Police Officer - State (VIC)

State/Territory Specific Information

Education and Training:

To become a police officer in Victoria you usually have to gain your VCE. However, entry to this occupation may be improved if you have tertiary qualifications. Most institutions in Australia offer relevant courses. Institutions have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia (see the Learning pathways section) or the institutions you are interested in for more information as requirements amy change.

Applicants must satisfy character and fitness requirements, pass an education examination and undergo a medical examination. Applicants who satisfy the entry requirements must then successfully complete four Entry Testing Phases. These consist of agility testing, psychological screening, a medical examination and a selection panel interview. Successful applicants then undertake a 33-week initial recruit training program at the Police Academy, Glen Waverley, followed by a 2-year probationary training program.

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.

  1. Advanced Diploma of Justice *
  2. Bachelor of Arts - Security, Terrorism and Counter-terrorism
  3. Bachelor of Criminology
  4. Bachelor of Social Science - Criminal Justice

Employment Opportunities:

Victoria Police recruit throughout the year. Entrance requirements are stringent and competition for selection is strong.

Victoria Police also offers specialist opportunities in many areas of police work. Promotion to specialist areas in Victoria Police is possible after four years of service and is based on merit.

Victoria Police encourages applications from Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander people, women, and people from non-English-speaking backgrounds.

For Further Information:

Recruiting Services Branch

13 20 01
www.police.vic.gov.au

Information for other states and territories: