Selection Process
Once you have sent us your application form, there are several other steps involved in the selection process.
Police Scotland Entrance Test
Although you do not need any qualifications to join Police Scotland, all applicants must pass the Police Scotland Entrance Test (PSET).
The test is one exam paper made up of three core sections - numeracy, literacy and information handling.
You are required to answer 49 questions in 60 minutes. You must pass all three sections to pass the PSET.
PSET Example Questions
PSET Example Answers
Fitness assessment
If you want to join Police Scotland as a police officer you must be fit and healthy.
At your fitness assessment we expect you to be at the peak of your physical fitness, having prepared in advance of your application.
More people fail the fitness test compared with any other stage in the recruiting process. If you want to apply, we suggest you start your fitness preparation immediately.
The Fitness assessment aims to assess whether you are fit for the job and are ready for Officer Safety Training, where you learn to protect yourself and others.
You will be undertaking a Multi-stage fitness test ( bleep test)
The test involves running up and down (a shuttle run) on a 15-metre track. It is timed against a series of audio beeps and the participant must 'beat the bleep' and complete the shuttle before they hear the sound.
At the end of each level, the time between beeps gets shorter, meaning the participant has to run faster.
The standard needed for a police officer applicant is level 5.4 which means running at least in time with the bleeps for four shuttles at level 5.
Joining Police Scotland is a highly competitive recruitment journey so candidates require to give the very best account of themselves to progress further.
Copstrong - Copstrong is the Police Scotland functional strength and conditioning programme.
It is designed to be used by officers and staff to obtain and maintain operational fitness in order to reduce the chance of injury and improve work performance.
The content has been written and developed by the Physical Education Department at the Scottish Police College in collaboration with the UK Strength and Conditioning Association. To access the programme please click here
We would highly recommend you visit these pages as it contains lots of great information about preparing for a bleep test.
Assessment day
During the assessment day, you will take part in the following activities which are designed to showcase your strengths and your potential to be a constable with Police Scotland:
- icebreaker exercise
- group exercise
- formal interview
If you are invited to an assessment day, we recommend you familiarise yourself with the Competency and Values Framework (CVF). It explains what is expected of everyone working in policing, and helps to raise standards for the benefit and safety of the public.
Final Stages
The final stages of recruitment are a medical and vetting.
You will be required to attend an appointment with our health provider. This is to confirm you are fit, healthy, and able to meet the standards required of an operational police officer. This includes the eyesight test and BMI check.
You will also take a substance misuse test.
All references will be obtained and formal vetting checks will be carried out.
Once you pass vetting, you will have completed all stages of the recruitment process. You will then receive an offer of employment. At this point we will work with you to agree a date for your police constable career to start.
Once you have sent us your application form, there are several other steps involved in the selection process.
We look forward to receiving your application and wish you the best of luck for the application process.
