  •  Patrol SOP Manual
  • Supervisor’s Manual
 Outside Sources:

Supplemental sources including but not limited to texts, articles, and documents may be announced as needed for the Written Work Sample and Oral Board Exam at the time of the application filing period.

Please Note:
  • Where Legal Updates contradict each other, the most recent update will be considered as superseding the older update.
  • Any of the listed source materials as well as a dictionary may be referenced by candidates during the Written Work Sample phase, preparation period of the Oral Board phase, petitions, and appeals. Unless otherwise specified in the exam notice, candidates must bring their own printed copies of these materials (non-electronic). Due to exam security, candidates are not permitted to bring their own electronic copies of reading list material.
  • If test development SMEs and CSC staff determine that the source(s) is(are) needed for reference by candidates during the exam, the Criminal Complaint Manual, Field Training Officer Program Manual, and Field Report Manual will be provided in full or in part to candidates at the time of the exam phases.
  • Any content from the sources on the reading list may be tested in any phase of this examination.