The NSW Police interview
what happens, and how to prepare

The route from eligibility check to Probationary Constable has 11 steps, built around NSW Police's seven application stages. The interview is Stage 5, after the Professional Suitability Application and the physical, psychometric and medical assessments. Unlike other states, it isn't a fixed hurdle that everyone clears.

1. 1

   Eligibility check

   Confirm you meet the age, citizenship, licence and education requirements.

2. 2

   Stage 1: pre-application documents

   Documents certified by a Justice of the Peace.

3. 3

   Stage 2: qualifications

   Aquatic Rescue Sequence certificate (valid 5 years) and first aid.

4. 4

   Stage 3: Professional Suitability Application

   Lodged via iworkfor. You are assigned a case manager; background and reference checks and fingerprints follow.

5. 5

   Stage 4: physical, psychometric and medical

   Physical Capacity Tests, psychometric testing (possibly a psychologist interview) and a medical (research notes 'Cogent Thinking').

6. 6

   Stage 5: interview

   Interview stage

   Only if needed. NSW Police says interviews are held on a needs basis, generally to clarify issues in your application; your case manager contacts you if you need one.

7. 7

   Stage 6: final checking

   Final checks before an offer.

8. 8

   Stage 7: offer into the ADAP

   Offer into the Associate Degree in Applied Policing. A separate application to Western Sydney University is needed.

9. 9

   ADAP Session 1: online study

   16 weeks of distance/online study (unpaid), including a residential at the Academy and a 2-week station placement.

10. 10

    ADAP Session 2: Academy

    16 weeks full-time at the NSW Police Academy, Goulburn, paid as temporary administrative staff.

11. 11

    Probationary Constable

    12 months as a Probationary Constable plus 3 online part-time sessions; confirmed as Constable after probation.

Because NSW has no separate written entrance exam, academic suitability is handled through the degree entry requirements with Western Sydney University. That puts more weight on the suitability application, the checks and, when it happens, the interview. Our NSW joining guide covers each stage in detail.

There are two different conversations you could be asked to have, and they serve different purposes. Knowing which one you've been invited to tells you how to prepare.

Who gets one

Recruitment interview (Stage 5)

Applicants whose application raises issues or problems that need clarifying

Psychologist interview (Stage 4)

Applicants whose psychometric results the psychologist wants to clarify

Who runs it

Recruitment interview (Stage 5)

NSW Police recruitment; your case manager arranges it

Psychologist interview (Stage 4)

A NSW Police Force psychologist

What it's for

Recruitment interview (Stage 5)

To clarify issues encountered during the application

Psychologist interview (Stage 4)

To clarify the results of your psychometric assessment

How you hear

Recruitment interview (Stage 5)

Your case manager contacts you

Psychologist interview (Stage 4)

You're asked to attend after testing

Format

Recruitment interview (Stage 5)

Not published

Psychologist interview (Stage 4)

Not published

	Recruitment interview (Stage 5)	Psychologist interview (Stage 4)
Who gets one	Applicants whose application raises issues or problems that need clarifying	Applicants whose psychometric results the psychologist wants to clarify
Who runs it	NSW Police recruitment; your case manager arranges it	A NSW Police Force psychologist
What it's for	To clarify issues encountered during the application	To clarify the results of your psychometric assessment
How you hear	Your case manager contacts you	You're asked to attend after testing
Format	Not published	Not published

From the NSW Police Force physical and medical checks page. Length, panel size and format are not published.

NSW is unusual in having its values written into law. Section 7 of the Police Act 1990 sets out a Statement of Values that every member of the NSW Police Force must act by, and the force publishes it as its guiding principles. These eight values are the clearest public statement of what NSW Police looks for in its people.

Places integrity above all

What it looks like in an interview answer

You did the right thing when it cost you, and told the truth when silence was easier

Where your examples might come from

Returning an overpayment, reporting a friend's dishonesty, owning a mistake

Upholds the rule of law

What it looks like in an interview answer

You follow rules consistently, even when you disagree, and raise concerns properly

Where your examples might come from

Following a workplace policy you thought was wrong, then suggesting a change

Preserves the rights and freedoms of individuals

What it looks like in an interview answer

You treat people fairly and protect their dignity, especially when they're vulnerable

Where your examples might come from

Standing up for a customer or colleague being treated badly

Seeks to improve the quality of life by community involvement in policing

What it looks like in an interview answer

You're involved in your community and understand how trust is built

Where your examples might come from

Volunteering, coaching, a cultural or faith group, a local club role

Strives for citizen and police personal satisfaction

What it looks like in an interview answer

You care about the experience of the people you serve and the people you work with

Where your examples might come from

Turning round a complaint; making a workplace better for colleagues

Capitalises on the wealth of human resources

What it looks like in an interview answer

You value others' skills, develop people and work well in diverse teams

Where your examples might come from

Training a new starter; drawing on a teammate's expertise

Makes efficient and economical use of public resources

What it looks like in an interview answer

You're careful with time, money and equipment that isn't yours

Where your examples might come from

Cutting waste, improving a roster or process

Ensures that authority is exercised responsibly

What it looks like in an interview answer

When you've had power over others, you used it fairly and with restraint

Where your examples might come from

Supervising shifts, managing a team, a position of trust

Value (Police Act s 7)	What it looks like in an interview answer	Where your examples might come from
Places integrity above all	You did the right thing when it cost you, and told the truth when silence was easier	Returning an overpayment, reporting a friend's dishonesty, owning a mistake
Upholds the rule of law	You follow rules consistently, even when you disagree, and raise concerns properly	Following a workplace policy you thought was wrong, then suggesting a change
Preserves the rights and freedoms of individuals	You treat people fairly and protect their dignity, especially when they're vulnerable	Standing up for a customer or colleague being treated badly
Seeks to improve the quality of life by community involvement in policing	You're involved in your community and understand how trust is built	Volunteering, coaching, a cultural or faith group, a local club role
Strives for citizen and police personal satisfaction	You care about the experience of the people you serve and the people you work with	Turning round a complaint; making a workplace better for colleagues
Capitalises on the wealth of human resources	You value others' skills, develop people and work well in diverse teams	Training a new starter; drawing on a teammate's expertise
Makes efficient and economical use of public resources	You're careful with time, money and equipment that isn't yours	Cutting waste, improving a roster or process
Ensures that authority is exercised responsibly	When you've had power over others, you used it fairly and with restraint	Supervising shifts, managing a team, a position of trust

'Places integrity above all' is the first value in the Act. Expect anything you say to be weighed against it.

You don't need to recite the values. You do need examples that show them. Go through the list and match each value to at least one real experience. Some will be obvious; others, like the efficient use of public resources, might come from a part-time job where you cut waste or fixed a process.

Three reasons. First, you won't know until your case manager calls, and the call can come at short notice. Second, the psychologist interview, if you're asked to one, explores the same ground: how you handle stress, conflict and ethical choices. Third, everything you prepare is useful straight away in your Professional Suitability Application.

There's also a longer game. Recruits who've practised talking about their values and decisions find the academy, field training and, later, promotion processes easier. The skill of telling a clear, honest account of what you did and why is the core of good police work, from notebook entries to giving evidence in court.

If your case manager asks you to attend, it's because something in your application needs explaining. That might be a declared criminal or traffic matter, a reference that raised a question, a gap in your history, or an inconsistency between documents. The aim is to understand the issue, not to catch you out.

Candour is the whole game. An applicant who explains a past mistake plainly, without minimising or blaming others, shows exactly the integrity the Police Act puts first. An applicant who is evasive, or whose story shifts, creates a bigger problem than the original matter.

All NSW applicants complete psychometric testing at Stage 4 to assess psychological suitability. NSW Police says no preparation is needed for the tests, and full instructions are given on the day. Afterwards, you may be asked to see a NSW Police Force psychologist to clarify your results.

Being asked doesn't mean you've failed. Psychologists commonly follow up on answers that need context, such as a period of stress or a pattern in your responses. Expect questions about your upbringing, relationships, work history, how you handle pressure and conflict, and any past mental health support. Answer as yourself.

NSW Police doesn't publish how it weighs past mental health support. Other forces say they assess it case by case (Tasmania Police states this outright), and being honest about it, with what you learned about looking after yourself, reads far better than hiding it. Our police psychological assessment guide explains what these assessments look for across Australian forces.

Panels anywhere like candidates who understand the force they're joining. In NSW the big story is recruiting. These figures come from government releases and budget estimates reporting; use them to show you've done your homework, not to lecture a panel.

Class 369 was also the first to attest from the Western Sydney University degree, and the Academy has moved from three to four attestation classes a year. Recruitment is growing, but the force is still carrying vacancies and a large number of officers on leave, which means busy stations for new constables.

Regional service is the other theme. NSW pays a remote cash incentive worth up to $36,000 over five years at remote locations, offers regional police housing, and runs a "Be a Cop in your Home Town" program for priority districts. If you'd be open to country service, say so and say why. See NSW Police pay for the award detail.

These are original practice questions, not questions NSW Police uses. Each one targets a value from the Police Act or a real feature of joining NSW, such as the degree, regional service and the current workload. Use them to test your example bank and your motivation answer.

1

Tests

Integrity

Practice question

The Police Act says NSW officers must place integrity above all. Tell us about a time you put integrity ahead of what was easiest for you.

What a strong answer covers

A real cost to you, the choice you made, how you handled the people involved, and what happened.

