Free, dated revision timetables for the NPPF Step Two legal exam, the police promotion exam for sergeants and inspectors. Pick your 2027 exam and how long you have. Each planner tells you what to revise in four sessions a week, when to test yourself, when to sit mock papers and when registration opens and closes.
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One set covers both ranks. The syllabus is the same apart from chapter 1.8, which is for the sergeants' exam only.
What is in each planner
- Works with any notes. Every session names the topic, so you can use the 2027 Blackstone's Police Manuals or any revision notes. If you have the Patrol Companion NPPF notes, grey page numbers take you straight to each topic.
- Every week dated, finishing the week before your exam window, with registration dates marked in the week they fall.
- Four sessions a week of about 60 to 90 minutes, not tied to set days, so they fit around shifts.
- Extra time for Gold topics, the ones that have carried the most marks in recent sittings, such as Misuse of Drugs, Theft and PACE Code C.
- A 15-minute recap each week that re-tests topics from one and three weeks earlier, so the early material is not forgotten.
- A practice slot each week, and each part's self-check questions when you finish it.
- A catch-up week in the 12 and 16-week plans for leave, nights or a week that goes wrong.
- Full timed mocks in the final weeks, a mock log to record your scores, and an exam-day checklist.
Which length to choose
| Plan | Learning | Then |
|---|---|---|
| 16 weeks | 11 weeks through the whole syllabus, plus a catch-up week | 3 weeks of mocks and weak areas, and a light final week |
| 12 weeks | 8 weeks through the whole syllabus, plus a catch-up week | 2 weeks of mocks and review, and a light final week |
| 8 weeks | 6 weeks on the Gold and Silver topics only | 1 week of mocks and a light final week. Bronze topics, which have come up less often in past sittings, are listed separately. They can still be tested. |
If you only have eight weeks, it is not realistic to cover everything in depth, so the 8-week plan concentrates on the topics that have carried the most marks. Any part of the syllabus can still be tested.
When to start Week 1
| Exam | 16 weeks | 12 weeks | 8 weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sergeants' exam, March 2027 | Mon 23 Nov 2026 | Mon 21 Dec 2026 | Mon 18 Jan 2027 |
| Sergeants' exam, October 2027 | Mon 14 Jun 2027 | Mon 12 Jul 2027 | Mon 9 Aug 2027 |
| Inspectors' exam, May 2027 | Mon 18 Jan 2027 | Mon 15 Feb 2027 | Mon 15 Mar 2027 |
| Inspectors' exam, November 2027 | Mon 12 Jul 2027 | Mon 9 Aug 2027 | Mon 6 Sep 2027 |
Sources
Exam and registration dates are from the College of Policing, Sergeants' and inspectors' NPPF step two legal exams, checked on 30 September 2026. Your force may close registration earlier. The plan is suggested guidance, not official College advice. The grey page numbers refer to the Patrol Companion NPPF Step Two crammer notes. The exam is based on the 2027 Blackstone's Police Manuals.
Each plan, week by week
These are the March 2027 sergeants' plans. The other plans follow the same order with their own dates. Every planner also ends with a mock log and an exam-day checklist.
The 16-week plan, week by weekShow or hide
Eleven weeks through the syllabus, a catch-up week in Week 6, then four weeks of mocks, weak areas and light review.
