Can I Join?

The Police Service of Northern Ireland is delighted that you are considering joining the service. 

We understand that you might have some questions before you start your application, so take some time to read through the below information. We would also encourage you to read the Guidance for Applicants document which provides key details about the recruitment process you will participate in.

All applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Age: You can apply from the age of 17. However, on appointment, you must have reached the age of 18 years. Applicants must have attained the age of 17 years and be no more than 57 years by the end of the application window. 
  • Nationality: Applicants must be eligible to work permanently in the UK.
  • Education: Applicants must have a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at A*–C grade, including English Language.
  • Computer Literacy: Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have the level of computer literacy required to effectively perform the role of a constable. This will be tested at a number of stages in the recruitment process but there is no requirement for a formal IT qualification.
  • Integrity: Applicants are expected to have consistently held themselves to the highest standards of integrity. This will be assessed during various stages of the recruitment process. 

In addition, there are certain standards associated with physical fitness, medical conditions and vetting (check of criminal record, finances, tattoos etc.) that you must comply with.

We understand that you might have some questions about these requirements before you start your application, so take some time to read the information below.

Eligibility

Education Qualifications

Education Qualifications

You need to have a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at A* - C grade, including English Language to apply. 

If you pass the Initial Selection Test you will be asked to provide evidence of your education qualifications via an online Evidence Uploader. Detailed guidance will be provided at the appropriate time, which will help you understand the process of presenting evidence. Please make sure that you prepare now and have your paperwork in order so that you can demonstrate eligibility when asked. Only applicants who meet the Education Criteria and are deemed to have the Right to Work in the UK, will be permitted to progress to the Assessment Centre stage of the recruitment process.   

If you do not have GCSEs – equivalents can be considered – We recognise that there are a wide variety of routes to gaining qualifications. As such, it should be noted that we do consider alternative qualifications to GCSEs with regard to meeting the Education Criteria. 

(If you have GCSEs / equivalent and also have higher qualifications, we ONLY need to see evidence of the GCSEs / equivalent in order to assess your eligibility).

Police constables also need to be able to demonstrate basic IT skills which will be tested at different stages of the recruitment process. You do not need to have an IT qualification to apply.

Detailed FAQs on education qualifications can be found here.

Being from outside the UK

Being from outside the UK

UK / Irish Nationals (this includes Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland) will meet the nationality eligibility criteria, as they automatically have the right to work permanently in the UK.

Being from outside the UK or the Republic of Ireland does not stop you from applying to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, although you must be able to provide evidence that you have the right to work permanently in the UK. 

During the recruitment process all candidates, regardless of nationality, will be asked to provide us with original documents to evidence their right to work permanently in the UK. 

The evidence will be checked to ensure it is valid and we will take a copy for our records.  

The evidence can be supplied in one of the following formats;

  • A current or expired British or Irish Passport.
  • A current passport stamped by the Home Office confirming that there is no time limit on your leave to remain in the UK.
  • A current immigration status document issued by the Home Office confirming your right to remain indefinitely in the UK, together with an official document confirming your National Insurance number. 
  • Your certificate of registration or naturalisation as a British Citizen, together with an official document confirming your National Insurance number.  

Alternatively, you can provide us with a Right to Work Share Code to enable us to confirm your right to work status online using the Home Office Employer Checking Service. 

Please note that all candidates who pass the Initial Selection Test will be asked to provide evidence regarding Right to Work. Guidance on how you can demonstrate your Right to Work is available via https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work.

Standards Required

Medical Standards

Medical Standards

A health assessment will consider if you are capable of carrying out the normal duties of a Police Officer. It will assess you against some key medical standards. To find out more, click here.

If you have a medical query and you would like more information on how this might impact your application, email the Recruitment Team at info@joinpsni.co.uk.

Medical Standards

Physical and Fitness Requirements

Physical and Fitness Requirements

You will be required to pass the Recruitment Physical Competence Assessment (PCA), before entering the Police College to start training.

The Recruitment PCA is an obstacle course which needs to be completed three times in 4 minutes and 30 seconds during the recruitment process.  (You must complete the In-Service PCA three times in 4 minutes during the Student Officer Development Programme and at approximately 12 months and 18 months post attestation, during the Probationary Officer Development Programme).

Click here for more information on the Recruitment PCA including an example training schedule. Click here for an illustration of how the obstacle course is laid out.

It is important that you start to prepare for the PCA now!

PCA Course - Small

Tattoos

Tattoos

Having a tattoo does not necessarily prevent you from serving in or joining the Police Service of Northern Ireland. However, certain tattoos and their visibility may not be acceptable.

