How to Become a Police Officer in the UK (2026 Guide)
Everything you need to know about joining the police — eligibility requirements, entry routes, the full application process, and what to expect from application to attestation.
Unofficial independent resource — always verify with official sources (College of Policing, your force, PFEW).
Am I Eligible? Quick Checklist
Basic eligibility criteria are set nationally by the College of Policing. Individual forces may have additional requirements.
- Aged 18 or over (no upper age limit)
- British citizen, EU national with settled status, or Commonwealth citizen with right to work in the UK
- Lived in the UK for the past 3 years (for vetting purposes)
- No current serious outstanding debt or CCJs (considered on individual basis)
- No unspent serious convictions
- Willing to work shifts including nights, weekends, and bank holidays
- Meet minimum eyesight standards (corrected vision acceptable for most forces)
- Serving member of another force already (transfer process applies instead)
- Current serious criminal conviction (application will be rejected)
Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. A criminal record or financial difficulty does not automatically disqualify you — always check with your chosen force directly.
Typical Timeline: Application to First Day
The full process typically takes 6–12 months, though vetting can extend this significantly for some candidates.
6–12 months end-to-end
Application → online tests (2–4 weeks) → assessment centre (4–8 weeks) → fitness (alongside) → medical (4–12 weeks) → vetting (3–9 months) → training offer → attestation
Forces with high application volumes may have longer wait times. Keeping your application pack updated and responding to requests promptly helps avoid delays.
The 8 Steps: Research to Attestation
Every candidate goes through a similar process regardless of which force or entry route they choose.
Read the College of Policing's national recruitment information, explore your local force website, and shadow an officer or attend a recruitment open day if available. Understand the Competency and Values Framework (CVF) — it underpins every stage of the process.
Select from the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP), or a Pre-join degree. Each has different academic requirements and training structures. Some forces may also offer a conversion route for experienced officers transferring from other forces.
Complete the online application form for your chosen force. This includes personal details, residency history, employment history, and a statement of motivation. Some forces require you to pass an eligibility questionnaire before proceeding.
Most forces use the College of Policing's national online assessment, which includes a situational judgement test and a cognitive ability test. Scores must meet the force's minimum threshold to progress. Preparation resources are available on the College of Policing website.
Successful candidates attend a police assessment centre — typically a full day with a structured interview (CVF-based), a written exercise, and a role-play or group exercise. The interview will ask STAR-format competency questions based on the six CVF values.
The Job-Related Fitness Test (JRFT) includes a bleep test (15m shuttle run to level 5.4) and a grip strength test. Forces assess you on this after the assessment centre. You must reach level 5.4 regardless of age or sex.
A full medical examination assesses your physical and mental health against police fitness standards. Simultaneously, Management Vetting (MV) clearance is carried out — a thorough check of your background, finances, relationships, and criminal record. This stage typically takes the longest.
Once all checks clear, you receive a conditional offer. You then begin your initial training — either at a force training centre or university — before being formally attested as a constable. At attestation, you swear the oath or affirmation and officially become a police officer.
Entry Routes Overview
Since 2020 all new police officers in England and Wales must hold or work towards a degree in Professional Policing Practice. Three routes are available.
A 3-year apprenticeship combining on-the-job police work with academic study leading to a degree in Professional Policing Practice. No prior degree required. You are paid as a student officer throughout.
Entry requirement: Minimum GCSE Maths and English (grade C/4 or above) — degree not required
A 2-year programme for those who already hold any degree. Combines on-the-job training with a postgraduate qualification (Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice). Faster route to completion.
Entry requirement: Any bachelor's degree (2:2 or above preferred, though varies by force)
Study a BSc in Professional Policing at university before applying. Once you hold the degree, you can apply directly to a force for a shortened training programme. You fund the degree yourself.
Entry requirement: A-levels or equivalent for university entry; degree completed before force application