Facebook script tag image Eligibility & Recruitment | PCDA (Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship) | Entry Routes | Avon & Somerset Police
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Our recruitment process is designed to be transparent, fair and supportive, helping you understand what to expect at every stage.

From checking your eligibility and submitting your application to assessments, interviews and pre-employment checks, we’ll support you through your journey to becoming a Police Officer with Avon and Somerset Police.

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Check if you’re eligible

Before you apply for the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), check that you meet the key entry requirements.

Great news!

You appear to meet the basic requirements for admission into the WA Police Force.

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Once you’ve checked that you meet the eligibility and PCDA entry requirements, you’re ready to start your application.

You’ll be asked to provide information about you, your qualifications and your experience. Make sure the information you provide is complete and accurate so we can assess your eligibility and progress your application.

If you have a disability or neurodivergent condition, you can tell us about this during your application so we can discuss any reasonable adjustments you may need during the recruitment process.

Start your application

You’ll need to provide documents and information to support your application and complete the required checks.

Depending on your circumstances, this may include:

  • proof of your qualifications
  • identification documents
  • driving licence information
  • information required for vetting and background checks
  • any other supporting information we ask you to provide

For the PCDA, you’ll need to provide evidence of your required qualifications. The force website specifically states that proof of Level 2 qualifications must be uploaded to the e-recruitment system for verification.

We’ll let you know what you need to provide and when as you progress through the recruitment process.

You don’t need previous policing experience to apply.

We’re looking for people with the values, behaviours and potential to become great Police Officers and make a difference to the communities we serve.

Throughout the recruitment process, you’ll be assessed against the policing Competency and Values Framework (CVF), including through the National Sift.

It’s also important that you understand the realities of the role and whether a career in policing is right for you.

Is policing right for me?

Once you’ve submitted your application, there are a number of stages you’ll need to successfully complete before joining Avon and Somerset Police.

Stage

What to expect

01 — Application & eligibility

Submit your application and we’ll check that you meet the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen route.

02 — Familiarisation event

Meet officers and staff, learn more about the realities of policing, get advice about the recruitment process and ask questions.

03 — National Sift

Complete two online assessments: a Situational Judgement Test and Behavioural Styles Questionnaire.

04 — Assessment centre

Complete the national online assessment process hosted by the College of Policing, where your skills and suitability for the role will be assessed.

05 — Medical & force interview

Attend an in-person force interview and complete the required health, fitness and biometric assessments.

06 — Background checks & vetting

We’ll complete the required background and vetting checks to assess your suitability for the role.

07 — Offer & onboarding

Once you’ve successfully completed the required stages and checks, you can progress towards your offer and joining date.

08 — Training & your career

Start your training and take the first steps in your career as a Police Officer.

These stages reflect the current Avon and Somerset Police Officer recruitment process.

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FAQs

The current force criteria specify that applicants must be aged 17 or over and 18 by offer; have lived continuously in the UK for three years; meet the relevant nationality/residency criteria; have a full UK manual driving licence by the time they start; and live within the force area from their first day.

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Ready for your next opportunity?

Take the first step towards becoming a Police Officer with Avon and Somerset Police.

Apply now