If your application has been successful, you might want to prepare yourself for the selection process.

As well as making sure you are physically fit you might consider developing or improving your skills before sitting the entrance examination and attending the panel interview. Talk to your local TAFE or community college to see if they run any appropriate courses.

Entrance examination

If your application is accepted you may be invited to sit the police recruit entrance examination to assess your ability to:

• cope with the academic aspects of recruit training
• communicate clearly during operational duties.

At present the entrance examination consists of tests measuring non-verbal reasoning ability, verbal reasoning ability, spelling, grammatical knowledge, written expression and reading comprehension. However, the examination content may change without prior notice. You can view a mock entrance examination (PDF 160KB).

Panel interview

If you reach a satisfactory standard in the entrance examination you will be invited to attend an interview with serving members of the South Australia Police.

The interview gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your personal skills and attributes to show that you possess the qualities and qualifications to make a success of a police career.

South Australia Police uses the behavioural interviewing method (PDF 41KB). The interview covers areas such as leadership, decisiveness, problem solving, stress management and integrity.

The interview lasts about one and a half hours.

Occupational personality questionnaire

You'll be asked to complete an occupational personality questionnaire to assess whether you have the characteristics and personality to be able to cope with the duties and responsibilities of a serving police officer.

Medical examination

This will be conducted by the Police Medical Officer. You must meet the necessary standard to be able to undergo training at the Police Academy and undertake subsequent police duties.

Computing test

Computer testing is conducted by SAPOL's Information Systems and Technology Training Section at the Police Academy. You need to have basic computer competencies (PDF 86KB).

You can do a sample test (Word, 26KB), check what you should have done (Word, 25KB) and check the marking guide (PDF, 27KB).

Physical and agility tests

Before being accepted as a recruit you'll need to pass three physical and agility tests (PDF, 8KB):

• Test 1:  Skin-fold test
• Test 2: Multi-stage fitness test
• Test 3: Agility Test

These tests are physically demanding. To achieve a pass standard it is advisable to follow a gradual regime of cardio-vascular training. Before starting an exercise program, it is recommended that you consult your doctor.

You'll need to maintain these minimum fitness and agility standards throughout the assessment period and will be tested again if you are accepted for training at the Academy.

Successful applicants may be required to maintain these fitness standards throughout their police career.

The tests are conducted at the Police Academy, Strathfield Terrace, Taperoo. Change rooms and shower facilities are available.

You'll need to take your driver's licence or other identification to the physical and agility tests.

The Selection Board

Successful completion of all tests and assessments is not a guarantee that you will be selected to join the South Australia Police. Your completed file is reviewed by a Selection Board who consider all results, including a psychological evaluation and background checks.

This process may take some time - but it is essential that all results are carefully considered to make sure that all recruits are of the highest standard.

If you are not selected

If you are aged 18 to 21 years and go through the selection process but are not selected to become a recruit, you may be eligible to participate in activities offered by the Youth Recruitment Development Program.

This program helps address the areas in which you may need further development to improve your chance of success in the selection process.

Contact the Youth Recruitment Development Officer on 08 8207 6727 for more information.