What are the basic requirements to join the police?
Eight forces, one broad standard, and a handful of rules that differ.
There is no national eligibility standard for Australian police. Each force writes its own rules, and they're published on each force's recruiting site. In practice they cover the same ground: age, the right to live here permanently, a driver licence, an education level, health and fitness, and good character.
Age to start
18
apply at 17.5 in QLD, WA and Tas
Residency
PR or citizen
AFP: citizens only
Licence
P plates OK
in every force
Education
None to ATAR 50
by force
Most applicants meet the headline rules easily. Where people get caught is in the detail: Victoria's demerit point limit, the AFP's citizenship rule, Tasmania's school-leaving rules, the swimming certificates, and the character standards around drugs, debt and disclosure. This page goes through each requirement in turn, then lists every force's rules in full.
These are entry rules, not the tests
Meeting eligibility only lets you apply. You'll still need to pass each force's entrance test, fitness test, psych and medical, background checks and interview. Our complete guide to becoming a police officer covers those stages.
Already a police officer overseas?
This force doesn't sponsor overseas officers directly, but WA, SA and Queensland do, and you can transfer across later. See police officers moving to Australia, plus visas for police officers and what happens to your UK police pension.
Do you need to be an Australian citizen to join the police?
Not for most forces. Seven of the eight accept Australian permanent residents. The AFP is the exception: it requires Australian citizenship, which reflects the security clearance its officers need.
- Citizenship or residency rule
- Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen on a 444 visa (WSU says the ADAP is only open to Australian citizens or permanent residents).
- Citizenship or residency rule
- Australian citizen or permanent resident; New Zealand citizens on a special category visa.
- Citizenship or residency rule
- Australian citizen or permanent resident, or NZ citizen on a Special Category Visa. International police with enough experience may apply under the labour agreement (500 a year for 5 years from 2023).
- Citizenship or residency rule
- Australian or New Zealand citizen, or Australian permanent resident.
- Citizenship or residency rule
- Australian or New Zealand citizen, or Australian permanent resident (not verified on the SAPOL eligibility page).
- Citizenship or residency rule
- Australian or NZ citizen, or Australian permanent resident (visa subclasses 100, 189, 190, 191 listed).
- Citizenship or residency rule
- Australian citizen, permanent resident, NZ citizen, or NZ citizen on a Special Category Visa; NTPF does not sponsor visas.
- Citizenship or residency rule
- Australian citizen.
| Force | Citizenship or residency rule |
|---|---|
| NSW Police | Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen on a 444 visa (WSU says the ADAP is only open to Australian citizens or permanent residents). |
| Victoria Police | Australian citizen or permanent resident; New Zealand citizens on a special category visa. |
| QPS | Australian citizen or permanent resident, or NZ citizen on a Special Category Visa. International police with enough experience may apply under the labour agreement (500 a year for 5 years from 2023). |
| WA Police | Australian or New Zealand citizen, or Australian permanent resident. |
| SAPOL | Australian or New Zealand citizen, or Australian permanent resident (not verified on the SAPOL eligibility page). |
| Tasmania Police | Australian or NZ citizen, or Australian permanent resident (visa subclasses 100, 189, 190, 191 listed). |
| NT Police | Australian citizen, permanent resident, NZ citizen, or NZ citizen on a Special Category Visa; NTPF does not sponsor visas. |
| AFP | Australian citizen. |
SA's rule is from its job advert and search summaries; SAPOL's eligibility page only links to an online form.
New Zealand citizens are eligible in seven forces, but the wording varies. Victoria and Queensland refer to NZ citizens on a Special Category Visa, which is the visa most NZ citizens are granted on arrival. NSW says NZ citizens on a 444 visa are eligible, but Western Sydney University, which runs NSW's police degree, says the course is open only to Australian citizens or permanent residents. If you're an NZ citizen applying to NSW, ask both before you invest time.
Temporary visa holders can't apply as new recruits anywhere. The NT says it does not sponsor visas. The only visa-sponsored routes are for experienced police: WA, SA and Queensland bring in overseas officers on permanent Employer Nomination Scheme visas through labour agreements, with age limits of under 55 (WA) and under 45 (SA) at the visa stage. See the guide for UK officers moving to Australia.
How old do you need to be?
You must be 18 before you start recruit training in every force. Three forces let you apply earlier so you're ready to start on your 18th birthday or soon after.
- Minimum age
- 18
- Maximum joining age
- None stated
- Minimum age
- 18
- Maximum joining age
- No upper limit
- Minimum age
- 17.5 to apply, 18 to start
- Maximum joining age
- None found
- Minimum age
- 17 years 6 months to apply, 18 on appointment
- Maximum joining age
- None listed (overseas officers: under 55 at visa nomination)
- Minimum age
- 17 at application (unconfirmed)
- Maximum joining age
- None listed (overseas officers: under 45 at visa application)
- Minimum age
- 17.5 to apply, 18 to start
- Maximum joining age
- No upper limit
- Minimum age
- 18 at the start of training
- Maximum joining age
- No upper limit
- Minimum age
- 18
- Maximum joining age
- No upper limit (must pass health checks)
| Force | Minimum age | Maximum joining age |
|---|---|---|
| NSW Police | 18 | None stated |
| Victoria Police | 18 | No upper limit |
| QPS | 17.5 to apply, 18 to start | None found |
| WA Police | 17 years 6 months to apply, 18 on appointment | None listed (overseas officers: under 55 at visa nomination) |
| SAPOL | 17 at application (unconfirmed) | None listed (overseas officers: under 45 at visa application) |
| Tasmania Police | 17.5 to apply, 18 to start | No upper limit |
| NT Police | 18 at the start of training | No upper limit |
| AFP | 18 | No upper limit (must pass health checks) |
SA's minimum age comes from its job advert and has not been confirmed on its eligibility page. The overseas age limits in WA and SA apply only to the visa-sponsored international programs.
No force lists a maximum joining age for new recruits. Older applicants are assessed against the same fitness, medical and psychological standards as everyone else. Our police age limit guide covers joining later in life and each force's compulsory retirement age, which affects how long a career you can expect.
What driver licence do you need?
Driving is part of the job, so every force wants a current Australian driver licence. All of them accept a provisional licence, but each has its own extra conditions.
- Licence requirement
- Current NSW driver licence (or interstate equivalent) with at least 6 months' driving experience.
- Licence requirement
- Full or probationary Australian driver licence (no learner permits), with no more than 7 demerit points at application.
- Licence requirement
- Open driver licence, or a provisional licence held for at least 12 months, by academy graduation.
- Licence requirement
- Current manual 'C' or automatic 'C-A' driver licence (provisional is OK).
- Licence requirement
- Current C class driver licence; provisional is OK if you have no demerit points and are not on a Safer Driver Agreement (not verified on the SAPOL eligibility page).
- Licence requirement
- Current Australian driver licence (provisional accepted).
- Licence requirement
- Current provisional or open driver licence to drive a manual vehicle.
- Licence requirement
- Valid Australian driver's licence (at least P plates).
| Force | Licence requirement |
|---|---|
| NSW Police | Current NSW driver licence (or interstate equivalent) with at least 6 months' driving experience. |
| Victoria Police | Full or probationary Australian driver licence (no learner permits), with no more than 7 demerit points at application. |
| QPS | Open driver licence, or a provisional licence held for at least 12 months, by academy graduation. |
| WA Police | Current manual 'C' or automatic 'C-A' driver licence (provisional is OK). |
| SAPOL | Current C class driver licence; provisional is OK if you have no demerit points and are not on a Safer Driver Agreement (not verified on the SAPOL eligibility page). |
| Tasmania Police | Current Australian driver licence (provisional accepted). |
| NT Police | Current provisional or open driver licence to drive a manual vehicle. |
| AFP | Valid Australian driver's licence (at least P plates). |
Two details matter more than the licence class. Your driving record is part of the background check everywhere, and Victoria sets a hard limit of 7 demerit points at application, while SA wants no demerit points if you're on a provisional licence. Manual driving is required in the NT and WA lists a manual "C" or automatic "C-A" licence. If you only drive automatic and want to join the NT, get manual experience first.
Do this now
Order your full traffic history from your state's licensing authority before you apply. You'll need to declare everything on it, and it's better to see it first than be surprised by an old fine in the interview.
What education do you need to be a police officer?
Education requirements vary more than any other rule. They range from none at all to a university-entry standard.
- Education requirement
- ATAR 50+ or equivalent (Cert III+, degree, bridging course or UPPAP)
- Education requirement
- No minimum education requirement
- Education requirement
- Not stated in the sources we read
- Education requirement
- No formal qualifications required
- Education requirement
- Year 12 highly desirable, not mandatory
- Education requirement
- Year 12 or Cert III (left school after 2020); Year 10 with C in Maths and English (before 2020)
- Education requirement
- Year 12, a trade certificate, or considerable work and life experience
- Education requirement
- Year 10 or higher
| Force | Education requirement |
|---|---|
| NSW Police | ATAR 50+ or equivalent (Cert III+, degree, bridging course or UPPAP) |
| Victoria Police | No minimum education requirement |
| QPS | Not stated in the sources we read |
| WA Police | No formal qualifications required |
| SAPOL | Year 12 highly desirable, not mandatory |
| Tasmania Police | Year 12 or Cert III (left school after 2020); Year 10 with C in Maths and English (before 2020) |
| NT Police | Year 12, a trade certificate, or considerable work and life experience |
| AFP | Year 10 or higher |
NSW asks the most because its training is a university course, the Associate Degree in Applied Policing with Western Sydney University. You need an ATAR of 50 or more, or an equivalent such as a Certificate III or higher, a degree, a bridging course or the fee-free UPPAP preparation program, plus English proficiency. Tasmania has a two-tier rule based on when you left school: Year 12 or a Certificate III after 2020, or Year 10 with a C pass in Maths and English before then.
Where there's no formal requirement, the entrance test does the job instead. Victoria has no minimum education but you must pass all four parts of its entrance exam; good school results or a degree can exempt you. The same applies in SA, where a bachelor degree, an ATAR of 65 or more or a previous police exam pass exempts you from the TAFE SA test. See our guide to whether you need a degree.
First aid and swimming certificates
These are easy requirements to meet but easy to forget, and some forces want them before you can move to the next stage. Book them early.
- First aid
- First aid at application Stage 2 (from $79 with a pocket mask)
- Swimming
- Aquatic Rescue Sequence certificate, valid 5 years ($10)
- First aid
- First aid HLTAID010 or HLTAID011 before induction, valid for 12 months after training.
- Swimming
- 100 m in 4 minutes, done before the fitness test
- First aid
- No first aid certificate requirement was found.
- Swimming
- Swim 100m untimed, any stroke, without stopping or touching the side or bottom, verified by an approved instructor on the QPS Certificate of Swimming Proficiency.
- First aid
- Current first aid certificate HLTAID003 or HLTAID011 (can be obtained within 90 days of applying).
- Swimming
- Not listed
- First aid
- Not listed in the eligibility rules
- Swimming
- Not listed
- First aid
- First Aid Certificate with HLTAID009, HLTAID010 and HLTAID011.
- Swimming
- Swimming certification from Royal Life Saving Australia or AUSTSWIM.
- First aid
- Qualification equivalent to Provide First Aid.
- Swimming
- Able to swim 100m without interruption (forward-facing stroke: breaststroke, freestyle or butterfly).
- First aid
- Current first aid and CPR certificates.
- Swimming
- Signed certificate of a 100m freestyle swim, untimed and unaided.
| Force | First aid | Swimming |
|---|---|---|
| NSW Police | First aid at application Stage 2 (from $79 with a pocket mask) | Aquatic Rescue Sequence certificate, valid 5 years ($10) |
| Victoria Police | First aid HLTAID010 or HLTAID011 before induction, valid for 12 months after training. | 100 m in 4 minutes, done before the fitness test |
| QPS | No first aid certificate requirement was found. | Swim 100m untimed, any stroke, without stopping or touching the side or bottom, verified by an approved instructor on the QPS Certificate of Swimming Proficiency. |
| WA Police | Current first aid certificate HLTAID003 or HLTAID011 (can be obtained within 90 days of applying). | Not listed |
| SAPOL | Not listed in the eligibility rules | Not listed |
| Tasmania Police | First Aid Certificate with HLTAID009, HLTAID010 and HLTAID011. | Swimming certification from Royal Life Saving Australia or AUSTSWIM. |
| NT Police | Qualification equivalent to Provide First Aid. | Able to swim 100m without interruption (forward-facing stroke: breaststroke, freestyle or butterfly). |
| AFP | Current first aid and CPR certificates. | Signed certificate of a 100m freestyle swim, untimed and unaided. |
NSW lists first aid and the Aquatic Rescue Sequence as application Stage 2 qualifications rather than in its eligibility list.
HLTAID011 (Provide First Aid) is accepted by most forces, but check the exact unit: Victoria wants HLTAID010 or HLTAID011 and it must stay valid for 12 months after training, and Tasmania lists HLTAID009, HLTAID010 and HLTAID011 together. WA lets you get yours within 90 days of applying. For swimming, Tasmania wants certification from Royal Life Saving Australia or AUSTSWIM, and Queensland uses its own Certificate of Swimming Proficiency signed by an approved instructor.
Health, vision, hearing and psychological standards
Every force runs a pre-employment medical and psychological assessment. Most assess conditions case by case rather than publishing a fixed list. The AFP, WA and Tasmania publish the most detail.
AFP
- What's published
- Health standards: BMI under 33 (under 20 case by case); unaided binocular vision 6/36 or better and corrected binocular 6/6, monocular 6/9, near N8; hearing average 25 dB or less at 0.5-3 kHz each ear and 40 dB or less at 4 kHz without aids; at least 3 months after vision-correction surgery; unreconstructed ACL tears or shoulder dislocation, epilepsy, bleeding disorders or anticoagulants are unlikely to meet the standard.
AFP (psychological)
- What's published
- Psychological: 12 months of mental-health stability without psychotropic medication or psychological treatment; bipolar, schizophrenia, substance abuse, personality disorder, current psychotropic medication, involuntary psychiatric treatment or current therapy for a mental health condition are automatic fails; ADHD stimulant use case by case; results valid 12 months.
WA
- What's published
- Medical to standard 'P58'. Vision unaided at least 6/9 in the better eye and 6/18 in the other; contact lens wearers corrected to 6/6 binocular or 6/9 each eye; peripheral vision at least 70 degrees each side.
Tasmania
- What's published
- Colour vision: must pass the Farnsworth D-15. BMI: 18.5-34.9 per the fitness test page (fail above 35); Conflict: the FAQ page says 18.5-29.9 meets requirements and above 29.9 generally does not. Hearing aids allowed if worn on duty; mental health history assessed case by case.
NT
- What's published
- Some conditions disqualify and others are assessed case by case; corrected vision within parameters is acceptable; colour blindness assessed case by case.
Victoria
- What's published
- Hearing test by an audiologist, vision by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, and a GP holistic assessment with a 5-year history, at your cost.
Queensland
- What's published
- Pre-Employment Medical Screening (PEMS); detailed standards are not published in the sources we read.
NSW
- What's published
- A medical ($555.50 initial exam plus any specialist fees) with psychometric testing and possibly a psychologist interview.
SA
- What's published
- Medical with the Police Medical Section or a referred provider; vision standards not published in our sources. No COVID-19 vaccination requirement.
| Force | What's published |
|---|---|
| AFP | Health standards: BMI under 33 (under 20 case by case); unaided binocular vision 6/36 or better and corrected binocular 6/6, monocular 6/9, near N8; hearing average 25 dB or less at 0.5-3 kHz each ear and 40 dB or less at 4 kHz without aids; at least 3 months after vision-correction surgery; unreconstructed ACL tears or shoulder dislocation, epilepsy, bleeding disorders or anticoagulants are unlikely to meet the standard. |
| AFP (psychological) | Psychological: 12 months of mental-health stability without psychotropic medication or psychological treatment; bipolar, schizophrenia, substance abuse, personality disorder, current psychotropic medication, involuntary psychiatric treatment or current therapy for a mental health condition are automatic fails; ADHD stimulant use case by case; results valid 12 months. |
| WA | Medical to standard 'P58'. Vision unaided at least 6/9 in the better eye and 6/18 in the other; contact lens wearers corrected to 6/6 binocular or 6/9 each eye; peripheral vision at least 70 degrees each side. |
| Tasmania | Colour vision: must pass the Farnsworth D-15. BMI: 18.5-34.9 per the fitness test page (fail above 35); Conflict: the FAQ page says 18.5-29.9 meets requirements and above 29.9 generally does not. Hearing aids allowed if worn on duty; mental health history assessed case by case. |
| NT | Some conditions disqualify and others are assessed case by case; corrected vision within parameters is acceptable; colour blindness assessed case by case. |
| Victoria | Hearing test by an audiologist, vision by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, and a GP holistic assessment with a 5-year history, at your cost. |
| Queensland | Pre-Employment Medical Screening (PEMS); detailed standards are not published in the sources we read. |
| NSW | A medical ($555.50 initial exam plus any specialist fees) with psychometric testing and possibly a psychologist interview. |
| SA | Medical with the Police Medical Section or a referred provider; vision standards not published in our sources. No COVID-19 vaccination requirement. |
Mental health history is the area applicants worry about most. Only the AFP publishes hard rules: 12 months of stability without psychotropic medication or psychological treatment, with listed conditions as automatic fails and ADHD stimulant use assessed case by case. Tasmania and the NT assess history case by case. Having seen a counsellor in the past is not, on its own, a published disqualifier in any force.
Disclose your medical history fully. A condition assessed case by case can be accepted; a condition you hid and was found later is a character problem.
Our police medical requirements guide, eyesight requirements guide and psychological assessment guide go into each standard.
Can you join the police with a criminal record?
Sometimes. No force says that every offence rules you out, and WA states plainly that a criminal record is not automatically disqualifying. What every force does insist on is full disclosure.
NT
- What it says about criminal and traffic history
- Full disclosure of criminal, traffic, juvenile, DVO and bankruptcy history; non-disclosure is likely to mean permanent exclusion. Declared matters may go to an Integrity Committee.
Tasmania
- What it says about criminal and traffic history
- All offences, including juvenile, must be disclosed. Prior History Offence Guidelines are published. Background checks cover criminal and traffic history and social media.
WA
- What it says about criminal and traffic history
- A criminal record is not automatically disqualifying. Full background and integrity check, fingerprints and DNA.
Victoria
- What it says about criminal and traffic history
- The online application asks about prior offences and police dealings; eligibility checks cover driving, criminal history and behavioural responses.
AFP
- What it says about criminal and traffic history
- Employment Suitability Questionnaire and full traffic history; security vetting reviews at least 10 years of history and checks your partner.
Queensland
- What it says about criminal and traffic history
- Integrity vetting during selection and again before appointment.
NSW
- What it says about criminal and traffic history
- Background and reference checks and fingerprints after the Professional Suitability Application.
SA
- What it says about criminal and traffic history
- Background checks form part of selection; specific criteria are not in our sources.
| Force | What it says about criminal and traffic history |
|---|---|
| NT | Full disclosure of criminal, traffic, juvenile, DVO and bankruptcy history; non-disclosure is likely to mean permanent exclusion. Declared matters may go to an Integrity Committee. |
| Tasmania | All offences, including juvenile, must be disclosed. Prior History Offence Guidelines are published. Background checks cover criminal and traffic history and social media. |
| WA | A criminal record is not automatically disqualifying. Full background and integrity check, fingerprints and DNA. |
| Victoria | The online application asks about prior offences and police dealings; eligibility checks cover driving, criminal history and behavioural responses. |
| AFP | Employment Suitability Questionnaire and full traffic history; security vetting reviews at least 10 years of history and checks your partner. |
| Queensland | Integrity vetting during selection and again before appointment. |
| NSW | Background and reference checks and fingerprints after the Professional Suitability Application. |
| SA | Background checks form part of selection; specific criteria are not in our sources. |
How a matter is judged depends on what it was, how long ago, your age at the time and what you've done since. Serious, recent, violent or dishonesty offences are harder to overcome than an old minor matter. Read Tasmania's published Prior History Offence Guidelines even if you're applying elsewhere; they show how one force thinks about this. The full picture is in our guide to joining the police with a criminal record.
Practise explaining your history
If you have something to declare, you may be asked about it at interview. Rehearse a calm, honest answer with the AI mock interview and get scored feedback. Two free answers a day.
Can you join the police with tattoos?
Yes, in most cases. Forces that publish a tattoo rule focus on visible tattoos in uniform, especially on the face, head, neck and hands, and on anything offensive.
- Tattoo rule
- No rule in the eligibility requirements we read
- Tattoo rule
- No rule in the eligibility requirements we read
- Tattoo rule
- No rule in the eligibility requirements we read
- Tattoo rule
- Visible tattoos are assessed: no face tattoos; neck and hand tattoos case by case.
- Tattoo rule
- Visible tattoos are allowed, including full sleeves, but not on the ears, face, head, scalp or front/sides of the neck.
- Tattoo rule
- No visible tattoos on neck, face, scalp, ears or hands; no offensive tattoos; no ear spacers.
- Tattoo rule
- No rule in the eligibility requirements we read
- Tattoo rule
- No rule in the eligibility requirements we read
| Force | Tattoo rule |
|---|---|
| NSW Police | No rule in the eligibility requirements we read |
| Victoria Police | No rule in the eligibility requirements we read |
| QPS | No rule in the eligibility requirements we read |
| WA Police | Visible tattoos are assessed: no face tattoos; neck and hand tattoos case by case. |
| SAPOL | Visible tattoos are allowed, including full sleeves, but not on the ears, face, head, scalp or front/sides of the neck. |
| Tasmania Police | No visible tattoos on neck, face, scalp, ears or hands; no offensive tattoos; no ear spacers. |
| NT Police | No rule in the eligibility requirements we read |
| AFP | No rule in the eligibility requirements we read |
WA asks for photos of visible tattoos and piercings with your online application and runs a tattoo review in Stage 1. If you're thinking about new ink before applying, wait until you've checked your force's current policy. NSW, Victoria and Queensland publish appearance policies that rule out offensive, obscene, discriminatory or gang-related tattoos; the NT and the AFP don't publish a recruit tattoo rule, so ask their recruiting teams. Our guide to joining the police with tattoos sets out each policy in detail.
Drugs, bankruptcy, social media and other character rules
Beyond criminal history, forces publish a few other character rules. Some are absolute.
Character rules forces publish
- ✓ Zero tolerance for illicit drug use: Victoria (drug testing), Tasmania and the AFP (testing in selection and throughout employment).
- ✓ Bankruptcy: Tasmania bars undischarged bankrupts and makes discharged bankrupts wait 3 years; WA runs a bankruptcy check; the NT requires disclosure.
- ✓ Social media and associations: checked in Victoria, Tasmania and the AFP's vetting.
- ✓ Willingness to carry firearms: a stated requirement in SA.
- ✓ Posting anywhere: the NT requires you to accept a posting anywhere in the Territory.
- ✓ No AI for written answers: Tasmania says tools like ChatGPT can't be used, with random checks.
- ✓ Security clearance: the AFP vets at least 10 years of history; an existing AGSVA clearance may speed this up.
Clean up your public social media before you apply, but don't delete history in a way that looks like hiding something. Vetting officers look for associations, attitudes and conduct inconsistent with policing. Our background and integrity check guide covers what's examined.
Every force's eligibility rules in full
These are the complete eligibility lists from each force's recruiting material, as held in our data files. Use them as a checklist, then confirm on the force's own site before you apply.
NSW Police Force
- ✓ Aged 18 or over (no maximum age stated).
- ✓ Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen on a 444 visa (WSU says the ADAP is only open to Australian citizens or permanent residents).
- ✓ Current NSW driver licence (or interstate equivalent) with at least 6 months' driving experience.
- ✓ HSC with an ATAR of 50 or more, or equivalent (Certificate III or higher, a degree, a bridging course or UPPAP), plus English proficiency.
Next step: how to become a police officer in NSW, or the full NSW Police profile.
Victoria Police
- ✓ Aged 18 or over, no upper age limit.
- ✓ Australian citizen or permanent resident; New Zealand citizens on a special category visa.
- ✓ No minimum education requirement.
- ✓ Full or probationary Australian driver licence (no learner permits), with no more than 7 demerit points at application.
- ✓ First aid HLTAID010 or HLTAID011 before induction, valid for 12 months after training.
- ✓ Drug testing, with zero tolerance for illicit drug use.
Next step: how to become a police officer in VIC, or the full Victoria Police profile.
Queensland Police Service
- ✓ Age: at least 17.5 to apply and 18 to start recruit training. No upper age limit found (compulsory retirement is at 60).
- ✓ Australian citizen or permanent resident, or NZ citizen on a Special Category Visa. International police with enough experience may apply under the labour agreement (500 a year for 5 years from 2023).
- ✓ Open driver licence, or a provisional licence held for at least 12 months, by academy graduation.
- ✓ Swim 100m untimed, any stroke, without stopping or touching the side or bottom, verified by an approved instructor on the QPS Certificate of Swimming Proficiency.
- ✓ No first aid certificate requirement was found.
Next step: how to become a police officer in QLD, or the full QPS profile.
Western Australia Police Force
- ✓ Aged 17 years 6 months to apply (18 on appointment).
- ✓ Australian or New Zealand citizen, or Australian permanent resident.
- ✓ Current manual 'C' or automatic 'C-A' driver licence (provisional is OK).
- ✓ Current first aid certificate HLTAID003 or HLTAID011 (can be obtained within 90 days of applying).
- ✓ No formal qualifications required.
- ✓ A criminal record is not automatically disqualifying.
- ✓ Visible tattoos are assessed: no face tattoos; neck and hand tattoos case by case.
Next step: how to become a police officer in WA, or the full WA Police profile.
South Australia Police
- ✓ Aged 17 or over at application (from the job ad and public summaries; not verified on the SAPOL eligibility page).
- ✓ Australian or New Zealand citizen, or Australian permanent resident (not verified on the SAPOL eligibility page).
- ✓ Current C class driver licence; provisional is OK if you have no demerit points and are not on a Safer Driver Agreement (not verified on the SAPOL eligibility page).
- ✓ Year 12 is highly desirable but not mandatory.
- ✓ Must be willing to carry firearms.
- ✓ Visible tattoos are allowed, including full sleeves, but not on the ears, face, head, scalp or front/sides of the neck.
Next step: how to become a police officer in SA, or the full SAPOL profile.
Tasmania Police
- ✓ Apply from 17.5 years; must be 18 before starting the recruit course; no upper age limit (compulsory retirement at 65).
