Job Knowledge Test (JKT)

The Job Knowledge Test (JKT) is the first assessment component administered in the Secret Service’s Uniformed Division Merit Promotion Process (UD MPP) for promotion to the rank of Sergeant. The JKT evaluates an individual’s knowledge of critical information that is required for UND SGTs to perform their duties. Candidates’ performance on this exam will determine whether they will be eligible to continue to the next step in the UD MPP. It should take approximately 1 ½ hours to complete the JKT.

Scheduling, Rescheduling, or Cancelling Your JKT Test Session

You may schedule, reschedule, or cancel your appointment in-person at a test center, through the Pearson VUE website, or by calling a Pearson VUE Call Center.

IMPORTANT: You are strongly encouraged to consult with your supervisor before making any testing arrangement in order to avoid scheduling conflicts. Missing or cancelling a scheduled testing appointment less than 48 hours before that scheduled testing appointment will result in you being denoted as a no-show. All no-show appointments are tracked and reported at the directorate level as the Secret Service incurs a financial cost.

Scheduling Policy

You will only be authorized to take your exam during the open period dates specified by the Office of Human Resources, HR Research and Assessment Division. Test administration dates are published at the beginning of the UD MPP cycle. You must schedule to take your exam on a date within the specified testing window. Scheduling or rescheduling outside of this time period is not permitted. Candidates who fail to schedule and take the exam during the open period will be discontinued and will not receive further consideration in the promotion cycle. All exam scheduling will be the responsibility of the candidate. Reference should be made to your Authorization to Test Email provided to you by Pearson VUE which contains important information regarding your exam (e.g. your candidate ID, test administration open period, exam series, etc.).

Reschedule Policy

If you wish to reschedule your exam, you must contact Pearson VUE at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled testing appointment. Rescheduling less than 48 hours prior to your testing appointment will result in you being denoted as a no-show. Please note that you may only reschedule your JKT during the published test administration open period outlined in your Authorization to Test Email and published on the UD MPP website.

Cancellation Policy

If you wish to cancel your exam, you must contact Pearson VUE at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled testing appointment. Cancelling an exam less than 48 hours prior to your testing appointment will result in you being denoted as a no-show. If you cancel your exam date with the intention to withdraw from the UD MPP cycle, you must contact the HR Research and Assessment Division, UD MPP Coordinator via email at udmpp@usss.dhs.gov within 24 hours of canceling your test session.

What to expect at a Pearson VUE Testing Center

Admission Policy

It is strongly encouraged that you arrive at the test center 30 minutes before your scheduled testing appointment time. This will give you adequate time to complete the necessary sign-in procedures. Please be prepared to show one current and valid form of personal identification that includes both your photo and signature. Acceptable forms of personal identification include Driver’s License, Passport Book/Card, State/Local ID, Military ID, and Employee ID.

If you arrive more than 15 minutes late for your testing appointment, you may be considered a “no-show” if the test center does not have the space or time to accommodate your appointment. To receive further consideration in the UD MPP, you must reschedule and take your exam within the test administration open period. Contact the HR Research and Assessment Division, UD MPP Coordinator via email at udmpp@usss.dhs.gov; copying your chain of command within 24 hours of missing your original scheduled test session to request consideration for a make-up exam. You should include the reason that you were not able to sit for the JKT at your original appointment time.

Personal belongings such as bags, backpacks, purses, books, newspapers, notes, cellular phones, tablets, watches, coats, or wallets will not be permitted in the testing room. Some test centers will have lockers for the secure storage of your personal belongings.

IMPORTANT: Appropriate attire for your testing session is business casual. Uniforms and USSS paraphernalia are prohibited. You may carry your duty weapon with you, but it must remain concealed for the duration of your testing session.