2

Tests

Rule of law

Practice question

Tell us about a time you followed a rule even though bending it would have helped someone you cared about.

What a strong answer covers

Consistency, explaining the rule kindly, and any proper channel you used to question it.

3

Tests

Rights and dignity

Practice question

Describe a time you protected someone's dignity or rights when others weren't.

What a strong answer covers

What you noticed, how you intervened proportionately, and the outcome for that person.

4

Tests

Community involvement

Practice question

Tell us about your involvement in a community group, club or organisation. What did you personally contribute?

What a strong answer covers

Specific contribution, people from different backgrounds, and what it taught you about trust.

5

Tests

Satisfaction

Practice question

Tell us about a time you turned an unhappy customer or member of the public into a satisfied one.

What a strong answer covers

Listening, ownership, a practical fix, and following up.

6

Tests

Developing people

Practice question

Describe a time you helped a new team member find their feet.

What a strong answer covers

What they needed, how you adapted, and how you knew it worked.

7

Tests

Use of resources

Practice question

Give an example of saving time, money or materials for an organisation you worked for.

What a strong answer covers

The waste you spotted, your idea, getting buy-in, and a measurable result.

8

Tests

Responsible authority

Practice question

Tell us about a time you had authority over others, even informally. How did you use it?

What a strong answer covers

Fairness, restraint, explaining decisions, and admitting when you got it wrong.

9

Tests

Regional service

Practice question

NSW pays incentives for regional and remote service and runs a 'Be a Cop in your Home Town' program. How would you feel about a posting far from family, and what would you bring to a small town?

What a strong answer covers

Genuine openness, practical plans, and an understanding of country communities, including First Nations communities.

10

Tests

Study and commitment

Practice question

The degree you'd complete starts with an unpaid online session, then the Academy. How will you manage study, money and family through it?

What a strong answer covers

A realistic plan for income, study time and support, showing you've read how the program works.

11

Tests

Workload and wellbeing

Practice question

NSW has reported thousands of vacancies and many officers on leave. How would you look after yourself at a busy, short-staffed station?

What a strong answer covers

Healthy coping, asking for help early, and supporting teammates. Balanced, not alarmed.

12

Tests

Motivation

Practice question

Most states are recruiting hard. Why NSW Police and not another force?

What a strong answer covers

Specifics about NSW: its regions, the Academy and degree, programs that appeal to you, and personal ties.

13

Tests

Personal history

Practice question

If you were asked to explain something you declared in your application, how would you approach it?

What a strong answer covers

Full honesty, consistent with what you declared, what you learned, and what's different now.

14

Tests

Resilience

Practice question

Tell us about the most stressful period in your life so far and how you got through it.

What a strong answer covers

Self-awareness, what helped, who you leaned on, and how you kept functioning.

#	Tests	Practice question	What a strong answer covers
1	Integrity	The Police Act says NSW officers must place integrity above all. Tell us about a time you put integrity ahead of what was easiest for you.	A real cost to you, the choice you made, how you handled the people involved, and what happened.
2	Rule of law	Tell us about a time you followed a rule even though bending it would have helped someone you cared about.	Consistency, explaining the rule kindly, and any proper channel you used to question it.
3	Rights and dignity	Describe a time you protected someone's dignity or rights when others weren't.	What you noticed, how you intervened proportionately, and the outcome for that person.
4	Community involvement	Tell us about your involvement in a community group, club or organisation. What did you personally contribute?	Specific contribution, people from different backgrounds, and what it taught you about trust.
5	Satisfaction	Tell us about a time you turned an unhappy customer or member of the public into a satisfied one.	Listening, ownership, a practical fix, and following up.
6	Developing people	Describe a time you helped a new team member find their feet.	What they needed, how you adapted, and how you knew it worked.
7	Use of resources	Give an example of saving time, money or materials for an organisation you worked for.	The waste you spotted, your idea, getting buy-in, and a measurable result.
8	Responsible authority	Tell us about a time you had authority over others, even informally. How did you use it?	Fairness, restraint, explaining decisions, and admitting when you got it wrong.
9	Regional service	NSW pays incentives for regional and remote service and runs a 'Be a Cop in your Home Town' program. How would you feel about a posting far from family, and what would you bring to a small town?	Genuine openness, practical plans, and an understanding of country communities, including First Nations communities.
10	Study and commitment	The degree you'd complete starts with an unpaid online session, then the Academy. How will you manage study, money and family through it?	A realistic plan for income, study time and support, showing you've read how the program works.
11	Workload and wellbeing	NSW has reported thousands of vacancies and many officers on leave. How would you look after yourself at a busy, short-staffed station?	Healthy coping, asking for help early, and supporting teammates. Balanced, not alarmed.
12	Motivation	Most states are recruiting hard. Why NSW Police and not another force?	Specifics about NSW: its regions, the Academy and degree, programs that appeal to you, and personal ties.
13	Personal history	If you were asked to explain something you declared in your application, how would you approach it?	Full honesty, consistent with what you declared, what you learned, and what's different now.
14	Resilience	Tell us about the most stressful period in your life so far and how you got through it.	Self-awareness, what helped, who you leaned on, and how you kept functioning.

