Police Officer - State (NSW/ACT)
Education and Training:
To become a NSW police officer you usually have to undertake a NSW Police approved VET qualification in policing practice. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.
You can also become a police officer by studying policing at university. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change. Alternatively, you can contact the NSW Police Force for more information.
To become a police officer in the ACT you need to join the Australian Federal Police. See the entry for Police Officer - Australian Federal Police.
Additional Information:
The Professional Suitability Assessment (PSA) criteria, which must be met as part of the training and assessment of police officers in NSW, include:
- full motor vehicle drivers licence (a provisional licence is acceptable at PSA stage)
- drug and alcohol screening requirements
- typing speed of 25 wpm with 98 per cent accuracy
- ability to swim 100 metres unaided
- current Senior First Aid Certificate (or equivalent)
- suitable performance in medical, psychological and physical fitness assessments
- Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
You must be at least 18.5 years of age to commence policing studies, and 19 years of age to commence work as a probationary constable.
Related Courses:
While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.
*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.
- Associate Degree in Policing Practice
- Bachelor of Justice Studies - Policing
- Bachelor of Policing *
- Bachelor of Policing - Investigations
Employment Opportunities:
The NSW Police Force employs more than 1000 probationary constables each year. If employed, you would initially perform general operational policing duties for at least three years. Depending on the needs of the NSW Police Force at the time, you may be posted in a country or metropolitan command. As a probationary constable you may deal with domestic violence, motor vehicle incidents and crowd control.
You can continue to develop your career in the operational stream or specialise in investigation, intelligence, education and development, legal or one of the many other career path opportunities available in the NSW Police Force.
Applications are accepted throughout the year. Entrance requirements are strict and competition for selection is very strong.
The NSW Police Force encourages applications from Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander people, women, and people from non-English-speaking backgrounds.
For Further Information:
(02) 8835 9883
www.police.nsw.gov.au/recruitmentInformation for other states and territories: