Join as a Protective Service Officer recruit
“I’ve done the Bike Patrol course and the pre deployment course, which prepares you for going on overseas deployment to places like the Solomon Islands or Nauru. We participated in a lot of teamwork and camping, plus I got to experience what it might be like during a raid or mortar attack.”
Amanda, Protective Service Officer
How to apply
Applications are accepted at any time through the AFP’s online application system. Campaigns to recruit new Protective Service Officers occur as the need arises. While it is an advantage to have prior security or police experience, this is not a pre-requisite for a role as a Protective Service Officer.
Selection process
The selection process is one of the most comprehensive in Australia. It is designed to ensure you meet the AFP’s requirements and can manage the challenges and demands of being a Protective Service Officer. It involves:
- completing an online application
- being assessed as meeting the minimum requirements
- having your application short listed against the selection criteria
- undertaking a pre-entry Physical Competency Assessment
- attending an Assessment Centre
- meeting medical standards
- meeting fitness standards
- satisfying character and security checks (including fingerprinting)
- undertaking Protective Service Officer recruit training (which includes drug testing).
Assessment Centre
Attending an Assessment Centre involves participating in a structured combination of assessment techniques used to provide wide-ranging, comprehensive assessment of each participant. The assessment process runs for a full day and assessment techniques include interview, written exercise, group discussion, individual presentation and psychological testing.
At the end of the Assessment Centre process you will be notified if you are progressing to the next stage. If you have been previously employed by the AFP your performance history during that period may be considered by the delegate as part of the selection process.
Applicants who are unsuccessful at Assessment Centre testing can reapply in 12 months.