Our AI mock interview also asks general recruit questions that suit NSW, such as these:

Integrity

Question in the AI tool

Tell us about a time you saw someone do something you believed was wrong. What did you do?

Decision making

Question in the AI tool

Tell us about a time you had to follow a rule or policy you disagreed with.

Situational

Question in the AI tool

A member of the public offers you a free coffee every morning to 'look after' their shop. How do you respond?

Regional service

Question in the AI tool

How would you feel about being posted to a regional or remote station?

Competency	Question in the AI tool
Integrity	Tell us about a time you saw someone do something you believed was wrong. What did you do?
Decision making	Tell us about a time you had to follow a rule or policy you disagreed with.
Situational	A member of the public offers you a free coffee every morning to 'look after' their shop. How do you respond?
Regional service	How would you feel about being posted to a regional or remote station?

Free tool

Practise these with NSW selected

Choose NSW Police in the AI mock interview, answer out loud or by typing, and get a STAR score and your biggest fix. Two free scored answers a day; A$34.99 for 30 days of full access.

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Question: "The Police Act says officers must place integrity above all. Tell us about a time you put integrity ahead of what was easiest." This is an original model answer to show structure, not a script. Yours should use your own experience.

Situation: "I was treasurer of my local football club. Reconciling the accounts, I found a reimbursement claim from a committee member, who's also a close friend, for equipment that had never arrived at the club."

Task: "I had to make sure the club's money was properly accounted for, without accusing a friend of something I couldn't yet prove."

Action: "I checked the receipts and the equipment register first, so I had facts rather than suspicion. Then I spoke to him privately and asked about the purchase. He admitted he'd bought the items for his own kids and meant to repay it. I told him I couldn't leave it off the record."

"I explained that I'd raise it with the president, and gave him the chance to come with me. He did. I documented the conversation and the repayment, and suggested we bring in a second signatory for reimbursements so no one would be put in that position again."

Result: "He repaid the money within a week, the committee adopted the two-signature rule, and the end-of-year audit was clean. Our friendship was strained for a while, but he later thanked me for handling it fairly. I learned that integrity is easier when you get the facts first and act in the open."

Chose honesty over loyalty, with a real personal cost

Value it shows

Places integrity above all

Gathered evidence before acting; didn't accuse

Value it shows

Upholds the rule of law

Treated the friend fairly and gave him a chance to act

Value it shows

Preserves rights; authority exercised responsibly

Fixed the system so it couldn't recur

Value it shows

Efficient and economical use of resources

Why it works	Value it shows
Chose honesty over loyalty, with a real personal cost	Places integrity above all
Gathered evidence before acting; didn't accuse	Upholds the rule of law
Treated the friend fairly and gave him a chance to act	Preserves rights; authority exercised responsibly
Fixed the system so it couldn't recur	Efficient and economical use of resources

Work through this while your application progresses. Most of it is useful even if you're never called to an interview.

The fitness tests and medical can stall an application as easily as an interview, so don't let them slide. See the NSW Police fitness test guide for the standards and our national interview questions page for more practice across every competency.

Applicants who complete every element go to Stage 6: final checking, then a formal offer into the Associate Degree in Applied Policing at the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn. NSW Police asks applicants to monitor their email at this point and be available for last-minute requests from the recruitment team. You also need a separate application to Western Sydney University.

ADAP Session 1

What happens

16 weeks of online study, a residential at the Academy and a station placement

Pay

Unpaid

ADAP Session 2

What happens

16 weeks full-time at the NSW Police Academy, Goulburn

Pay

$1,360 a week plus super and allowances, as temporary administrative staff (rate from March 2024)

Probationary Constable

What happens

12 months on probation with three online part-time sessions

Pay

$92,576 including the 11.5% loading

Stage	What happens	Pay
ADAP Session 1	16 weeks of online study, a residential at the Academy and a station placement	Unpaid
ADAP Session 2	16 weeks full-time at the NSW Police Academy, Goulburn	$1,360 a week plus super and allowances, as temporary administrative staff (rate from March 2024)
Probationary Constable	12 months on probation with three online part-time sessions	$92,576 including the 11.5% loading

Listed ADAP start dates are 26 Oct 2026, 1 Mar 2027, 3 May 2027, 23 Aug 2027. Whether the Academy pay rate is unchanged for 2026 isn't confirmed; NSW Police Recruitment can confirm it. For the full picture of pay once you're sworn in, see the NSW Police salary guide.