You need a Level 6 qualification to work as a Police Officer.
Pay range: National Careers Service.
Your route in
Qualification REQUIRED to practise (regulated) - minimum L6
Build toward the standard
- A Level Sociology L320 courses
- Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology L35 courses
- A Level Sociology L34 courses
- Level 2 Diploma for Entry to the Uniformed Services L23 courses
- Level 3 Diploma for Entry to the Uniformed Services L32 courses
- Level 3 Extended Diploma for Entry to the Uniformed Services L32 courses
The qualification you need (Level 6)
Below this level you cannot practise; these get you there.
Where this can take you
After training, you'll need to pass a probationary period as a police constable. There are opportunities to specialise in a particular type of policing, for example: criminal investigation department (CID), road traffic, drugs or firearms, counter-terrorism, air support or underwater search and dog handling or mounted policing. With experience and extra training, you may be able to apply for promotion to sergeant, inspector or chief inspector. In the CID, you'll also have the title of detective added to your rank, for example detective sergeant or detective chief inspector.