February 14, 2025 | Human Resources , Officer and Staff: Recruitment and Promotion
Request Number: FOI/13628
Category: Human Resources - Recruitment
Subject: Educational requirements for roles and ranks
Your request for information has now been considered. In respect of Section 1(1)(a) of the Act we can confirm that the Police Service of Northern Ireland does hold information to which your request relates. The decision has been taken to disclose the following.
I am writing to you, to request information regarding the educational requirements for divisions and ranks with the PSNI.
Request 1
Can you please provide me with a list of divisions and ranks that require A-Levels / Equivalent or University Degrees / Equivalent?
Answer
The eligibility criteria for police officer and police staff roles within the PSNI is reviewed and determined at the point when the need to recruit for a particular role is established. The eligibility criteria is based on the nature of the role and any specialist qualifications and/or experience required. In terms of our entry level roles, to apply for our Student Officer campaign, candidates are required to have 5 GCSEs, or equivalent, at grades A* to C including English Language. Our police staff entry roles of Administrative Support Officer and Call Handler do not require candidates to have any specific educational qualifications as the essential eligibility criteria is skills and experience based.
Request 2
If possible please also specify which course/degrees are recommended.
E.G (ROLE/RANK - REQUIRES A-LEVEL - ANY SUBJECT ACCEPTED).
Answer
As outlined above, the criteria will very much be determined by the nature of the role, for example if a candidate is interested in an HR role, a qualification in HR would be a recommended pathway, if the candidate is interested in an IT role, a qualification in IT would be a recommended pathway, etc.
Request 3
I would also like to request the following information: Do the PSNI hold Level 3 extended diplomas from a tech/college equivalent to A - levels?
E.G if a position is open and 2 applicants have same performance but one has A - levels and the other a Level 3 Extended diploma, are the A - levels likely to be favoured?
Answer
Yes, PSNI considers Level 3 qualifications as equivalent to A Levels. No preference is given to the type of qualifications used to demonstrate eligibility. Candidates who meet the essential eligibility criteria are assessed solely on their performance during the recruitment process.