What is the CIT (Critical Incidents Test)?

For PSR training | not legal advice. This article is for educational purposes and is general information only, not legal advice. Police Station Representatives and accredited reps must apply their own professional judgment to the facts of each case. AccrediLaw provides training; we do not provide legal advice.

The PSRAS Critical Incidents Test (CIT)

What is the Critical Incidents Test?

The Critical Incidents Test (CIT) is one of the three core assessment elements of the Police Station Representatives Accreditation Scheme (PSRAS). It is designed to assess how a candidate applies legal knowledge, professional judgement, and ethical reasoning to realistic police station scenarios.

Rather than testing recall of legislation in isolation, the CIT focuses on decision-making under pressure in situations commonly encountered by a Police Station Representative. Candidates are required to explain what they would do, why they would do it, and how they would justify those decisions.

What the CIT is actually assessing

The CIT is not primarily about spotting a single “correct” answer. It assesses structured thinking, proportional judgement, and the ability to apply police station procedure appropriately.

• Issue Spotting. Identification of the relevant legal and procedural issues.
• Risk Prioritisation. Weighing risks and the safeguards owed.
• PACE Code C. Correct application of the relevant principles.
• Reasoned Decisions. Clear and logical explanation of decisions taken.
• Ethics. Awareness of professional responsibility and the rules governing conduct.

How the CIT fits into the wider PSRAS process

For many candidates, the CIT is the most demanding part of PSRAS because it brings together knowledge, judgement, and communication. It is often considered alongside the PSRAS Portfolio as evidence of applied competence.

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