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
What is attestation?
Attestation is the formal ceremony at which a new recruit swears or affirms the oath of office and is appointed to the office of constable under section 30 of the Police Act 1996 — the moment they become a sworn police officer with independent legal powers, distinct from an ordinary employee. It happens early in initial training, once a conditional offer, vetting and medical checks have cleared.
What is attestation?
Attestation is the point at which a police recruit is legally appointed to the office of constable. The recruit swears (or affirms) an oath to serve the Crown and the public, upholding fundamental human rights and carrying out the duties of a constable with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality. This status dates back centuries and is fundamental to the operational independence of policing in the UK: unlike an ordinary employee, an attested constable cannot lawfully be directed to act unlawfully by a superior, and holds discretion in the exercise of their powers regardless of rank.
When does attestation happen?
Attestation typically takes place early in initial training — once all pre-appointment checks (vetting, fitness, medical) have cleared and a conditional offer has been accepted — and before the recruit begins independent patrol. From attestation onward, the recruit holds full constabulary powers, while continuing classroom and supervised operational training through the rest of their probationary period (usually around two years).
Frequently asked about attestation
- What is attestation in the police?
- Attestation is the formal ceremony at which a new recruit swears (or affirms) the oath of office and is appointed to the office of constable — becoming a sworn police officer with independent legal powers. It is made under section 30 of the Police Act 1996.
- When does attestation happen during training?
- Attestation typically takes place early in initial training, after a conditional offer has been accepted and before independent patrol begins — the recruit swears the oath, then continues classroom and supervised operational training as an attested constable.
- What do you say at police attestation?
- Recruits swear (or affirm) an oath to serve the Crown and the public, upholding fundamental human rights and carrying out the duties of a constable with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality — administered before a justice of the peace or, at some forces, a senior officer.
- Does attestation make you a full police officer?
- Yes — attestation is what legally makes you a constable, with the independent powers of the office. You typically remain on probation (usually around two years) after attestation while you complete training and are assessed, but you hold full constabulary powers from the point of attestation.