Patrol CompanionThe College of Policing runs the NPPF Step Two legal exam, the police promotion exam for sergeants and inspectors, twice a year for each rank. The dates below are the 2027 dates it has published, with the registration window and the date results are due.
2027 sergeants' exam dates
| Exam | Registration opens | Registration closes | Exam window | Results by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 2027 | Mon 18 January 2027 | 6pm, Thu 18 February 2027 | Tue 16 to Thu 18 March 2027 | Thu 8 April 2027 |
| October 2027 | Tue 3 August 2027 | 6pm, Thu 9 September 2027 | Tue 5 to Thu 7 October 2027 | Thu 28 October 2027 |
2027 inspectors' exam dates
| Exam | Registration opens | Registration closes | Exam window | Results by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2027 | Mon 15 March 2027 | 6pm, Thu 15 April 2027 | Tue 11 to Thu 13 May 2027 | Thu 3 June 2027 |
| November 2027 | Mon 6 September 2027 | 6pm, Mon 4 October 2027 | Tue 2 to Thu 4 November 2027 | Thu 25 November 2027 |
How the exam window works
- Each exam runs over three days. You can sit it on any day in the window, between 8am and 8pm.
- You register through the College's online system (AIMS), using the link your force examinations officer sends when registration opens.
- The closing dates above are the national deadlines. Your force may set an earlier one, so check with your force examinations officer.
- There is no national limit on resits. Any limit is set by your force.
Remaining 2026 exams
| Exam | Registration closes | Exam window |
|---|---|---|
| Sergeants, October 2026 | Closed (6pm, Thu 10 September 2026) | Tue 6 to Thu 8 October 2026 |
| Inspectors, November 2026 | 6pm, Mon 5 October 2026 | Tue 3 to Thu 5 November 2026 |
Sources
College of Policing, Sergeants' and inspectors' NPPF step two legal exams and the 2027 candidate handbook, both updated 10 September 2026. Checked on 30 September 2026. Dates can change, so always confirm them with the College of Policing and your force.
What the 2027 exams are based on
The 2027 exams test only what is in the 2027 edition of the Blackstone's Police Manuals. The College advises candidates not to rely on earlier editions, which may contain out-of-date material. Plan your revision around the 2027 manuals and use any notes or question banks alongside them.
Promotion exam 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.
Revising for a 2027 exam?
Once you know your exam window, the crammer notes give you 140 pages in four parts, from Crime to General Police Duties, with quick reference tables and print-and-cut flashcards. £14.98.