| Week | Four sessions | Practice or mock |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 Crime | Mens Rea (State of Mind) Notes p.7 Actus Reus (Criminal Conduct) Notes p.9 Incomplete Offences Notes p.11 General Defences; Homicide Notes p.13, 15 | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. |
| Week 2 Crime | Misuse of Drugs: read and start notes Notes p.17 Misuse of Drugs: finish notes, then self-test Notes p.17 Firearms and Gun Crime Notes p.20 Racial and Religiously Aggravated Offences Notes p.23 Recap: 15 minutes: quick self-test on your Week 1 topics, without looking at your notes | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. |
| Week 3 Crime | Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person: read and start notes Notes p.25 Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person: continue notes Notes p.25 Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person: finish notes, then self-test Notes p.25 Misc. Offences Against the Person and Deprivation of Liberty; Sexual Offences: read and start notes Notes p.29, 31 Recap: 15 minutes: quick self-test on your Week 2 topics, without looking at your notes | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. |
| Week 4 Crime | Sexual Offences: finish notes, then self-test Notes p.31 Child Protection Notes p.34 Theft and Related Offences: read and start notes Notes p.36 Theft and Related Offences: continue notes Notes p.36 Recap: 15 minutes: quick self-test on your Week 3 and Week 1 topics, without looking at your notes | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. |
| Week 5 Crime / Evidence & Procedure | Theft and Related Offences: finish notes, then self-test Notes p.36 Fraud Notes p.40 Criminal Damage; Offences Against the Administration of Justice Notes p.42, 43 Instituting Criminal Proceedings Notes p.47 Recap: 15 minutes: quick self-test on your Week 4 and Week 2 topics, without looking at your notes | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. Crime is finished: do an end-of-part self-test on all its topics. Notes pp.43–45 |
| Week 6 Catch-up week | Finish any sessions you missed in Weeks 1 to 5 Self-test on every topic covered so far and mark the weak ones on your reward table Re-read your two weakest topics If you are up to date, take this week off: leave, nights or rest | Timed set of 50 questions on everything covered so far. Record the score in your mock log. |
| Week 7 Evidence & Procedure | Release of Persons Arrested Notes p.49 Court Procedure and Witnesses Notes p.52 Youth Justice, Crime and Disorder; Exclusion of Admissible Evidence Notes p.53, 54 Disclosure of Evidence; Detention and Treatment (PACE Code C): read and start notes Notes p.56, 57 Recap: 15 minutes: quick self-test on your Week 5 and Week 3 topics, without looking at your notes | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. |
| Week 8 Evidence & Procedure / Roads Policing | Detention and Treatment (PACE Code C): finish notes, then self-test Notes p.57 Identification (PACE Code D) Notes p.60 Interviews (PACE Codes C, E and F) Notes p.62 Definitions and Principles; Key Police Powers; Offences Involving Standards of Driving: read and start notes Notes p.66, 68, 69 Recap: 15 minutes: quick self-test on your Week 7 and Week 4 topics, without looking at your notes | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. Evidence & Procedure is finished: do an end-of-part self-test on all its topics. Notes pp.63–64 |
| Week 9 Roads Policing / General Police Duties | Offences Involving Standards of Driving: finish notes, then self-test Notes p.69 Reportable Accidents; Drink, Drugs and Driving Notes p.71, 72 Insurance; Legislation for the Protection of Road Users; Construction and Use; Driver Licensing; Notices of Intended Prosecution Notes p.74, 75, 76, 77, 78 Forgery and Falsification of Documents; Complaints and Misconduct Notes p.79, 82 Recap: 15 minutes: quick self-test on your Week 8 and Week 5 topics, without looking at your notes | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. Roads Policing is finished: do an end-of-part self-test on all its topics. Notes pp.79–80 |
| Week 10 General Police Duties | Unsatisfactory Performance and Attendance; Stop and Search; Entry, Search and Seizure: read and start notes Notes p.84, 85, 86 Entry, Search and Seizure: finish notes, then self-test Notes p.86 Powers of Arrest: read and start notes Notes p.89 Powers of Arrest: finish notes, then self-test Notes p.89 Recap: 15 minutes: quick self-test on your Week 9 and Week 7 topics, without looking at your notes | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. |
| Week 11 General Police Duties | Hatred and Harassment Offences Notes p.92 Anti-Social Behaviour; Offences Involving Communications Notes p.94, 96 Terrorism and Associated Offences; Public Order, Processions and Assemblies: read and start notes Notes p.97, 99 Public Order, Processions and Assemblies: continue notes Notes p.99 Recap: 15 minutes: quick self-test on your Week 10 and Week 8 topics, without looking at your notes | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. |
