How the Police Online Assessment Process works

A step-by-step guide to the Police Online Assessment Process used by forces in England and Wales.

Plakos Editorial Team 6 October 2026 2 min read For United Kingdom

How the Police Online Assessment Process works

πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ For applicants in the United Kingdom.

Most police forces in England and Wales use the Online Assessment Process to select new constables. It replaced the old in-person assessment centre and can be completed from home.

What to expect

Each stage is scored against the Competency and Values Framework, so knowing the framework is key.

Key points at a glance

  • Situational judgement exercise
  • Competency-based video interview
  • Written exercise
  • Briefing exercise

Our tip

Learn the Competency and Values Framework by heart and prepare one strong example for each competency.

Police Recruitment Test Prep – Plakos Akademie online course, UK only

The course for this article

Police Recruitment Test Prep

Joining the police in England and Wales means passing the Online Assessment Process. This course prepares you for every stage with realistic practice questions, timed ...

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