I see my application status has changed in Submitted Applications—how do I know what it means, and should I do anything next?

As departments move you through the hiring process, they can update your application status appearing in real time on your dashboard. This feature is not an invitation to contact departments, but rather a tool to help agencies keep applicants informed while allowing you to navigate your job search effectively.

How It Works:

• Every application starts as “New Applicant.”
• Status updates reflect where you stand in the review and selection process.
• You may see updates like:
  • “Reviewing Application”
  • “Invited to Fitness Test”
  • “Passed Fitness Test”
  • “Invited to Oral Interview”
  • “Doesn’t Meet Requirements”
  • …and others, based on the department’s process.

What to Watch For:

✔ If your status is “Doesn’t Meet Requirements,” review the job post—you may have missed a key qualification.
✔ If your status is “Invited to Fitness Test” but you haven’t received an invite, check your getbadged Message Inbox or your spam folder.
✔ If you suspect a missing message, this is an appropriate time to reach out to the department contact.

Privacy Assurance: Only you and the hiring agency updating your status can see this information. Your job search activity is never visible to other agencies.

Trust the process, stay informed, and manage your job search with confidence! 

getbadged Entry Level Exam - What You Need to Know:

• Assesses both non-cognitive and cognitive traits.
  • Non-cognitive- 65% of Exam Score: Integrity, honesty, work ethic, etc. (cannot be learned, assesses natural behavior)
  • Cognitive - 35% of Exam Score: Reasoning, information gathering, communication, problem-solving (assesses basic skills)
• Scenario-based questions gauge how a person would respond in real situations.
• The Standard in law enforcement hiring, our exam is nationally Recognized, Industry Trusted.
• Minimizes bias against protected groups: Shown to produce the lowest Adverse Impact to protected classes.

Online Exam Participation - Candidate's Responsibility:

• Our online exam is live proctored and requires more than just clicking a link.
• To ensure a smooth and successful experience, there are multiple pre-exam steps to complete prior to testing day. These include identification verification and system setup through IOSolutions.
• After registering for the online exam, getbadged will provide a link to the IOS Candidate Portal to select your exam date and time, download testing apps, and upload valid identification.
  • Pre-Exam Requirements:
    • Candidates must upload valid ID and complete required pre-exam steps for identification and live-proctor staffing purposes.
    • getbadged will send two reminder emails, beginning 7-10 days in advance of the exam, but it is your responsibility to complete all steps at least 72 hours before your exam.
    • This is not a rescheduling option—failure to complete these steps will result in disqualification and require re-registration at full cost.
    • The exam link expires 72 hours prior to the scheduled exam.
    • If the link has expired or there are technical issues (software downloads, login access, etc.), candidates must contact IOS Proctor Support directly at support@iosolutions.com.

Important: Failure to complete all required steps will result in disqualification from the exam.

In-Person Exam Participation - Location Based Testing:

• In-person exams are held at open exam sites—either hosted by a police department or another venue—and are available to all getbadged members, regardless of where you plan to apply.
• Check-In Required: Arrive at least 15 minutes early with a valid photo ID for check-in.
• What to Bring: Bring two #2 pencils, valid ID, and water.
• What Not to Bring: Do not bring any cell phones or electronics.
• Duration: The exam typically lasts about 3 hours, including instructions and testing time.
• Confirmation Email: Confirmations are emailed once registration closes - typically the day before an in-person exam, 7-10 days before an online exam, or when filled to capacity - whichever comes first.
• No Exam Transfers or Refunds: If you are unable to attend or you miss your scheduled in-person exam, you must re-register—there are no transfers or refunds.

Understanding the Two Paths to a Law Enforcement Career

Massachusetts has 352 municipal police departments, and more than 240 operate as Non-Civil Service agencies. This creates more year-round opportunities for aspiring officers, as these departments have greater flexibility in their hiring process compared to Civil Service agencies.

We know navigating different hiring processes can be confusing—every department has its own requirements, qualifications, and timelines. At getbadged, we simplify and centralize police hiring, making it easier for candidates to apply to multiple agencies without the hassle of navigating different systems.

✅ Non-Civil Service Hiring:

• Year-Round Opportunities – Departments can hire anytime, creating more openings.
• More Flexibility – Agencies set their own hiring criteria, including residency, education, and experience requirements.
• Faster Hiring Process – Departments can interview and hire qualified applicants quickly, often completing the process in just a few months.
• Merit-Based Selection – Hiring decisions are based on qualifications, experience, and department fit, rather than placement on a ranked eligibility list.

✅ Civil Service Hiring:

• Exam-Based Entry – Candidates must take the Massachusetts Civil Service Exam, which is offered once a year.
• Eligibility List System – Candidates are ranked based on exam scores, residency, veteran status, and other preferences.
• Structured Process – Departments must follow strict Civil Service rules when selecting candidates.
• Limited Hiring Flexibility – Departments have less control over adjusting qualifications or expediting hiring based on immediate needs.

Streamlined Through getbadged – Entry-Level candidates register for an exam held 2-5 times per month, with scores reported same day (online) or next business day (in-person)—allowing you to apply quickly to multiple Non-Civil Service agencies. Certified & Lateral Transfer Officers are exempt from the exam requirement and can apply directly using a single, standardized application—maximizing hiring opportunities with zero hassle.

Whether you’re looking to join a Non-Civil Service or Civil Service department, understanding the different pathways is key to positioning yourself for success in law enforcement.

Diverse Candidates Meet Top Public Safety Agencies!

getbadged connects candidates from all backgrounds with a vibrant network of leading public safety agencies. Our platform helps showcase candidates' unique skills and experience to departments actively seeking top talent. This ensures a perfect fit for both candidates and departments. We specialize in filling positions for:

• Dispatchers: Keeping communities safe behind the scenes.
• Entry-Level Officers: Ready to launch a rewarding career in law enforcement.
• Academy-Trained Officers: Trained and ready to embark on the next step.
• POST Certified Officers: Showcasing expertise and looking for a new opportunity.
• Lateral Transfers: Leveraging experience to find the perfect fit.

Public Safety Powerhouse Network: Careers with Top Agencies!

• Municipal Police Departments: Upholding law and order in vibrant communities.
• Campus Police Departments: Ensuring safety and security on dynamic college campuses.
• Hospital Security & Non-Civil Service Public Safety: Making a difference in healthcare and specialized safety environments.

Get Noticed with getbadged 'Badging'

Our exclusive 'Badging' feature for Premium Department Members revolutionizes recruitment:

• Departments find you: Premium departments gain instant access to our diverse pool of pre-vetted candidates to search for ideal candidates based on location, skills, certifications, and more.
• Targeted outreach: Candidates receive 'badge requests' directly from interested departments.
• Effortless applications: Accepted requests instantly deliver candidates' complete application package to the department for consideration.
• Full control: Candidates can choose to accept or decline requests. No candidate information is released to the department unless the request is accepted.

No Refunds: getbadged does not offer refunds for Premium Memberships with exam registrations, POST Certified  /  Lateral Transfer Memberships, or getbadged Fitness Assessments. 

Rescheduling: We do not accommodate rescheduling options. Registration for the getbadged Exam and/or Fitness Assessments are for the chosen date(s) and cannot be transferred.  

Online Exam Participation:  Our online exam is live proctored and requires more than just clicking a link.

• To ensure a smooth and successful experience, there are multiple pre-exam steps you must complete.
• These include identification verification and system setup through IOSolutions.
• Important: Failure to complete all required steps will result in disqualification from the exam, and No refunds or exam date transfers will be provided.

Re-Taking Your Exam - Here's What You Need to Know:

• Didn’t pass, missed your exam, or want to improve your score? Register to re-test and restart your job search with confidence.
• No waiting period or limits – Retake the exam as soon as you’re ready. There’s no wait time and no limit to the number of attempts.
• Each re-test = new term – Every re-test costs $125 and starts a fresh 12-month membership and 12-month score validity from your new exam date.
• Optional performance boost – Order our exclusive Study Guide to better prepare and improve your results.

Score Replacement:

• Your most recent score replaces all previous scores, regardless of whether it's higher or lower.
• If you fail to appear for your exam re-take, any previous score will be removed.

Fresh 12-Month Term:

• Every new exam registration starts a new 12-month membership term and resets your score validity from the date of your new exam.

Reminder About Scores:

• Our partnering departments will only accept exam scores that are less than 12 months old.

