UK policing now operates across 43 forces in England and Wales, plus Police Scotland and PSNI. Recruitment is competitive and uses multiple entry routes under the Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PCDA, degree-holder routes, pre-join degrees). Applicants must be 18+, meet right-to-work, fitness, medical and vetting standards. Training is delivered locally and varies by route; probation requirements differ by force. Verify specific force criteria and current vacancy figures on force recruitment pages.

Overview

The UK's policing landscape has changed since 2006. England and Wales remain divided into 43 local forces. Scotland is served by a single national force, Police Scotland, and Northern Ireland has the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Each force manages its own recruitment and vacancies.

Becoming a police officer is competitive. Recruitment volumes and success rates vary by force and year, and many forces now advertise multiple entry routes to widen the candidate pool.

What police officers do

Officers maintain public safety and enforce the law. The role is community-focused and can be physically and emotionally demanding: long shifts, exposure to severe weather, and confronting difficult situations are common. Training and welfare support aim to prepare and protect officers, but the job remains challenging.

Who can apply

Common eligibility points for most UK forces:

  • Minimum age: 18. 1
  • Right to work and live in the UK (examples: British or Irish citizens, people with settled status or indefinite leave to remain). Exact nationality and immigration requirements depend on the force and current law. 2
  • Meet medical, eyesight and fitness standards.
  • Pass background and vetting checks (enhanced DBS and local force vetting).
  • Good character: cautions or convictions do not automatically exclude applicants; relevance and recency are considered.
There is no minimum height requirement.

Education and entry routes

The Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF) provides three common entry routes:

  • Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA): a paid, on-the-job three-year apprenticeship that leads to a degree.
  • Degree-holder Entry/fast-track programmes: for candidates who already have a relevant degree. Training length varies.
  • Pre-join degree route: complete an approved policing degree at university before applying.
Some forces also run local trainee programmes and specialist direct-entry roles. You do not always need a university degree to apply - which route suits you depends on your qualifications and the force's advertised scheme.

Selection, training and probation

Selection typically includes online tests (numeracy, verbal reasoning, situational judgement), an interview or assessment centre, fitness and medical checks, and vetting. Forces deliver initial training locally under PEQF arrangements rather than via a single national residential college; the length and structure of training depend on the entry route. 3

New officers are guided by experienced tutors or workplace supervisors and enter a formal probationary period after attestation. Probation length and exact requirements vary by force. 4

Final notes

If your first application is unsuccessful, you can usually apply to other forces. Check each force's recruitment pages for up-to-date vacancy numbers, entry criteria, and training details before applying.

  1. Confirm current annual applicant and successful recruit figures for UK police (national and per-force data).
  2. Verify minimum age (currently 18) and whether any upper age limit applies for police constable entry.
  3. Confirm exact nationality/immigration eligibility post-Brexit for each force (British, Irish, settled status, Commonwealth rules).
  4. Confirm current national fitness test format and medical/eyesight standards used by forces.
  5. Verify typical probation length and the current structure/location of initial training across UK forces under PEQF.

FAQs about Becoming A Police Officer

Do I need a university degree to become a police officer?
Not always. The PCDA is a paid three-year apprenticeship that leads to a degree. Other routes require a degree beforehand or accept candidates without a degree. Check the specific route each force is advertising.
Is there a height requirement for UK police?
No. Forces no longer set minimum height standards.
What checks are carried out during recruitment?
Expect medical and eyesight checks, a fitness test, enhanced DBS (criminal record) checks, and force vetting to assess suitability and integrity.
Can non-British citizens apply?
Some non-British applicants can apply if they have the right to work and live in the UK (for example, Irish citizens or people with settled status). Exact eligibility depends on the force and immigration rules.
How long is training and probation?
Training length depends on the entry route (e.g., PCDA is three years). Probationary periods vary by force - check the recruitment pages for the force you want to join.