Frequently Asked Questions
Sworn
If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the AFP Recruitment Team
- General enquiries
- What makes the AFP special?
- What is the difference between AFP and state police?
- Do I have to be an Australian citizen to apply for work with the AFP?
- I have a security clearance from another department/organisation—will this assist me with my application?
- Does the AFP have graduate, work experience or trainee programs?
- What are the pay scales and working conditions?
- How often does the AFP recruit?
- Requirements for joining the AFP
- Are there any age restrictions for police recruitment?
- Does the AFP have minimum education requirements for recruits?
- Do I have to have a driver’s licence?
- How current should my first aid and swimming skills be?
- Do I need to meet a particular medical standard to be recruited?
- If I have diabetes will this preclude me from applying?
- If I have asthma, will this preclude me from applying?
- Do I have to be a minimum height to join the AFP?
- Do I need to have experience in state policing, paramilitary or military services to join the AFP?
- Does the AFP place an emphasis on physical strength?
- What level of physical fitness is required?
- What can I do to prepare for the fitness test?
- Will my sexual orientation prohibit me from joining the AFP?
- Does the AFP employ people from non-English speaking backgrounds or from different ethnic groups?
- I am still at school and considering a future in the AFP. Are there any subjects/curriculum favoured by the AFP that would enhance my chances for employment?
- Does the AFP prefer people with degrees and particular types of degrees?
- Recruitment process
- What is the process for police recruitment?
- What does the aptitude and psychological testing involve?
- Where can I find information about aptitude testing or extra examples?
- What does it mean if I do not progress in my application as a result of the aptitude and psychological testing?
- What does an AFP recruitment interview involve?
- What is involved in the security clearance process?
- Training at the AFP College
- How long does recruit training take?
- What will I learn at the AFP College?
- Is the AFP College affiliated with a university?
- If I live in Canberra, do I have to live at the College during training?
- Can my family stay with me while I am at the AFP College?
- Working in the AFP
- Do I have a say in where I am deployed after recruit training?
- What is the difference between sworn and non-sworn police roles?
- What is the difference between ACT Policing (general duties), Federal Agent and Protective Service Officer roles?
- What is the AFP’s International Deployment Group?
- If I join the AFP is it likely that I will be seriously injured?
- Do all AFP members wear police uniforms?
- Is ACT Policing an independent police service in its own right?
- Applying for non-policing jobs
- What types of non-policing roles are there in the AFP?
- Where will I find AFP job vacancies?
- Are there any pre-requisites for non-policing roles?
- What is involved in applying for non-policing roles?
General enquiries
What makes the AFP special?
The AFP is the only police service in Australia which offers work in community policing, as Federal Agents, in Protective Services and peacekeeping missions overseas. The AFP also offers work in non-policing roles.
- The AFP’s community police protect the national capital, which involves an exciting mix of issues and challenges. They are the first point of contact when a local crime is committed.
- Federal Agents operate in state and territory capital cities and as liaison officers in countries around the world. They focus on national and international crime. Federal Agents also serve as peacekeepers for the United Nations.
- All AFP sworn police can move from community policing roles to Federal Agent roles and vice-versa.
- The AFP’s Protective Service Officers provide security for government and foreign officials, airports, secure locations, major museums and at major events. They also provide security services and training to government agencies.
- The International Deployment Group is a new approach to deploying personnel overseas for peacekeeping and capacity building missions. You will gain exposure to policing issues and situations not normally encountered in Australia.
- The AFP has many non-policing roles which support policing operations. These range from forensics, legal, intelligence and marketing to IT and business support. Whatever role interests you, you will be assisting the AFP to combat crime.
What is the difference between AFP and state police?
State police enforce laws within their state and are covered under state legislation. The AFP investigates and prevents crimes against the Commonwealth—work that often extends beyond state and national borders—and protects Commonwealth interests in Australia and overseas. The AFP also provides community policing services to the ACT community under contract with the ACT Government.
Do I have to be an Australian citizen to apply for work with the AFP?
You do not have to be an Australian citizen to apply, but there is an expectation that you will be an Australian citizen to be engaged as an AFP employee. Only in exceptional circumstances will the Commissioner consider engaging a person who is not an Australian citizen. Please note, the AFP does not offer sponsorship for non-citizens.
I have a security clearance from another department/organisation—will this assist me with my application?
The AFP will still conduct its own security checks. If, however, you are able to provide the relevant details/documentation, please do so.
Does the AFP have graduate, work experience or trainee programs?
The AFP’s Graduate Program currently involves a 12-month comprehensive training and development program in three varied work rotations, with a dedicated mentor to provide assistance and support You can build your career at the local, national or international level with non-policing roles ranging from intelligence analysts and forensic investigators through to jobs in information technology, legal, training, marketing and communications and administrative support. To join the AFP graduate program, you must be an Australian citizen and have completed a three-year bachelor degree.
A Career Introduction Program for Year 11 and 12 students is run by ACT Policing and the ACT Department of Education. The two-day program takes students through different areas of the AFP allowing them to interact and ask questions of AFP staff in each area. Applications are available through school careers advisers. The AFP also offers an Indigenous traineeship program.
What are the pay scales and working conditions?
Base level recruits are paid $47,487 while training. Details about pay, the AFP’s generous leave entitlements and other conditions are at Pay and conditions.
How often does the AFP recruit?
The AFP’s recruitment needs vary from year to year depending on organisational and government demands. The AFP currently has sufficient qualified candidates and applications are now temporarily closed. Please visit the AFP Jobs@AFP website on a regular basis for employment opportunities.
Requirements for joining the AFP
Are there any age restrictions for police recruitment?
The AFP recruits people from age 18. We value life experience and there is no maximum age limit providing the individual is considered fit to perform policing duties. Recruits attending training at the AFP College are usually aged somewhere from their early 20s to late 40s. See more detail under minimum requirements.
Does the AFP have minimum education requirements for recruits?
For ACT Policing and Federal Agent roles you need Year 12 education or Year 10 with a trade certificate or similar experience. Certificate IV will also be considered on a case by case basis. Study/Attendance for a Certificate IV should have been for a minimum of 12 months. Documentation of your Certificate IV will be required to support your claim. Tertiary qualifications are desirable but not essential.
Do I have to have a driver’s licence?
For ACT Policing, Federal Agent and Protective Service Officer roles you need a full driver’s licence. This means you cannot have Learner or Provisional plates.
How current should my first aid and swimming skills be?
Police recruits need a current first aid certificate and confirmation of ability to swim 100 metres freestyle non-stop - at the time of training and for the first six months of employment. For more details, see minimum requirements.
Do I need to meet a particular medical standard to be recruited?
Yes. The entry requirements for AFP policing roles are provided in medical standard for recruits. If you have a specific medical condition and you wish to know if it precludes you from AFP (police) employment, please contact the AFP Recruitment Team. If necessary, the Recruitment Team will consult the AFP’s medical service provider for advice.
If I have diabetes will this preclude me from applying?
Insulin dependent diabetes need not exclude you from joining the AFP for training as a recruit, or being a sworn member.
There may be later restrictions on operational deployment overseas, depending on the area of operations and level of medical support services available.
You will need to provide proof from your treating doctors (including specialists) that:
- that the condition is under good control (laboratory evidence were applicable);
- there are no restrictions to holding a driver’s licence
- there has been no history within the last two years of hypoglycaemic events.
If I have asthma, will this preclude me from applying?
Asthma need not exclude you from joining the AFP for training as a recruit, or being a sworn member.
There may be later restrictions on operational deployment overseas, depending on the area of operations and level of medical support services available.
You will need to provide proof from your treating doctors (including specialists) that:
- that the condition is under good control (laboratory evidence were applicable)
- there are no contra-indications to holding a driver’s licence
- there has been no history within the last two years of severe asthma attacks.
Do I have to be a minimum height to join the AFP?
There is no minimum height requirement for AFP recruits. People of all shapes and sizes are needed, as long as they are fit and healthy.
Do I need to have experience in state policing, paramilitary or military services to join the AFP?
The AFP does recognise experience in other police services, and candidates with such experience may be eligible for entry under the lateral transfer recruit program. However, the AFP equally values people with varied life experiences, including many who have tertiary qualifications.
Does the AFP place an emphasis on physical strength?
The key strengths required to police modern society are intellect and good interpersonal skills. Studies show that upper body strength is required in relatively few instances and that intelligence, good communication and negotiation skills lessen the likelihood of conflict situations developing. For police recruits, the AFP does have minimum fitness standards.
What level of physical fitness is required?
The Pre-entry Physical Competency Assessment will determine your level of physical fitness and these results will form part of the application process and medical material about your general level of health and fitness. For more information, see minimum fitness standards.
What can I do to prepare for the fitness test?
These exercise programs are based on the fitness tests conducted and have been developed to help you prepare for the Pre-entry Physical Competency Assessment:
- Exercise Program Introduction (PDF, 48kB)
- Exercise Routine – Female (PDF, 719kB)
- Exercise Routine – Male (PDF, 705kB).