Why are social media handles requested?

Social media handles are optional and only shared with departments you apply to. They allow departments to:

• Learn more about you beyond your resume.
• Assess your suitability for the role based on publicly available information.

This practice is not discriminatory and complies with equal opportunity hiring regulations.

Unlock Your Potential: POST Certified & Lateral Transfer Opportunities

Ready for a new opportunity or to take your career to the next level? getbadged offers a centralized hub packed with job opportunities specifically curated for POST Certified and Lateral Transfer Officers

No entry exam required!

For just $50, get a six-month getbadged membership:

• Unlimited access to non-Civil Service agencies seeking your expertise.
• Personalized dashboard to manage your profile, build your application, and track your history.
• Effortless application process to showcase your skills and experience.
• Receive unlimited Badge Requests: Get noticed and pursued by agencies actively seeking your skills!

POST Certified: Qualify with just three steps

1. Hold a valid FT POST Certification.
2. Upload proof of certification to your profile.
3. Start applying for your desired jobs!

FT Lateral Transfer: Qualify with just four steps

• A FT Lateral Transfer applicant must be certified and in good standings with the National Decertification Index (NDI).
• Support of your Certification is required to be uploaded to your profile for verification by the hiring agency to which you apply.
• A full-time enforcement officer from any U.S. law enforcement agency with a minimum of two years full time experience in his/her agency may apply to join the Department as a Lateral Transfer.
• Must be of good moral character and fit for employment, as determined by the POST Commission.

Facing financial hardship? We understand. getbadged offers a Fee Waiver program to qualified candidates.

Here's how it works:

• Contact us directly to request an application.
• Complete the application and submit along with supporting documents.
• Get a decision within 7 business days.

If a fee waiver is approved:

• Premium Entry-Level Candidates will receive a 12-month getbadged membership, including one in-person exam registration.
• Certified/Lateral Transfer Candidates will receive a 6-month getbadged membership.

For details, contact info@getbadged.com today.

getbadged: Our One-Stop Solution for Connecting Aspiring Officers & Departments

For Candidates:

• One application package, one time: Build a strong application package, only once. 
• Smart job search: Tailor your search to align with your career goals for greater independence and control over your future.
• Effortless applications: Apply to desired department jobs with a single click. Automated, seamless, and efficient.
• One exam, one fee: Ditch the expensive, limited-reach exams. 1 membership, 1 exam, 12 months of opportunity.
• Get noticed, get-badged: Be actively pursued by agencies seeking your skills and qualifications through our unique "badging" feature.

Streamlined Communication for a Successful Hire: Together, let's create a seamless experience!

Here's how we ensure a smooth hiring process for both candidates and departments:

Candidates will be notified directly by the department via email or phone call if their application is marked as "Contacted." Departments will initiate all outreach efforts.

Departments will record a candidate's application as "Contacted," to ensure a clear communication attempt (email or phone call) has been made directly to the candidate. This proactive approach keeps candidates informed and expedites the hiring process.

Safelist tip: Add department contact emails to your safelist after applying.

Need technical assistance?

• Email: Contact our support team at info@getbadged.com
• Phone: Call us at (781) 645-6005 for immediate assistance.

getbadged will make the decision to cancel or reschedule in-person exams due to inclement weather within 24 hours of the scheduled exam date. Our primary concern is the safety of all candidates and staff involved.

Notification: Candidates will be notified of any cancellations or rescheduling via the email. 

Rescheduling: If an in-person exam is canceled, getbadged will work promptly to reschedule the exam to the earliest available in-person exam date. getbadged will notify candidates be email of the available exam dates.

Refund Policy: While getbadged will make every effort to accommodate candidates with alternate exam dates, however no refunds will be granted due to snow/inclement weather cancellations.

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can be inconvenient, and we appreciate your understanding and flexibility in such situations. Your safety and the integrity of our testing process are our top priorities.

Get Exam Ready to Ace Your Exam: Optional Study Guide

• Boost your preparation: Purchase an exam study guide, specific to the exam you'll be taking, for $10.
• Downloadable format: Access your guide within hours of purchase.
• Not mandatory for success: While helpful, it's not required to pass the exam.

Click here to order your optional study guide.