Twenty officers pulled off "Distinction" in the 2015 Promotion to Sergeant Qualifying Exam. Four of them, Police Constable (PC) Kwan Yuen-wai from Kowloon West Regional Crime Unit, PC Wong Wai-fung from Kowloon City Division Report Room, PC Fung Ying-lun from Traffic Kowloon East, and PC Yau Man-kit from Emergency Unit Hong Kong Island have talked to OffBeat about how they had tackled the exam.

Striving for knowledge and progress

The exam is the first step to advance to the rank of Sergeant, but the four officers have had other reasons for attempting the promotion exam. Said PC Kwan: "The syllabus of the Promotion to Sergeant Qualifying Exam covers a wide range of topics. Therefore, sitting for the exam would spur me to get more knowledge of police work, which, in turn, would help me discharge duties more effectively and with more confidence."

PC Wong and PC Fung shared the view that society keeps on progressing in tandem with rising public expectation of the Force. Said PC Fung: "Besides revision of police laws, officers should keep updated on new laws and police knowledge, and seek to earn public recognition with outstanding performances."

The four officers are no "newcomers" to the promotion exam. It was the fourth attempt for PC Kwan, and the second attempt for the other three officers. They all got a pass grade in their previous attempts, but hoped to put themselves to the test and get better results and progress.

Motivated by family support

It was no easy task for the officers to strike a balance among work, family, rest and exam preparation. PC Kwan prepared for the exam whilst looking after his wife who had just given birth to a boy. His wife, also a police officer, was supportive and understanding, giving PC Kwan a lot of motivation.

Prior to the promotion exam, PC Yau formed a study group with other exam candidates. He recalled: "We did revisions after office hours and made good progress. We helped and encouraged one another, and this enhanced fellowship."

PC Wong and PC Fung never hesitated to seek advice from their superiors and colleagues, who always obliged and shared their knowledge and work experiences.

They are grateful to their families for support and understanding. With family backing, they were able to concentrate on studies, make good preparation and approach the exam day with a light mood.

Advice for exam candidates

For the four officers, exam skills are essential for getting good results. PC Wong commented: "A minor change to an exam question might change the meaning of the whole question. Therefore, one should read the question carefully before giving an answer, and make double checks to avoid making unnecessary mistakes."

PC Kwan pointed out: "Logical analysis is an important part of the promotion qualifying exam. Finding out an answer requires flexibility and good reasoning."

For them, good preparation is the key to getting good results in the exam. PC Fung observed: "Exam questions cover a wide range of topics. It is only with familiarisation with police laws and procedures that an exam candidate can find out a correct answer."

Encouraging exam candidates to study hard, the officers reminded the candidates to regard the exam as an opportunity to get self-recognition and a complement to police work. "The exam contents are closely related to police jobs. It would be good for our jobs and the exam if we pay more attention to what we are doing and put ourselves in the position of a citizen," said PC Kwan.

Exam success has motivated both PC Fung and PC Yau to pursue further studies. PC Fung was considering an English language course or a management course, while PC Yau will soon complete training course in occupational safety, in line with the promotion of continuing studies within the Force.

The Debriefing Reports of 2015 Promotion to Sergeant Qualifying Exam have been promulgated via POINT and Force NoticeBoard. Candidates can access the Training Management System for their results and performance. Candidates who have any queries may contact Examinations and Assessment Centre of Police College on 2814-4313 / 2814-4378.