Will my sexual orientation prohibit me from joining the AFP?
The AFP believes that sexual orientation does not affect an individual’s ability to do the job. The Gay and Lesbian Officer Network provides support to its members and also advises management on strategies and initiatives for managing relationships with the gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and intersexual communities.
Does the AFP employ people from non-English speaking backgrounds or from different ethnic groups?
Yes. The AFP mirrors the Australian community by employing people from a wide diversity of backgrounds. Currently, AFP staff speak 59 different languages including sign language. Many internal networks, such as the Malunggang Indigenous Officer Network, exist to support staff.
I am still at school and considering a future in the AFP. Are there any subjects/curriculum favoured by the AFP that would enhance my chances for employment?
There are no particular preferred subjects. The AFP is interested in good results and a capacity to think critically. Selection for AFP employment is highly competitive. We look for sound academic performance and encourage you to pursue subjects you are interested in which develop your thinking skills. Good results in these areas will indicate how well you are likely to do with police training requirements. Many people are interested in AFP employment and this makes selection competitive. On this basis and the nature of contemporary policing, the AFP tends to favour applicants with significant life experience and relevant skills and training.
Does the AFP prefer people with degrees and particular types of degrees?
Tertiary qualifications are desirable but not essential. The minimum educational qualification is the completion of Year 12, or Year 10 plus a trade certificate. Tertiary qualifications may add to your competitiveness and wherever possible, the AFP seeks to recruit graduates from a wide range of disciplines, not limited to law/justice/criminology studies.
Recruitment process
What is the process for police recruitment?
The process for police recruitment is designed to ensure applicants meet both the AFP’s entry requirements and that they have a high potential for successfully meeting the challenges and demands of policing. This usually involves:
- submitting your online application and supporting documentation
- meeting the minimum requirements
- meeting designated standards on entry testing (aptitude and psychological screening)
- undertaking a pre-entry Physical Competency Assessment
- attending a recruitment interview (conducted by a panel) and a security clearance, which may involve an interview (and fingerprinting)
- having a medical examination
- undergoing a urine-analysis for illicit drug use)
- attending training.
The process varies depending on whether you join as a Community Policing recruit, Protective Service Officer recruit or lateral recruit transferring from another police service. For more information, see How to apply.
What does the aptitude and psychological testing involve?
The aptitude tests are designed to measure your ability to understand verbal, numerical and abstract relationships. Applicants have a set period of time in which to complete these tests. Examples of aptitude questions are:
- Find the missing number in the following sequence - 1 5 9 13 ? 21
(answer: 17) - Find the missing number in the following sequence - 2 5 10 17 ?
(answer: 26 - each number from 1 to 5 is first squared and then 1 is added) - Which four of the following words are alike in some way? 1. behind 2. premature 3. late 4. early 5. tardy 6. slow
(answer: 1, 3, 5 and 6) - Book is to read as car is to ? 1. travel 2. distance 3. drive 4. speed
(answer: 3).
The psychological testing involves two tests that ask many questions about your behaviour, thoughts and feelings. These tests are used to assess whether your personal characteristics are a suitable match to the requirements of a police role.
Where can I find information about aptitude testing or extra examples?
Information and further examples of general aptitude testing (not specifically the ones used by AFP) might be found in your local library or at a large bookshop. Technical information about aptitude and psychological testing can be found in university libraries. You may also find information on the Internet if you conduct a search using terms like ‘psychometric testing’ or ‘aptitude testing’.
What does it mean if I do not progress in my application as a result of the aptitude and psychological testing?
This simply means that you have not met the minimum AFP specific testing requirements. No other conclusions are drawn.
What does an AFP recruitment interview involve?
An AFP recruitment interview is similar to any other professional job interview situation. You should, for example, come dressed for a job interview and arrive at least 15 minutes early. Prepare yourself for the interview by conducting research as necessary and anticipating answers to questions regarding your capabilities, integrity, interests and personal history. If there are large numbers to be interviewed, you should be prepared to be available throughout the day. The interview can be conducted by a two or three-person panel which will include at least one female panel member for female applicants. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders may elect to have a friend attend the interview process to assist. The AFP’s recruit interview process differs from other job interviews in that it may run for two to three hours, during which time you may also take part in a security interview and fingerprinting.
What is involved in the security clearance process?
Applicants for the AFP should be aware that the security clearance process can be intrusive in nature and includes (but is not limited to) detailed background, character, employment, police and financial checks.
Training at the AFP College
How long does recruit training take?