All officers are required to adhere with the Corporate Uniform Standard. Therefore careful consideration will be given by the organisation to any tattoos on the head, face, neck and hands or tattoos which cannot be covered by uniform. This includes the size, nature and prominence of the tattoos in question.

  • The Police Service of Northern Ireland regularly engages with some of the most vulnerable members of society. Therefore, tattoos which conceal the identity of an officer to the extent where it would potentially inhibit their ability as a police officer to undertake their duties or which may make a member of the public feel uncomfortable, intimidated or threatened will be unacceptable.  
  • Tattoos will be unacceptable if they are contrary to any of the equality areas identified in Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 or are in contravention of the Police Service of Northern Ireland Good and Harmonious Working Environment.
  • Whether visible or not, tattoos will be unacceptable where they could reasonably be interpreted as offensive to members of the public or colleagues due to their content or alignment with a particular group.

All applicants will be required to supply individual photographs of tattoos with matching descriptions as a condition of the recruitment process. Tattoos must be described giving size, location and nature to include the full wording of any transcripts, names or quotations. A verifiable translation must accompany any tattoos containing non-English words, characters or representations.

Criminal Convictions

Criminal Convictions

You will not be considered for appointment to the Police Service of Northern Ireland if you have served any of the following:

  • A Custodial Sentence
  • A Suspended Sentence
  • A period of detention at a Young Offenders Centre
  • A conviction for causing death or Grievous Bodily Harm by dangerous or reckless driving 
  • Received more than one period of disqualification from driving 
  • Been or are a Registered Sex Offender 

Additionally, all criminal history and involvement with Police will be considered during the vetting process.   

More information on criminal convictions can be found in the Vetting section of the Guidance for Applicants.

Other Questions

What if I have a Disability or Condition?

What if I have a Disability or Condition?

We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all applicants and welcome applications from everyone. If you have a disability or other condition, you will be considered individually on your merit. 

Before being offered a role, the Police Service of Northern Ireland Occupational Health and Wellbeing team will consult with you and consideration will be given to whether there are reasonable adjustments that can be made to enable you to do the job now and for a reasonable time. 

During the recruitment process, we will endeavour to support all applicants. You will have the option to request an adjustment in the recruitment process when completing the application form. We will consider what you tell us and offer appropriate reasonable adjustments to test and assessment arrangements. 

Please consider the Reasonable Adjustments - Request Process guidance page for full information on this process. 

At any given time, feel free to contact us by email via info@joinpsni.co.uk and we will do our best to advise you. 

What if I have Dyslexia or another Specific Learning Difficulty?

What if I have Dyslexia or another Specific Learning Difficulty?

The Police Service of Northern Ireland welcomes applications from people with Dyslexia or other Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs). We will endeavour to support all applicants during the recruitment process. 

You are welcome to request a reasonable adjustment in respect of the Initial Selection Test or Assessment Centre if you have dyslexia or another Specific Learning Difficulty. Please use the space provided within the online application form to make your request. Having made your request you will have the opportunity to provide supporting evidence that will be reviewed to ensure the appropriate adjustments are applied. 

If you would like to request a reasonable adjustment in relation to testing, please refer to our Reasonable Adjustments - Request Process guidance page for full details. In addition, feel free to email us with any questions to info@joinpsni.co.uk.

If you have another communication need you should email info@joinpsni.co.uk with the detail - the Recruitment Team will get in touch with you to assess if any necessary adjustments to exam conditions are needed.

If you also wish to request reasonable adjustment needs relating to other disabilities / conditions (including hidden disabilities or conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder), you are also welcome to do so when you complete your online application form. 

What if I have a hidden disability or condition such as Autism Spectrum Disorder?

What if I have a hidden disability or condition such as Autism Spectrum Disorder?

The Police Service of Northern Ireland welcomes applications from people with hidden disabilities or conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder. We will endeavour to support all applicants during the recruitment process. 

You are welcome to request a reasonable adjustment in respect of the Initial Selection Test or Assessment Centre if you have a hidden disability or condition such as Autism Spectrum Disorder. Please use the space provided within the online application form to make your request. Having made your request you will have the opportunity to provide supporting evidence that will be reviewed to ensure the appropriate adjustments are applied. 

If you would like to request a reasonable adjustment in relation to testing, please refer to our Reasonable Adjustments - Request Process guidance page for full details. In addition, feel free to email us with any questions to info@joinpsni.co.uk. 

If you also wish to request reasonable adjustment needs relating to other disabilities / conditions, (including dyslexia / other Specific Learning Difficulties, or indeed any other disability or condition), you are welcome to do so when you complete your online application form.