| Week 12 General Police Duties | Public Order, Processions and Assemblies: finish notes, then self-test Notes p.99 Sporting Events; Weapons Notes p.103, 104 Protection of People Suffering from Mental Disorders Notes p.106 Offences Relating to Land and Premises; Licensing and Offences Related to Alcohol; Offences and Powers Relating to Information; Equality Notes p.107, 108, 109, 110 Recap: 15 minutes: quick self-test on your Week 11 and Week 9 topics, without looking at your notes | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. General Police Duties is finished: do an end-of-part self-test on all its topics. Notes pp.111–112 |
| Week 13 Consolidate | Gold topics, Crime and Evidence & Procedure: Misuse of Drugs, Non-Fatal Offences, Sexual Offences, Child Protection, Theft, Criminal Damage, Release of Persons Arrested, PACE Code C Notes pp.17, 25, 31, 34, 36, 42, 49, 57 Learn the key time limits, authorising ranks and section numbers Notes pp.113–115 Flashcards, first half of your deck. Put aside any you miss and repeat them Notes pp.117–122, 129–134 Your three weakest topics from your mock log: re-read, then self-test | Full timed paper: 150 questions in 3 hours, in one sitting. Record the score in your mock log. |
| Week 14 Consolidate | Gold topics, Roads and General Police Duties: Standards of Driving, Entry, Search and Seizure, Powers of Arrest, Public Order, Weapons Notes pp.69, 86, 89, 99, 104 Flashcards, second half of your deck. Put aside any you miss and repeat them Notes pp.123–128, 135–140 Your three weakest topics from your mock log: re-read, then self-test Your next three weakest topics: re-read, then self-test | Full timed paper: 150 questions in 3 hours, in one sitting. Record the score in your mock log. Compare it with last week. |
| Week 15 Weak areas | Your three weakest topics from your mock log: re-read, then self-test Your next three weakest topics: re-read, then self-test Gold topics, Crime and Evidence & Procedure: Misuse of Drugs, Non-Fatal Offences, Sexual Offences, Child Protection, Theft, Criminal Damage, Release of Persons Arrested, PACE Code C Notes pp.17, 25, 31, 34, 36, 42, 49, 57 Gold topics, Roads and General Police Duties: Standards of Driving, Entry, Search and Seizure, Powers of Arrest, Public Order, Weapons Notes pp.69, 86, 89, 99, 104 | Full timed paper: 150 questions in 3 hours, in one sitting. Record the score in your mock log. Sit it at the time of day you plan to take the real exam. |
| Week 16 Final week: light review, no new material | Learn the key time limits, authorising ranks and section numbers Notes pp.113–115 Flashcards, first half of your deck. Put aside any you miss and repeat them Notes pp.117–122, 129–134 Flashcards, second half of your deck. Put aside any you miss and repeat them Notes pp.123–128, 135–140 Read over your own notes and the flashcards you keep getting wrong | Short timed set only (30 to 40 questions). Read the exam-day checklist. Rest the day before. |
The 12-week plan, week by weekShow or hide
Eight weeks through the syllabus, a catch-up week in Week 5, then three weeks of mocks and review.
| Week | Four sessions | Practice or mock |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 Crime | Mens Rea (State of Mind) Notes p.7 Actus Reus (Criminal Conduct); Incomplete Offences Notes p.9, 11 General Defences Notes p.13 Homicide; Misuse of Drugs Notes p.15, 17 | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. |
| Week 2 Crime | Firearms and Gun Crime Notes p.20 Racial and Religiously Aggravated Offences Notes p.23 Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person: read and start notes Notes p.25 Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person: finish notes, then self-test Notes p.25 Recap: 15 minutes: quick self-test on your Week 1 topics, without looking at your notes | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. |
| Week 3 Crime | Misc. Offences Against the Person and Deprivation of Liberty; Sexual Offences: read and start notes Notes p.29, 31 Sexual Offences: finish notes, then self-test Notes p.31 Child Protection; Theft and Related Offences: read and start notes Notes p.34, 36 Theft and Related Offences: finish notes, then self-test Notes p.36 Recap: 15 minutes: quick self-test on your Week 2 topics, without looking at your notes | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. |
| Week 4 Crime / Evidence & Procedure | Fraud Notes p.40 Criminal Damage; Offences Against the Administration of Justice Notes p.42, 43 Instituting Criminal Proceedings; Release of Persons Arrested: read and start notes Notes p.47, 49 Release of Persons Arrested: finish notes, then self-test Notes p.49 Recap: 15 minutes: quick self-test on your Week 3 and Week 1 topics, without looking at your notes | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. Crime is finished: do an end-of-part self-test on all its topics. Notes pp.43–45 |