The length of training programs varies depending on whether you are a Community Policing recruit (20 weeks), Protective Service Officer recruit (13 weeks) or lateral transfer recruit from another police service (training depends on experience). For more information see Recruit training.
What will I learn at the AFP College?
Police recruits at the AFP College undertake the Diploma of Public Safety (Policing). This Diploma is a combination of 14 competencies designed to give you the underpinning knowledge and the technical skills to perform the functions of a member of the AFP. You will achieve a high level of theoretical knowledge and will be required to demonstrate the practical application of that knowledge by performing the functions of a Police Officer serving in the community. After completing your training and demonstrating the appropriate competencies in the workplace, you receive your Diploma through the AFP College.
Is the AFP College affiliated with a university?
The AFP College is a Registered Training Organisation; however it is not affiliated with any university.
If I live in Canberra, do I have to live at the College during training?
Yes, it is a standard AFP requirement for recruits to live-in at the College during training.
Can my family stay with me while I am at the AFP College?
Unfortunately no, due to the single accommodation arrangements at the College. You may choose, however, to organise other nearby accommodation for your family at your own expense. Generally, once you successfully complete your training requirements, the AFP will cover all reasonable expenses associated with moving your family to the location where you are initially deployed (if it differs from your home location).
Working in the AFP
Do I have a say in where I am deployed after recruit training?
The AFP recruits nationally and deploys staff around Australia in response to operational requirements. This means we target recruitment campaigns to respond to emerging needs. Recruitment campaigns may be for deployment to any area of the AFP or to specific areas of operations. If you are not interested in deployment to areas notified by a particular recruitment campaign, consider deferring your application to a future recruitment intake. All police recruits need to be conscious of the fact that the Commissioner has the power to assign police members at any time to any place he considers appropriate for the performance of the AFP's functions. You can check regularly for new campaigns and deployment opportunities by adding the AFP website to your ‘favourites’.
What is the difference between sworn and non-sworn police roles?
Protective Service Officer and Community Policing recruits become sworn members of the AFP when they successfully finish training. This means that they have certain powers under the Australian Federal Police Act. Non-sworn members of the AFP include those employees in non-policing and support roles.
What is the difference between Community Policing, Federal Agent and Protective Service Officer roles?
Community Policing recruits begin in community policing in Canberra doing general duties. This may involve patrols and attending disputes, events, accidents, fires, floods and other disasters. More details are in the section about Community Policing.
Federal Agents prevent and detect crimes against Commonwealth law, many of which extend beyond state and national borders. Examples include terrorism, organised crime and people smuggling. More details are in the section about Federal Agents.
Protective Service Officers protect Commonwealth interests in Australia and overseas, including counter terrorism first response at Australia’s major airports. More details are in the section about Protective Service Officers.
What is the AFP’s International Deployment Group?
The AFP’s international deployments contribute to regional and international stability and security on behalf of the Australian Government through contributing to offshore law enforcement initiatives and participating in capacity development programs within the law and justice sector.
The International Deployment Group (IDG) has been formed to manage the deployment of Australian and Pacific Island police offshore to:
- multilateral law enforcement capacity building missions
- bilateral law enforcement capacity building programs under the auspices of the Law Enforcement Cooperation Program
- international monitoring missions
- international peacekeeping missions as civilian police with the United Nations.
Missions include locations ranging from East Timor to Sudan. The IDG consists of police and non-policing personnel as well as police officers from the state and territory police services, and from the countries of 12 Pacific Islands. It provides a unique opportunity for personnel to participate in extraordinary, challenging and rewarding work.
While the police role varies, each mission is essentially about upholding the law and people’s rights as well as resolving incidents with minimum force. It has also included mentoring local police. More information and other FAQs are available in the section about the International Deployment Group.
If I join the AFP is it likely that I will be seriously injured?
Recent statistics show that policing in Australia has a lower incidence of workplace injuries than occupations like farming and nursing. In fact, workplace injuries for AFP employees match the average for the whole of the Australian Public Service.
Do all AFP members wear police uniforms?
The AFP’s responsibilities fall into two areas, Federal Policing (70 per cent of sworn members) and ACT Community Policing (30 per cent). While the majority of Federal Agents are plain clothes investigators, most members who work in ACT Community Policing wear a uniform.
Is ACT Policing an independent police service in its own right?
ACT Community Policing is part of the AFP and ACT Community Police Officers and Federal Agents have roles of equal importance within this national law enforcement agency. The AFP is unique in offering opportunities to move between the two types of policing, and experience gained in one can be useful in performing duties in the other.