6. Application and recruitment process

The first step in process is to complete and submit an online registration form and application form. This will cover our academic and personal eligibility criteria. You can access these forms on the next page in this section ('Apply now').

When we get your application we will conduct a basic security check, which takes around seven days.

You will be asked to complete a short, online assessment, called ‘Apollo’. This behavioural skills questionnaire will check if you have the key behaviours and values to join us as a police constable.

You can expect this stage of the process to take about two weeks.

You should complete your online assessment within about three weeks of 'step 1'.

We will share more information with you about the online assessment before you take it. It is made up of three exercises:

Competency based interview: Use examples from your work and personal life to answer a series of questions.

Written assessment: Complete an urgent written task whilst assuming the role of a police constable.

Briefing exercise: Read material and answer questions based on what you have read whilst assuming the role of a police constable.

Before you complete your online assessment we will let you know what technology you need. If you need a reasonable adjustment, or if you can’t access the right technology, you can talk to us about it.

You can expect your results within two weeks of sitting your online assessment.

You should attend your 'day two' assessment within about three weeks of receiving your online assessment results.

You’ll be invited to our Met recruitment centre in south London to take part in an interview, including roleplaying as a police constable.

You also need to complete a medical and our fitness test.

We will share all the information you need to prepare for your 'day two' including advice on how to get ready for our fitness test.

Start preparing now by watching our YouTube video for tips and download the Met's six week training programme.

You can expect your results within four to eight weeks of taking your assessment, depending on personal circumstances.

After you’ve passed your 'day two', we will carry out pre-employment and vetting checks. These checks are to make sure we are recruiting police officers who meet our standards of behaviour and share our values.

We will share all the information you need about when to submit your information. We will also explain what vetting is, and what it means.

The length of time this takes can vary. On average, it take about two months for these checks to be completed.

We will be in touch to make you a formal offer of employment and discuss the best date for you to join your training intake. 

Met Officer Gateway Programme (MOGP)

If you are offered a place, you would need to start your training in September or November 2023, or February 2024.

IPLDP, PCDA or DHEP

If you are offered a place on either the Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP), Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), or Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP), you would need to start your training within three months. We start new intakes every five weeks.