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Application process

Application process

NSW Police Force have a comprehensive process in place to ensure we recruit candidates, that are most suitable to a career in Policing. The application process is undertaken in five stages.

Am I eligible?

Take the quiz to see if you may be eligible to commence an application to the NSW Police Force

Take eligibility quiz

Stage 1a: Application requirements

Required documents

Prior to submitting your application, you will need to collect a number of required documents which must be uploaded with your application.

These include:

Your documents must be copied and certified as true copies by a Justice of the Peace prior to being scanned and uploaded with your on-line application.

Body Art (tattoo) & Modification Policy self assessment

Applicants must satisfy the body art (tattoo) and modification standards as part of the NSW Police Force professional suitability requirements:

  • anything visible beyond the fastened collar, buttoned cuff of a long sleeve shirt and present on areas of the neck and hands are considered prohibited
  • offensive or obscure imagery are also considered prohibited
  • you can have your body art and modification assessed by a case officer - book an assessment
  • further information is contained in the body art and modification policy (PDF).

Examples of prohibited body art locations

Tattoo images

Stage 1b: UCWE

University Certificate in Workforce Essentials (UCWE)

Once you have passed the eligibility quiz and are considering a policing career with the NSW Police Force,

  • you must apply and complete the foundational level program (UCWE)
  • the UCWE prepares students for the challenges of the Constable Education Program / Associate Degree in Policing Practice (ADPP) and is the mandatory academic requirement for all NSW Police Force applicants.

All costs associated with the UCWE are the responsibility of the applicant

Stage 1c: Application qualifications

Required qualifications

The following qualifications are required to be completed and supplied with your application or during the application process.

Provide First Aid and Pocket Mask Certificate (HLTAID011)

Applicants to the NSW Police Force must be qualified in providing basic first aid. There are a number of Registered Training Organizations (RTOs) that offer the required Provide First Aid (course code HLTAID011) + Pocket Mask training course,

  • certificate must have a minimum of 12 months currency at the time of submission to the Recruitment Branch
  • relevant course code is HLTAID011 + Pocket Mask Certificate
  • certification in the use of a resuscitation pocket mask must be endorsed on the certificate or on a separate certificate provided by the registered training organization.

All costs associated with obtaining a First Aid certificate are the responsibility of the applicant

Aquatic Rescue Sequence

The aquatic rescue sequence is designed to test the applicants ability to enter the water safely effect a rescue,

  • this test must be supervised and assessed by a fully licensed AUSTSWIM teacher. Please contact your local council pool or swim center to book
  • certificate is valid for 5 years from the date you pass the test
  • aquatic rescue sequence instructions and certificate (PDF).

Please note if you are not a competent swimmer or unsure if you can complete the test, you should seek advice from a qualified swimming instructor prior to lodging your Police application. You may need to complete swimming lessons if required.

All costs associated with obtaining a AUSTSWIM accredited certificate are the responsibility of the applicant

Stage 2: Processing the Application

Submitting your application

  • Once you have enrolled in the UCWE course and gathered your required documents you may be ready to submit your application
  • The application is called the Professional Suitability Application. The application is an electronic form and is accessed through the NSW Government’s iworkfor.NSW web site
  • It is important that you carefully read each section of the application form and take time to answer the questions in an open and honest manner. Failure to disclose important information may result in your application being rejected.

Processing your application

  • Upon receipt of your completed application, you will be allocated a Recruitment case manager. The case manager will be your point of contact throughout the application process
  • Your case manager will conduct a review of your eligibility and a wide range of background and reference checks
  • During this stage you will be invited to undertake fitness testing, psychometric testing and your medical assessment
  • You will also be asked to attend an NSW Police station to have your fingerprints taken.

Stage 3: Fitness, Psychometric & Medical testing

Physical Capacity testing

During the recruitment process you will be required to undertake and pass a series of fitness tests.

The tests assess your ability to cope with the physical stresses encountered during training at the Police Academy and whilst performing the inherent roles of an operational Police Officer.

Psychometric testing

All applicants who apply to join the NSW Police Force must complete psychometric assessment to review their psychological suitability for the role of a NSW Police Officer.

Following this assessment, you may be asked to attend an interview with a NSW Police Force psychologist to clarify the results of the assessment.

No preparation is required prior to the assessment and full instructions will be provided on the testing day.

Medical assessment

As part of the recruitment process you will be required to undertake a medical assessment to ensure you are medically fit to perform the inherent role and functions of a NSW Police Officer.

The assessment will be conducted by the external provider Unified Healthcare Group (UHG). Applicants will not be able to undertake the medical assessment until notified by the Police Recruitment Branch.

All costs associated with the medical assessment, including any specialist medical reports, are the responsibility of the applicant.

Stage 4: Interview

Interview

Not all applicants are required to be interviewed. Recruitment interviews are conducted on a needs basis, generally to clarify issues or problems encountered during the application process. You will be contacted by your case manager if you are required to be interviewed.

Stage 5: Acceptance

Successful applications will receive a phone call and email with a formal invitation to the NSW Police Force Academy.

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