Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long does the application process take?

A. Each person’s recruitment journey is different. The process is candidate led and is managed via the online recruitment site. All we ask it that candidates are 100% ready for the process before they submit their application.

Q. What qualifications do I need?

A. No formal qualifications are required however you must be able to pass our entrance test.

Q. Are there height restrictions?

A. No, there are no height restrictions.

Q. Do you need a driving licence?

A. Applicants must hold a full manual driving licence at the point of making an application.

Q. Can I apply if I have a criminal conviction?

A. This will depend on the nature and circumstances. It is not possible to set out a full list of convictions that will preclude you. Each case will be considered on its own merits and checks will be carried out by the vetting unit at the pre-appointment stage of the process.

Q. Can I apply if I have a tattoo?

A. All tattoos must be declared to the recruitment team to confirm that they meet Police Scotland’s tattoo policy. Officers are not permitted to have tattoos on the face.

Q. Can I apply if I wear glasses/contact lenses?

A. Click on the link to the national eyesight standard to check if you meet the standard. You can seek your own advice from an optician prior to application. 

Q. Should I buy books to prepare for the PSET?

A. Police Scotland do not endorse any study materials. There are no educational qualifications required to apply for Police Scotland so the PSET is designed to evaluate your understanding of language, information handling and numeracy. Example questions and answers can be found on the Police Scotland recruitment pages.

Q. What do I have to do during the fitness assessment?

A. 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 must 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 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. You can access the programme online.

We would highly recommend you visit these pages as it contains lots of great information about preparing for a bleep test.

Q. What should I do to prepare for the assessment day?

A. The assessment day is your opportunity to show the recruitment team that you reflect the values and standards of Police Scotland, and you need to be yourself in order for this to happen.

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.

Q. Can I take holidays while training at the Scottish Police College?

A. Holidays/time off will not be permitted during the initial 16 week probationary training programme at the Scottish Police College.

Q. How long does the training last and where does it take place?

A. Initial training will take place at the Scottish Police College, Tulliallan and at local training areas for a period of 16 weeks, however this is subject to change for all future intakes.

Q. Am I required to reside at the Scottish Police College during the initial training programme?

A. Accommodation is available at the Scottish Police College however this is optional, officers may elect to return home each night at their own expense. All meals are provided whilst at the college.

Q. Will I be paid during my training?

A. Officers will be paid from their first day at Tulliallan.

Q. How do I apply?

All our applications are received online via the erecruitment portal.

You can access this on the above link or there's more information on the how to apply page for police officers where you will be prompted to log in or create an account with us.

You can only have one account with Police Scotland for all your applications and events.

Q. How do I find out what is happening with my application?

You can find out what status your application is at by logging into your account on the erecruitment portal. You will also have access to all communication from us.

Q. I have failed the eligibility pre-screening. What next?

All applicants have to complete the pre-screening eligibility form before the main application to ensure they meet the eligibility for the role. If you do not meet these criteria we can`t progress your application.  Once you meet the criteria you can reapply.

If you believe you have failed the eligibility due to answering a question incorrectly then please contact us at policeofficerrecruitment@scotland.police.uk and we will be happy to sort any errors for you. Please do not create a second account.

Q. Can I amend my application after I have submitted it?

You will not be able to amend your application form after submission. If you have made errors, you can contact us to amend it.

You can however amend some personal information such as home address, email address and contact number by logging into your account in the erecruitment portal and editing your profile.

Please note you will not be able to change your name and date of birth without further verification by our team.

Q. I have forgotten my username and/or password.

Go to the Recruitment Help section of our site. This area has guidance in how to reset your password and retrieve username.

You can reach this section by visiting the Recruitment help - erecruitment website.

Q. I am having trouble using the erecruitment system who should I contact

If you have any technical questions relating to the online system please use the self help links on the left hand menu of the erecruitment system.

If you are still unable to resolve the issue this way you can email us at policeofficerrecruitment@scotland.police.uk.

Q. If I have a disability, can I apply to become a police constable?

Yes, Police Scotland is a disability confident employer committed to equal opportunities for people with disabilities.  

If you have a disability we will consider the adjustments that you may need to participate in the selection process and also for the role providing it is reasonable to do so.

Q. How do I request reasonable adjustments?

Our reasonable adjustments information can be accessed by visiting the Reasonable adjustment support process page. This will explain what you have to do to request support for the selection process.

Q. I have dyslexia. Is there any support available?

Yes. If you have a neurodivergent condition (such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, ADHD) which you believe may affect your performance in selection, we’ll be happy to consider any reasonable adjustments to the process for you and will consider what you need.

You will be asked to disclose this at the eligibility section on the erecruitment portal and a member of our team will contact you to discuss what we can put in place to support you.

Q. How many days annual leave will I get?

A. All officers with less then two years service are entitled to 28 days leave per year. This will increase with service. Newly appointed police officers cannot take annual leave during the initial training course.

Q. Can I work part time/have a flexible work plan?

A. Although  police officers cannot work part time during their initial training at Tulliallan, flexible working can be considered.  Requests for flexible working are considered on a case by case basis by senior management at territorial Divisions. Flexible working plans are reviewed on an annual basis in line with Police Regulations.

Q. Is my posting guaranteed?

A. Although we will consider the preferences you have submitted as part of your application,  postings are allocated based on operational policing demands and are not guaranteed. 

Q. When will I find out where I will be posted?

A. Your posting preferences will be given consideration throughout the recruitment process, however, you will usually find out your posting during your time at Scottish Police College.

Q. I am serving in the military. When can I apply?

A. We would typically expect you to be within 12 months of your discharge date however we understand that this can be challenging when leaving the services to join the police. We can allow the process to support this transition. Please disclose your circumstances in your application form in the military section and if necessary one of our team can speak to your further.

Q. Can I remain part of the volunteer reserve forces?

A. The Scottish Police Authority (SPA) and Police Scotland support membership of the Volunteer Reserve Forces. Up to 10 paid days are available for training, we will do our best to support time off for VRF activity but requests are subject to operational requirements.

Q. Will I have to work night shifts, weekends and public holidays?

A. Yes on appointment you will be posted to a local policing division where you will follow a shift pattern. This includes a mixture of day, evening and night shift working and includes weekends.

Q. Can I apply directly for a specialist role in Police Scotland?

 A. No. All newly recruited police officers must undergo a probationary period will be appointed into a uniformed role in a local policing division. You cannot apply for specialist roles until you have completed this, have sufficient experience and are competent in the police officer role.