| Week 5 Catch-up week | Finish any sessions you missed in Weeks 1 to 4 Self-test on every topic covered so far and mark the weak ones on your reward table Re-read your two weakest topics If you are up to date, take this week off: leave, nights or rest | Timed set of 50 questions on everything covered so far. Record the score in your mock log. |
| Week 6 Evidence & Procedure / Roads Policing | Court Procedure and Witnesses; Youth Justice, Crime and Disorder; Exclusion of Admissible Evidence Notes p.52, 53, 54 Disclosure of Evidence; Detention and Treatment (PACE Code C) Notes p.56, 57 Identification (PACE Code D) Notes p.60 Interviews (PACE Codes C, E and F); Definitions and Principles Notes p.62, 66 Recap: 15 minutes: quick self-test on your Week 4 and Week 2 topics, without looking at your notes | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. Evidence & Procedure is finished: do an end-of-part self-test on all its topics. Notes pp.63–64 |
| Week 7 Roads Policing / General Police Duties | Key Police Powers; Offences Involving Standards of Driving Notes p.68, 69 Reportable Accidents; Drink, Drugs and Driving Notes p.71, 72 Insurance; Legislation for the Protection of Road Users; Construction and Use; Driver Licensing; Notices of Intended Prosecution; Forgery and Falsification of Documents; Complaints and Misconduct Notes p.74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 82 Unsatisfactory Performance and Attendance; Stop and Search Notes p.84, 85 Recap: 15 minutes: quick self-test on your Week 6 and Week 3 topics, without looking at your notes | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. Roads Policing is finished: do an end-of-part self-test on all its topics. Notes pp.79–80 |
| Week 8 General Police Duties | Entry, Search and Seizure Notes p.86 Powers of Arrest Notes p.89 Hatred and Harassment Offences Notes p.92 Anti-Social Behaviour; Offences Involving Communications; Terrorism and Associated Offences Notes p.94, 96, 97 Recap: 15 minutes: quick self-test on your Week 7 and Week 4 topics, without looking at your notes | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. |
| Week 9 General Police Duties | Public Order, Processions and Assemblies: read and start notes Notes p.99 Public Order, Processions and Assemblies: finish notes, then self-test Notes p.99 Sporting Events; Weapons Notes p.103, 104 Protection of People Suffering from Mental Disorders; Offences Relating to Land and Premises; Licensing and Offences Related to Alcohol; Offences and Powers Relating to Information; Equality Notes p.106, 107, 108, 109, 110 Recap: 15 minutes: quick self-test on your Week 8 and Week 6 topics, without looking at your notes | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. General Police Duties is finished: do an end-of-part self-test on all its topics. Notes pp.111–112 |
| Week 10 Consolidate | Gold topics, Crime and Evidence & Procedure: Misuse of Drugs, Non-Fatal Offences, Sexual Offences, Child Protection, Theft, Criminal Damage, Release of Persons Arrested, PACE Code C Notes pp.17, 25, 31, 34, 36, 42, 49, 57 Learn the key time limits, authorising ranks and section numbers Notes pp.113–115 Flashcards, first half of your deck. Put aside any you miss and repeat them Notes pp.117–122, 129–134 Your three weakest topics from your mock log: re-read, then self-test | Full timed paper: 150 questions in 3 hours, in one sitting. Record the score in your mock log. |
| Week 11 Consolidate | Gold topics, Roads and General Police Duties: Standards of Driving, Entry, Search and Seizure, Powers of Arrest, Public Order, Weapons Notes pp.69, 86, 89, 99, 104 Flashcards, second half of your deck. Put aside any you miss and repeat them Notes pp.123–128, 135–140 Your three weakest topics from your mock log: re-read, then self-test Your next three weakest topics: re-read, then self-test | Full timed paper: 150 questions in 3 hours, in one sitting. Record the score in your mock log. Sit it at the time of day you plan to take the real exam. |
| Week 12 Final week: light review, no new material | Learn the key time limits, authorising ranks and section numbers Notes pp.113–115 Flashcards, first half of your deck. Put aside any you miss and repeat them Notes pp.117–122, 129–134 Flashcards, second half of your deck. Put aside any you miss and repeat them Notes pp.123–128, 135–140 Read over your own notes and the flashcards you keep getting wrong | Short timed set only (30 to 40 questions). Read the exam-day checklist. Rest the day before. |
The 8-week plan, week by weekShow or hide
Six weeks on the Gold and Silver topics, then a week of mocks and a light final week.
| Week | Four sessions | Practice or mock |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 Crime | Mens Rea (State of Mind) Notes p.7 Actus Reus (Criminal Conduct); Incomplete Offences Notes p.9, 11 General Defences; Misuse of Drugs: read and start notes Notes p.13, 17 Misuse of Drugs: finish notes, then self-test Notes p.17 | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. |
| Week 2 Crime | Firearms and Gun Crime; Racial and Religiously Aggravated Offences Notes p.20, 23 Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person: read and start notes Notes p.25 Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person: finish notes, then self-test Notes p.25 Sexual Offences Notes p.31 Recap: 15 minutes: quick self-test on your Week 1 topics, without looking at your notes | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. |
| Week 3 Crime | Child Protection Notes p.34 Theft and Related Offences: read and start notes Notes p.36 Theft and Related Offences: finish notes, then self-test Notes p.36 Fraud; Criminal Damage Notes p.40, 42 Recap: 15 minutes: quick self-test on your Week 2 topics, without looking at your notes | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. Crime is finished: do an end-of-part self-test on all its topics. Notes pp.43–45 |
| Week 4 Evidence & Procedure | Instituting Criminal Proceedings; Release of Persons Arrested Notes p.47, 49 Court Procedure and Witnesses Notes p.52 Exclusion of Admissible Evidence; Disclosure of Evidence Notes p.54, 56 Detention and Treatment (PACE Code C) Notes p.57 Recap: 15 minutes: quick self-test on your Week 3 and Week 1 topics, without looking at your notes | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. |
| Week 5 Evidence & Procedure / Roads Policing / General Police Duties | Identification (PACE Code D); Interviews (PACE Codes C, E and F) Notes p.60, 62 Offences Involving Standards of Driving Notes p.69 Drink, Drugs and Driving; Stop and Search; Entry, Search and Seizure: read and start notes Notes p.72, 85, 86 Entry, Search and Seizure: finish notes, then self-test Notes p.86 Recap: 15 minutes: quick self-test on your Week 4 and Week 2 topics, without looking at your notes | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. Evidence & Procedure is finished: do an end-of-part self-test on all its topics. Roads Policing is finished: do an end-of-part self-test on all its topics. Notes pp.63–64, pp.79–80 |
| Week 6 General Police Duties | Powers of Arrest Notes p.89 Hatred and Harassment Offences; Public Order, Processions and Assemblies: read and start notes Notes p.92, 99 Public Order, Processions and Assemblies: finish notes, then self-test Notes p.99 Weapons Notes p.104 Recap: 15 minutes: quick self-test on your Week 5 and Week 3 topics, without looking at your notes | 20 to 30 practice questions on this week's topics, from a question bank or the College's free questions on the Knowledge Hub. General Police Duties is finished: do an end-of-part self-test on all its topics. Notes pp.111–112 |
| Week 7 Consolidate | Gold topics, Crime and Evidence & Procedure: Misuse of Drugs, Non-Fatal Offences, Sexual Offences, Child Protection, Theft, Criminal Damage, Release of Persons Arrested, PACE Code C Notes pp.17, 25, 31, 34, 36, 42, 49, 57 Gold topics, Roads and General Police Duties: Standards of Driving, Entry, Search and Seizure, Powers of Arrest, Public Order, Weapons Notes pp.69, 86, 89, 99, 104 Learn the key time limits, authorising ranks and section numbers Notes pp.113–115 Your three weakest topics from your mock log: re-read, then self-test | Full timed paper: 150 questions in 3 hours, in one sitting. Record the score in your mock log. |
| Week 8 Final week: light review, no new material | Flashcards, first half of your deck. Put aside any you miss and repeat them Notes pp.117–122, 129–134 Flashcards, second half of your deck. Put aside any you miss and repeat them Notes pp.123–128, 135–140 Learn the key time limits, authorising ranks and section numbers Notes pp.113–115 Read over your own notes and the flashcards you keep getting wrong | Short timed set only (30 to 40 questions). Read the exam-day checklist. Rest the day before. |
If you have time
Bronze topics, which have come up less often in past sittings. They can still be tested.
- Homicide Notes p.15
- Misc. Offences Against the Person and Deprivation of Liberty Notes p.29
- Offences Against the Administration of Justice Notes p.43
- Youth Justice, Crime and Disorder Notes p.53
- Definitions and Principles Notes p.66
- Key Police Powers Notes p.68
- Reportable Accidents Notes p.71
- Insurance Notes p.74
- Legislation for the Protection of Road Users Notes p.75
- Construction and Use Notes p.76
- Driver Licensing Notes p.77
- Notices of Intended Prosecution Notes p.78
- Forgery and Falsification of Documents Notes p.79
- Complaints and Misconduct Notes p.82
- Unsatisfactory Performance and Attendance Notes p.84
- Anti-Social Behaviour Notes p.94
- Offences Involving Communications Notes p.96
- Terrorism and Associated Offences Notes p.97
- Sporting Events Notes p.103
- Protection of People Suffering from Mental Disorders Notes p.106
- Offences Relating to Land and Premises Notes p.107
- Licensing and Offences Related to Alcohol Notes p.108
- Offences and Powers Relating to Information Notes p.109
- Equality Notes p.110
Related guides
Practise and sit mock exams in the app
The Patrol Companion app has practice questions and timed mock exams for the NPPF sergeants' and inspectors' exams and the National Investigators' Exam (NIE). Practise by chapter, focus on your weak spots and track your progress as the exam gets closer.
Get the notes the planner is built on
The NPPF Step Two crammer notes cover every syllabus area in a 140-page PDF, with Gold, Silver and Bronze topic tags, self-check questions, quick reference tables and 95 flashcards. The planner's grey page numbers match the notes. £14.98, instant download.