Protective Security Officers – The Process.
As well as demonstrating the essential requirements of the role our comprehensive recruitment process is designed to assess all elements of your suitability to become a Protective Security Officer, as well as ensuring that SAPOL is the right career destination for you.
Once you’ve decided that you’d like to apply, you should complete our application form. After you send your application, there are a number of steps to the recruitment process and it can take from two weeks to a few months to complete. You may be required to undergo a polygraph test as part of this process. It’s essential that we carry out thorough background checks, so you may need to be patient throughout the following process:
1. Entrance Examination
This exam is the next step after we’ve accepted your application. Once you’ve passed we will invite you to complete a personality profile questionnaire and you may be interviewed by a Police Psychologist.
2. Panel Interview
Following your exam you’ll attend a Panel Interview. This is your opportunity to demonstrate the qualities and qualifications, such as leadership, decisiveness, problem solving, stress management and integrity that will enable you to develop as a Protective Security Officer.
3. Medical Examination
In order to take part in training and duties, you’ll need to meet the required medical standards and will undertake an examination conducted by our Police Medical Officer. If you’re over 35, you must undertake an electrocardiogram (ECG) at your own expense.
4. Computer Testing
This test is to assess your basic competencies (PDF, 88kb) and you can prepare with our sample test (Word.doc, 28kb). You can also download our marking guide (PDF, 28kb).
5. Physical Testing
PSOs are only required to complete a physical testing (PDF, 44kb) component which includes a shuttle run, push ups and a trigger pull strength test.
6. Selection
This is the final stage of our recruitment process and it involves careful review of your file by a Selection Board that makes the final decision regarding an offer of employment.
If you’re ready, why not apply now to become a Protective Security Officer.