How to Become a Police Special Constable in 2025
The complete guide to unlocking and passing the Police Specials recruitment process.
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HOW TO BECOME A POLICE SPECIAL CONSTABLE
With the help of industry experts, we have put together the most comprehensive online resource to passing the Police Special Constable selection process available. From initial application to the assessment centre, through to the interview, we’ve covered every single base in this online resource.
It’s no secret that if you want to join the Police service as a Special Constable then you will need to work hard in order to be successful. So, let’s start off by telling you what the selection process involves and how we can help you!
We have collated a mass of insider information on how to successfully pass the selection process and it is all available on this page.
The Police Special Constable Selection Process
The selection process to join the Police as a Special Constable will normally consist of the following elements:
Online Application
Sifting Tests & Assessment Process
The Interview
Probation & Training
Stage 1 – ONLINE APPLICATION
The first step on your route to joining the police as a special constable is to submit an online application form.
Constabularies across England and Wales frequently advertise such positions on their websites, detailing the minimum eligibility criteria, the role requirements, and benefits of working as a Police Special Constable.
When filling out your application it is vital that you refer to and demonstrate the competencies and values of policing, to ensure your application is progressed to the next stage.
Stage 2 – The SIFTING TEST & NATIONAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS
If you are successful at the application stage you may be invited to take a sifting test, this could be in the form of a behavioural questionnaire or a situational judgement test. These tests are designed to assess your ability to perform to the demands of the role and are extremely accurate in assessing a candidate’s suitability.
Once you have successfully completed this stage you will be required to complete an assessment and selection day. Some forces, more notably the Metropolitan Police, will do this over a 2-day period, with the two days being separated out over a short period of time.
The selection process for becoming a Police Special can vary from force to force. However, here are some details about the types of assessment you may be required to undertake:
- Incident Report Writing;
- Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling Test;
- Written Test;
- Interactivity Test;
- Group Exercises.
Stage 3 – THE SPECIAL CONSTABLE INTERVIEW
If you pass the various sifting tests you will also have to sit an interview as part of the assessment centre. You will not want to fail if you reach this stage, so ensure you provide EVIDENCE that you meet the assessable qualities required of a police special constable.
At this stage you will be asked questions based on the competencies and values framework (CVF), and will need to refer to these in your answers to score-highly.
Stage 4 – The Final Stages
The final stages of selection may include further vetting checks, a fitness test, and a medical to ensure that you meet the minimum eligibility criteria, but also are physically fit enough to perform the role safely.
Once these are all completed you will then begin your training and probationary period as a police special constable.
It is important to note that, whilst many police forces will follow the national selection process, some will use variations of this. As such, we strongly recommend that you confirm the selection process that you will have to take before commencing your preparation. However, the following information will be a good basis for you to start.
How to Become a Police Special Constable: Commonly Asked Questions
How long does it take to be a special constable?
There is no set selection process that must be passed to become a special constable and each force can select which assessments they require candidates to pass in order to be successful. This means the selection process may be quicker when applying to a force who use fewer stages. You might need to pass assessments such as:
- Incident Report Writing;
- Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling Test;
- Written Test;
- Interactivity Test;
- Group Exercises.
Once you have successfully passed the application process you will commence your special constable training. Again, this may vary between forces but typically this will take around 12 weeks.
Do you get paid to be a special constable?
Special constables are volunteers, this means that while they have the same legal powers as police constables, they are not paid.
However, special constables do receive expenses for things such as travel and some forces also provide benefits for special constables who log a set amount of hours per year.
What skills do you need to be a special constable?
Special constables must have the same skills as police constables. There are a set of behaviours (known as competencies) that you must demonstrate throughout the selection process. These may vary depending on the force you are applying to but typically are either of the below.
- Public service
- Working with others
- Decision making
- Professionalism
- Service delivery
- Openness to change
- Emotionally aware
- Taking ownership
- Working collaboratively
- Deliver, support and inspire
- Analyse critically
- Innovative and open-minded
What powers does a special constable have?
Special constables hold the same legal powers as police constables, they are permitted to carry out duties including, but not limited to, the following:
- Foot and vehicle patrols
- Responding to emergency calls
- Making arrests
- Tackling anti-social behaviour
- Making enquires relating to investigations
- Provide security in public places
- Attend court to present evidence
What is a special constable?
Special constables are volunteer police officers. They wear the same uniform and hold the same legal powers as police constables.
PRE-APPLICATION/ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
In order to become a Police Special Constable you must be aged 18-57 and be capable of meeting the physical and mental demands of the role. During the selection process you will be assessed against your ability to match the competencies and also your fitness levels.
You can be of any nationality to become a special; however, you must have the permanent right to remain in the UK if you are from a non-EEA country and have been a resident in the UK for the three years before you apply. You are required to possess a good standard of English, have a presentable appearance, be compassionate and tactile and be able to commit to at least 200 hours per year. These commitment levels may vary from force to force, so be please check with your chosen force before applying to ensure you can meet their requirements.
It is also important to note that there are a number of jobs that are not compatible with being a Special Constable and you should check these first with your chosen force before applying.
PASS THE POLICE SPECIAL CONSTABLE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
We guarantee that our How To Become a Police Special Constable online resources will teach you how to navigate the different elements of the selection process. The package contains 200+ pages of recruitment information which will guide you through each of the different elements of selection, including the application form, the assessment centre, the interviews, and the fitness test.
Start Preparing Now 👉
The Situational Judgement Test
The Situational Judgement Test is a multiple-choice test based on common situations that you may come across as a Special Constable. During the actual SJT assessment you will be required to answer 50 questions within a 65 minute time-frame.
Take a look at the following sample SJT question:
Sample Police Special Constable SJT Question
Whilst on foot patrol in your local High Street you are approached by a woman who informs you that she has just found a purse on the pavement. Upon inspection there is no money in the purse but you do notice personal details relating to the owner.
Please pick the best option (most effective option) and the worst option (least effective option) in terms of what you should do:
- Challenge the woman as to why there is no money in the purse.
- Immediately take the purse back to the station and record the lost property.
- Ask the woman to hand the purse in at the local police station.
- Immediately try to contact the owner of the purse in order to hand it back to them.
Answer
BEST OPTION: 4
This option allows you to reunite the owner with the purse quickly and also allows you to stay out on patrol.
WORST OPTION: 1
This option could potentially damage relations with the public. You have no reason to suspect the woman has taken money from the purse.
Our resource on how to become a Police Special is packed full of sample test questions and explanations like the one above.
Pass the Special Constable Selection Process. First Time.
Crafted for everyone, no matter your skill level or background, this guide was made to help you achieve one goal: become a police special constable.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
Scoring Criteria
Essential information about how you will be assessed during every stage of the selection process.
APPLICATION FORM SAMPLE ANSWERS
Lots of up-to-date sample application form questions, responses and tips on how to pass this initial stage.
PRACTICE ONLINE SIFTING TESTS
Step-by-step information on how to pass the various special constable sifting tests.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Sample answers to each of the interview questions.
INSIDER SECRETS
Insider tips on how to answer the interview questions and advice on how you will be scored.
SCORE-BOOSTING STRATEGIES
Get ahead of the competition with unique and proven strategies 16 years in the making.
Customer Success Stories
Having helped 1,000s of aspiring Police applicants for over 16 years, it is no wonder our customers love us…
What a Brilliant book and an excellent company very supportive, as an Ex PO I am very impressed. – Chris D. TrustPilot
…It was full of a lot of key information that I can take to the assessment centre and other aspects of the police process. – Lee J. TrustPilot
…the extra push I’ve needed to pass even the enhanced level tests next time. Would recommend to anyone before applying for any position, so they don’t leave any stone unturned or have any regrets! – JWG TrustPilot
…before I was so nervous and wasn’t really sure how to respond to some questions. Now I have my confidence, I am so ready and I am 100% I will pass my interview this time. – Brooke A. TrustPilot
It helped me to complete my assessment and pass. Thank you. – Claire C. TrustPilot
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR CAREER PACK?
Complete guidance to ensure you pass the ENTIRE Police Special Constable recruitment process
Insider advice on how to complete the application form, including sample questions and answers
Previously successful application form responses that you can use to develop your own winning application
Revealed – avoid the common pitfalls that the majority of applicants make
Discover exactly how you are assessed throughout the entire selection process (hint: understanding this will allow you to know exactly how the assessors want you to act at every stage)
A complete breakdown of the Special Constable assessment centre tests, and how you MUST prepare if you wish to succeed
Sample Police Special Constable interview questions and guidance on how to answer each one of them for the interview
Practice questions and answers for the assessment centre tests. Practice the same skills you’ll be tested on so you enter your test fully prepared
The importance of ensuring you meet the minimum eligibility requirements
Time-saving strategies and score-boosting methods verified by our panel of Police recruitment experts
How to get fit and be able to pass the fitness test and medical test
PLUS…BONUSES!
BONUS #1
150-Page Interview Skills Insider’s Guide
FOR A LIMITED PERIOD ONLY we are able to give you our powerful 150+ page ‘Interview Skills’ downloadable resource free of charge. It is the perfect guide to help you prepare for the tough Police Special Constable interview!
- All of the most common (and not so common) interview questions you are likely to face, broken down.
- Full and detailed answers to every question – ensure you always have the perfect answer!
- How to use the STAR method to come up with your own winning answers that match the experience, values, and skills the interview assessor is looking for.
- Created by interview panel experts and packed full of insider advice.
Important: This insider’s guide cannot be purchased individually anywhere else and is exclusively available as a limited-time bonus!
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BONUS #2
How to Get Police Fit: Insider’s Guide
A concise online guide to show you how you can get “Police fit” and see results quickly to ensure you pass the fitness test – even without a gym membership!
- Crafted with the fitness benchmark levels required of a Police Special Constable in mind, this guide provides an insider insight to fitness regimes you can follow.
- Your very own “Police fit” workout regime created by former emergency service staff.
- Full technique diagrams, workout timetables and regime templates you can implement right away!
Important: This insider’s guide cannot be purchased individually anywhere else and is available exclusively as a bonus with this resource.
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BONUS #3
PLUS…30-Day Free Subscription Trial To The Online Police Testing Platform!
As well as life-time access to the Police Special Constable career resource, this product also includes a 30-day free trial to Online Police Testing Platform (usually £9.99 + vat per month).
- 100s of questions on each element of the test to help boost your scores!
- Practice all of the Police Special Constable test questions under timed conditions using our online testing suite.
- Instant online access.
- Compatible on mobiles, tablets and computers.
- Scores are tracked so you can focus on areas that need improvement.
Important: This powerful free trial costs £9.99 + vat every month for everyone else! You will get unrestricted access to all of the quick-win strategies to give you the advantage right away.
Worth £9.99, Yours FREE for 30-days*
*We want you to know: This is a subscription service that is charged at just £5.95 + vat per month after the 30-day trial expires. No minimum term. If you cancel before the 30-day trial ends, you will not be charged. Please see our terms for full details.
THE TOPICS COVERED IN THIS GUIDE INCLUDE:
- Essential insider tips on creating a successful application.
- Sample application form questions and answers that you can use on your form.
- How to avoid the mistakes that 75% of applicants make during the application form stage.
- Sample interview questions and responses which include detailed explanations to assist you.
- Crucial interactive exercises that you can use to enhance your skills during preparation.
- How to match the assessable core competencies required for the role and achieve high grades during each element of selection.
- Lots of sample Police Initial Recruitment Test (PIRT) questions that are similar to the real test.
- How to respond to the interview questions.
- Situational judgement test question with full explanations on how to approach this type of test.
- Insider tips to help you become a Special Constable.
- Written and produced by the UK’s leading police recruitment experts.
- Includes a FREE police ‘special constable’ fitness guide.
- Lots of sample numerical and verbal reasoning test questions.
- Includes 30-days FREE access to online police test questions.
Features
You don’t just get advice on what to do. We will show you exactly how to pass the Police Special Constable recruitment process.
Proven Guidance
Over 16 years’ of experience packed into on-demand insider recruitment guides that have helped 1,000s.
Unique Training
Includes unique Police recruitment training content built from the ground up and not found anywhere else.
Actionable Content
We don’t just share what you need to do, but also how you should do it with tips and strategies you can implement today!
Swipeable Templates
These templates are worth the value of the resource themselves – we give you the exact foundations you can use to build your application and master assessment stages!
Your 200-Page Guide To Success.
Our Police Special Constable guide in a compact, accessible, online format to hold your hand throughout the entire selection process.
Created By Experts. Made For You.
With over 16 years’ of history behind us, we are the leaders in Police recruitment advice. So whether you want to understand the scoring criteria, learn what must go on your application form, recognise what not to say at the interview, or practice and pass the assessment centre tests, you can access it all at your finger tips, today.
SILVER
POLICE SPECIAL CONSTABLE SILVER PACK
INSTANT ONLINE ACCESS
YOU SAVE 24%
✓ 200-page How to Become a Police Special Constable Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 32-minute Police Interview CVF Coaching Video (Lifetime access)
210-page Police Situational Judgement Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)
Bleep Test (Multi-stage Fitness) Audio File and Worksheet (Lifetime access)
✓ Plus exclusive Bonuses – including the latest insider recruitment information added regularly! (Lifetime access)
✓ 150-Page Interview Skills Online Guide (Lifetime Access)
✓ How to Get Police Fit Insider's Online Guide (Lifetime Access)
✓ 30-Day Free Trial to the Online Police Testing Suite. Thereafter just £5.95 plus vat per month (Monthly Service)?
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GOLD (BEST VALUE)
POLICE SPECIAL CONSTABLE GOLD PACK
INSTANT ONLINE ACCESS
BEST VALUE – YOU SAVE 28%
✓ 200-page How to Become a Police Special Constable Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 32-minute Police Interview CVF Coaching Video (Lifetime access)
✓ 210-page Police Situational Judgement Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)
✓ Bleep Test (Multi-stage Fitness) Audio File and Worksheet (Lifetime access)
✓ Plus exclusive Bonuses – including the latest insider recruitment information added regularly! (Lifetime access)
✓ 150-Page Interview Skills Online Guide (Lifetime Access)
✓ How to Get Police Fit Insider's Online Guide (Lifetime Access)
✓ 30-Day Free Trial to the Online Police Testing Suite. Thereafter just £5.95 plus vat per month (Monthly Service)?
Order Now
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How will the 'How to Become a Police Special Constable' resources help me?
Simply put, this training works and is proven to help people like you to successfully join the Police. As a lifetime access Police Special Constable guide member, you will not only benefit from our flagship 200-page ‘How to Become a Police Special Constable’ guide, but you’ll also get access to a dynamic portal of content that we update frequently with all the very latest information, practice material, and strategies that are helping people all across the UK become special constables. With 1,000s of customers frequently thanking us for the career success we have helped them gain, and 16 years’ experience in providing recruitment and assessment centre training, you can rest assured knowing you are getting the best training material on the market.
Who is a good fit for the 'How to Become a Police Special Constable' resources?
This career guide us designed to help anyone looking to become a Police Special Constable and conquer the gruelling selection process.
It is ideal for those just staring out at the application stage, who want an “over-the-shoulder” guide to passing each stage of the process.
If you have already begun the selection process, then you’ll be able to pick up this guide from the exact stage you are at and follow the step-by-step guidance to passing the assessments centre tests, the interviews, the fitness test and more with confidence.
Whatever stage of the process you are at, you can be confident you’ll have all the strategies and tools you need to succeed.
What training is included in these resources? Will it really help me join the Police?
Yes! With the ‘How to Become a Police Special Constable’ guide you will be able to access training that has been helping applicants successfully become part of the Police for over a decade.
At How2Become.com we like to do things a little differently. Instead of just giving you access to guides which explain how the selection process works, and what you need to do to pass, we teach you HOW to do it also. For example, we don’t just provide you with sample interview questions, we provide winning sample responses and step-by-step guidance on how to create your own successful answers. Whether you are thinking about applying, or you are half way through the Police Special Constable selection process, this guide will ‘hold your hand’ step-by-step. Here is a full list of everything you will get within this resource.
Is there a time limit on accessing the material?
You will get unlimited access to all of the content contained within these resources with no time restrictions! We understand that applying to become a Police Special Constable can be a long and stressful experience, that is why we want to take away that worry – you will get access whenever you need, whether it’s just for a week, or for a year, you will have full access to the ‘How to Become a Police Special Constable’ resource whenever you need it. You will also have access to all future updates we make to this guide, ensuring you are getting the latest guidance.
Are your resources specific for geographical regions?
When we launched How2Become.com we wanted to ensure our content would help as many people as possible no matter where they are, and we are achieving just that! We sell our resources to every country in the world, with 1,000s of customers in the USA, UK, India, Australia, Africa and more! All of our content is either written or spoken in English, with the content designed to be as universal as possible unless otherwise stated. Our ‘How to Become a Police Special Constable’ guide is designed specifically for the UK police selection process.
What's the difference between the Silver and Gold versions?
Whichever option you choose, you can be confident you are getting the latest and highest quality training to become a Police Special Constable. All packages contain our flagship 200-page guide: ‘How to Become a Police Special Constable’, Police interview CVF coaching video, and the bonuses listed on this page.
The Gold package contains everything in Silver, but also includes our best-selling Police Situational Judgement Tests online workbook and Bleep Test audio file and worksheet. This pack is our most comprehensive resource to help you become a Police Special Constable and covers the entire selection process from start to finish, whilst offering the best value.
How will I access the guide/training materials?
As soon as your order is complete you will be able to access all of the guides and training resources via your How2Become account! You can use any smart phone, PC, Mac, or tablet with an internet connection to access your materials, whenever you want.
Is your training really driving success?
Yes, absolutely! We get 100s of testimonials and comments each month from those that have used our training, thanking us for the help it has given them.
WHY BUY WITH HOW2BECOME?
CREATED BY THE EXPERTS
PROVEN TRAINING
EXCLUSIVE FREE BONUSES
Firstly, these guides are created by us and our team of experts – we have all the answers to your questions and will help you succeed (like we’ve been doing for the last 16 years), we update our material frequently and you can contact us at any time with any questions you have.
Secondly, we provide exclusive bonuses with all our products that you won’t find anywhere else. These bonuses include free guides, powerful online testing suites and more!
Finally, our guides and training just work. Take a look at our TrustPilot page where you will see our rating of 4.9/5. There, our customers share their positive buying experiences and more importantly the time-saving success our resources have given them (hint: they are now serving Police Special Constables).
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