PCSO application process

Each police force runs its own PCSO recruitment, so the stages differ, but the two forces whose pages we read follow a similar order: an eligibility check, an online application, the College of Policing national sift, an interview, then medical, vetting and reference checks before an offer. The National Careers Service says each force has its own selection process, which will usually include written tests, an interview, fitness tests and an interactive task to see how you work with others. Always check the advert from the force you want to join.

Who can apply

Both Avon and Somerset and Devon and Cornwall require you to be 18 or over, and Devon and Cornwall says there is no upper age limit. Avon and Somerset asks for 3 years of UK residence and good physical and mental health. The PCSO profile describes the role.

Entry qualifications vary. Devon and Cornwall asks for Level 2 Functional Skills or GCSE English at grade 4 or C and above and says no maths qualification is required. The National Careers Service says some forces may ask for English GCSE at grade 4 (C). On nationality, both forces accept British citizens and people from the EU, EEA and Commonwealth, or foreign nationals with no restrictions on their stay, with Avon and Somerset specifying indefinite leave to remain for foreign nationals.

Things that can stop an application, as Avon and Somerset lists them: an unsatisfied county court judgement, current bankruptcy (and three years afterwards), a debt relief order (and three years afterwards), membership of certain groups such as the British National Party, tattoos that would cause offence, and being on the police barred or advisory lists within set periods. Criminal convictions and cautions are looked at, and minor offences are considered. Applying with a criminal record explains disclosure more broadly.

The online application

At Avon and Somerset you fill in personal details, employment history and references, and you can request reasonable adjustments if you are neurodivergent or have a disability or long-term health condition. The force then invites you to a compulsory familiarisation event covering the training programme and what the job is like. Not every force has this step.

The national sift

The sift has two online exercises that reflect the competencies and values relevant to a PCSO. The situational judgement test presents situations a PCSO could face, with actions to choose from. The behavioural styles questionnaire asks how far you agree with statements about your behaviour at work.

Devon and Cornwall adds detail. You have 7 days to complete the sift after registering, you pass the questionnaire before you can take the situational judgement test, and results and a feedback report arrive straight away. The competencies are set at level 1 for the sift, and no policing knowledge is needed. Our guide to situational judgement tests covers the format.

Interview and tests

After passing the sift, Avon and Somerset invites you to an in-person interview. Devon and Cornwall mentions a force interview where biometric samples are likely to be taken. Other forces may add an assessment centre or group exercise, in line with the National Careers Service list. Prepare examples using the STAR method.

Medical, drug test, vetting and references

Avon and Somerset says PCSOs must reach the same standard of health, biometrics and vetting as a police officer. Devon and Cornwall describes:

• a medical by its occupational health unit covering BMI, eyesight, colour vision, lung function and hearing, plus a confidential medical history questionnaire
• a drug test using a hair sample
• biometric vetting with fingerprints and a DNA sample
• security checks on you and your partner, parents, siblings, children aged 10 or over, and any other adult at your address
• a financial check, where outstanding CCJs, IVAs or bankruptcy with outstanding debts lead to rejection
• references from all employers in the last 5 years, or an educational or character reference if you have not worked that long

Declare anything you are unsure about. See pre-employment checks for the general picture.

Offer and training

Once every check is passed you receive a formal offer and a place on the next training course. PCSO pay is set by each force, so look at the advert and use the take-home pay calculator to turn the salary into a monthly figure. Some PCSOs later apply to become constables, which has its own application process.