- ✓ Australian or NZ citizen, or Australian permanent resident (visa subclasses 100, 189, 190, 191 listed).
- ✓ Education: left school after 2020, Year 12 or Certificate III; left before 2020, Year 10 with a C pass in Maths and English (Certificate II in General Education for Adults accepted).
- ✓ Current Australian driver licence (provisional accepted).
- ✓ First Aid Certificate with HLTAID009, HLTAID010 and HLTAID011.
- ✓ Swimming certification from Royal Life Saving Australia or AUSTSWIM.
- ✓ No visible tattoos on neck, face, scalp, ears or hands; no offensive tattoos; no ear spacers.
- ✓ Undischarged bankrupts are ineligible; discharged bankrupts can apply after 3 years.
- ✓ Zero tolerance for illicit drug use; all offences (including juvenile) must be disclosed.
- ✓ No AI (e.g. ChatGPT) may be used for written answers; random checks apply.
- ✓ Colour vision: must pass the Farnsworth D-15.
Next step: how to become a police officer in TAS, or the full Tasmania Police profile.
Northern Territory Police Force
- ✓ At least 18 at commencement of training; no upper age limit.
- ✓ Australian citizen, permanent resident, NZ citizen, or NZ citizen on a Special Category Visa; NTPF does not sponsor visas.
- ✓ Year 12 (or equivalent), or a completed trade certificate, or considerable employment experience and life skills.
- ✓ Current provisional or open driver licence to drive a manual vehicle.
- ✓ Able to swim 100m without interruption (forward-facing stroke: breaststroke, freestyle or butterfly).
- ✓ Qualification equivalent to Provide First Aid.
- ✓ General computing skills; physically fit and healthy; good character.
- ✓ Must accept posting anywhere in the NT; postings are set by organisational need, not choice.
- ✓ Full disclosure of criminal, traffic, juvenile, DVO and bankruptcy history; non-disclosure is likely to mean permanent exclusion.
Next step: how to become a police officer in NT, or the full NT Police profile.
Australian Federal Police (incl. ACT Policing)
- ✓ Age 18 or over, with no upper age limit (must pass health checks).
- ✓ Australian citizen.
- ✓ Valid Australian driver's licence (at least P plates).
- ✓ Year 10 Certificate or higher.
- ✓ Meet character standards (Employment Suitability Questionnaire and full traffic history).
- ✓ Current first aid and CPR certificates.
- ✓ Signed certificate of a 100m freestyle swim, untimed and unaided.
- ✓ Mandatory drug testing in selection and regular testing throughout employment.
- ✓ Health standards: BMI under 33 (under 20 case by case); unaided binocular vision 6/36 or better and corrected binocular 6/6, monocular 6/9, near N8; hearing average 25 dB or less at 0.5-3 kHz each ear and 40 dB or less at 4 kHz without aids; at least 3 months after vision-correction surgery; unreconstructed ACL tears or shoulder dislocation, epilepsy, bleeding disorders or anticoagulants are unlikely to meet the standard.
- ✓ Psychological: 12 months of mental-health stability without psychotropic medication or psychological treatment; bipolar, schizophrenia, substance abuse, personality disorder, current psychotropic medication, involuntary psychiatric treatment or current therapy for a mental health condition are automatic fails; ADHD stimulant use case by case; results valid 12 months.
- ✓ Same basic eligibility for police (national and ACT) and Protective Service Officers.
Next step: how to join the AFP, or the full AFP profile.
What we couldn't confirm (and who can)
Some eligibility details aren't published clearly, and in a few places official pages disagree. Here's what we couldn't pin down.
SA's age, citizenship and licence rules come from a job advert; its eligibility page only links to a form
- Who can confirm
- SAPOL Recruiting
Whether NZ citizens on a 444 visa can enrol in NSW's degree
- Who can confirm
- NSWPF Recruitment and Western Sydney University
Tasmania's BMI limit: 18.5–34.9 on the fitness page, 18.5–29.9 in the FAQ
- Who can confirm
- Tasmania Police Recruiting Services
Queensland's age, residency, licence and swim rules come from search extracts (the site is protected)
- Who can confirm
- QPS Recruiting, 1300 BE A COP
Tattoo policies for the NT and the AFP (not published for recruits)
- Who can confirm
- Each force's recruiting team
Detailed medical and vision standards in Queensland, SA and NSW
- Who can confirm
- Each force's recruiting team or medical provider
| Open question | Who can confirm |
|---|---|
| SA's age, citizenship and licence rules come from a job advert; its eligibility page only links to a form | SAPOL Recruiting |
| Whether NZ citizens on a 444 visa can enrol in NSW's degree | NSWPF Recruitment and Western Sydney University |
| Tasmania's BMI limit: 18.5–34.9 on the fitness page, 18.5–29.9 in the FAQ | Tasmania Police Recruiting Services |
| Queensland's age, residency, licence and swim rules come from search extracts (the site is protected) | QPS Recruiting, 1300 BE A COP |
| Tattoo policies for the NT and the AFP (not published for recruits) | Each force's recruiting team |
| Detailed medical and vision standards in Queensland, SA and NSW | Each force's recruiting team or medical provider |
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Frequently asked questions
What are the requirements to become a police officer in Australia?
Each force sets its own, but the core is the same: be 18 by the start of training, be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (citizens only for the AFP), hold a driver licence, meet the force's education rule, pass medical, psychological and fitness standards, and pass background checks. Several forces also want first aid and swimming certificates.
Can permanent residents join the police in Australia?
Yes, in every force except the AFP, which accepts Australian citizens only. NSW, Victoria, Queensland, WA, SA, Tasmania and the NT all accept permanent residents. Tasmania lists the visa subclasses it accepts (100, 189, 190 and 191). Temporary visa holders are not eligible, apart from the overseas police programs that come with a sponsored permanent visa.
Can New Zealand citizens join the police in Australia?
Yes, in seven of the eight forces. Victoria and Queensland accept NZ citizens on a Special Category Visa, WA, SA, Tasmania and the NT accept NZ citizens, and NSW lists NZ citizens on a 444 visa, although NSW's university partner says its degree is for citizens and permanent residents only. The AFP requires Australian citizenship.
Do you need Year 12 to become a police officer?
Not in most forces. Victoria and WA have no minimum education. SA says Year 12 is highly desirable but not mandatory, the AFP asks for Year 10, and the NT accepts Year 12, a trade certificate or considerable work experience. NSW needs an ATAR of 50 or equivalent, and Tasmania wants Year 12 or a Certificate III if you left school after 2020.
Do you need a full driver licence to join the police?
No. Every force accepts a provisional licence, though the details vary. Victoria rejects learner permits and more than 7 demerit points; NSW wants 6 months' driving experience; Queensland wants an open licence or a provisional held for 12 months by graduation; SA wants no demerit points on a P licence; and the NT wants a licence to drive a manual.
Can you join the police with a medical condition?
Often, yes. Most forces assess conditions case by case against their medical standard. The AFP is the most specific: it lists BMI, vision and hearing limits and conditions such as epilepsy or unreconstructed ACL tears that are unlikely to meet the standard. Tasmania allows hearing aids worn on duty. Get your GP's advice and disclose everything.
Can you join the police if you wear glasses?
Yes, within limits. WA accepts unaided vision of 6/9 in the better eye and 6/18 in the other, with contact lens wearers corrected to 6/6 binocular. The AFP accepts unaided binocular vision of 6/36 corrected to 6/6, and requires 3 months after laser surgery. The NT says corrected vision within its parameters is acceptable.
Can you join the police with tattoos in Australia?
Usually, if they're not on your face. WA bans face tattoos and assesses neck and hand tattoos case by case. SA allows full sleeves but nothing on the ears, face, head or the front and sides of the neck. Tasmania bans visible tattoos on the neck, face, scalp, ears and hands, plus offensive tattoos and ear spacers.
Evidence
Sources and how we checked them
Every figure on this page comes from the sources below, read on 9 October 2026. Pay rates and rules change when new agreements are made, so check the source for the date you're reading this. Where we couldn't confirm something from an official source, the page says so instead of guessing. Spotted an error? Read our corrections policy.
- NSW Police Force: recruiting site
- Victoria Police: recruiting site
- Queensland Police Service: recruiting site
- Western Australia Police Force: recruiting site
- South Australia Police: recruiting site
- Tasmania Police: recruiting site
- Northern Territory Police Force: recruiting site
- Australian Federal Police (incl. ACT Policing): recruiting site
- AFP: Application process
- Tasmania Police Recruitment: FAQs
- Tasmania Police Recruitment: Fitness Test
- Victoria Police: Police recruitment process
- Let's Join Forces (WA Police Force): Entry-level officer recruitment process
- NTPFES: Constable recruitment page
- NTPFES: Recruitment FAQ
Related guides
Joining the police
More in this series
General information, not advice. This guide explains published rules and rates. It doesn't consider your personal circumstances and isn't financial, legal, tax or credit advice. Confirm anything you rely on with your force, your police association, the ATO or a licensed professional.