I get this question all the time "How and what should I study for the FDLE SOCE?" Let's answer!

"How and what should I study to pass the SOCE?"

I get asked the question all the time how should I prepare for the FDLE SOCE. I will even hear folks say "I know where I am strong and where I have some weaknesses, but what would you do if you were me?"

I always struggle to fully answer the question because being competent in the more than 20 modules in the basic recruit training manual and high liability books is generally never a straight path to a finish line. The path to knowledge is much like the stock market, it is never a straight path to all time highs, rather you will go parabolic and then retrace to the scene of the crime, to back fill gaps in your game.

With that in mind the best advice I can give those students is to ADHERE to a plan with built in patience and structure. What do I mean by that? I mean I would rather you be consistently good over the course of 6 months than occasionally great two weeks before your test.

I would rather you spend 20-30 minutes a night studying than cramming for 2 weeks 18 hours a day. The compounding effects of slow and steady always beats the sprinters mentality. This prep should always be a boring marathon rather than an intense sprint sesh!

So give yourself time to improve start a prep earlier rather than later and remember that the quickest way to eat an elephant is always one bite at a time over a long period of time. To summarize time is your greatest asset against this test.

I love a 6 month prep and prefer it to be at the start of the basic recruit training program or if you want to lateral to Florida from out of state as a certified officer give yourself time to prepare for the SOCE.

Either way you don't want to cram while you're already dealing with stressful events like the hiring process, moving, field training, etc. I like a 6 month prep plan with bite sized pieces.

Secondly after the plan is set, adhere to it. It sounds simple but adherence is the main element of success. You want to lose weight? What do you do? You eat well Monday- Friday and hammer beers all weekend, right?

Well the progress from M-F were trashed by the weekend and we're back at net 0! We can't live like that, we have to be aware and hold ourselves accountable to our plan. If we said we're going to read the basic recruit training manual 10 pages a night, and spend one hour on SOCEPREP.com a day, then we do just that.

We don't let life get in the way. We get proper sleep so we're not asleep at the wheel while we study. We clear our lives of distractions, which might mean breaking up with our stripper girlfriend or boyfriend, we stop drinking, we eat balanced meals and we sleep.

We are constantly seeking self improvement through your knowing. What do I mean by your knowing? You know what is aligned with your needs and you know what is aligned with your wants!

So, being aware and choosing wisely to skip the banger of a party and instead hitting a sesh in the books is a great example of being intentional and adhering to you plan.

Also, don't be full of shit! If you know you didn't do everything in your power, then don't be a victim if and when it catches up with you.

Take your bump and take the wheel. Get on the path and start stepping to your destination. If you want it, it's yours for the taking. So, what is the best way to prepare? It is going to look a little different for everyone, but exactly the same in a lot of ways!

Here are a few rigid steps to keep in mind for your prep! 

 Aspiring law enforcement officers often wonder how to prepare for the FDLE SOCE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement State Officer Certification Exam). With over 20 modules to cover, the path to success may seem daunting. However, just like the stock market, the journey to knowledge is not linear but requires patience, structure, and adherence to a well-planned strategy.

1. The Power of Patience and Structure: Avoid the sprinter's mentality when preparing for the SOCE. Instead, embrace a steady and consistent approach over a period of time. A 6-month preparation plan is ideal, starting either at the beginning of the basic recruit training program or before transitioning to Florida as a certified officer from out of state. Remember, time is your greatest asset against this challenging test.

2. Adhere to Your Plan: Creating a well-thought-out study plan is crucial, but the key to success lies in adhering to it. Treat your preparation with the same dedication you would give to a fitness routine. Avoid distractions, prioritize your study time, and maintain focus. Life will throw challenges your way, but staying true to your plan will help you overcome them.

3. Seek Self-Improvement: Identify what aligns with your needs and wants in the pursuit of becoming a certified officer. Make informed choices that contribute to your success. Sacrificing temporary pleasures for long-term gain is crucial during your preparation. Self-discipline and intentional choices will lead you closer to your goal.

4. Take Accountability: Don't make excuses. If you know you haven't given it your all, own up to it. Accountability is vital for progress. Take control of your journey, and if you encounter setbacks, don't lose heart. Learn from them and keep moving forward.

 Preparing for the FDLE SOCE requires dedication, persistence, and a structured approach. Embrace a 6-month preparation plan, adhere to it religiously, and make conscious choices aligned with your aspirations. Success is within your grasp if you stay committed and focused on the long-term goal.

 For comprehensive and reliable resources to help you ace the FDLE SOCE, check out SOCEPREP.com. Their platform offers study materials, practice tests, and expert guidance tailored to your needs. Take control of your future of your  law enforcement career with SOCEPREP.com as your reliable partner on the journey to success.