Police Candidate
Hub (UK 2026)
Independent Recruitment Authority
Everything you need to understand, apply for, and pass the police recruitment process in England and Wales. Comprehensive guidance on entry routes, pay, vetting, and fitness standards.
Independent explanatory guidance based on publicly available College of Policing frameworks and force recruitment standards. Not affiliated with any police force, recruitment team or government body.
Executive Summary
Joining the police in England and Wales in 2026 can be done through four main routes:
- PCDA: Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (Earn while studying for 3 years).
- DHEP: Degree Holder Entry Programme (2-year graduate pathway).
- PCEP: Police Constable Entry Programme (Force-delivered non-degree route).
- PCEP-D: Degree Holder version of PCEP with no additional academic award.
The availability of each route depends on the recruiting force. This hub explains how each route works, who it suits, and what changes financially, academically and operationally.
Choose Your Entry Route
England and Wales offer four distinct pathways into policing.
Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship. Earn while studying for a policing degree over three years.
Degree Holder Entry Programme. Two-year graduate pathway for those who already hold a degree.
Police Constable Entry Programme. Non-degree entry programme delivered directly by the force.
Degree Holder version of PCEP. Force-delivered programme for graduates without a policing degree.
Fast-track programme for degree holders to join directly as detectives, skipping uniform patrol.
Can I Join?
Eligibility Reality Check
60-second truth check on vetting risk, fitness levels, and pathway suitability (Detective vs Constable) for 2026 entry.
PCEP Explained
(UK 2026)
The definitive 5,000+ word breakdown of the Police Constable Entry Programme and whether it replaces the degree routes.
PCDA vs DHEP vs PCEP vs PCEP-D
Key differences in qualification, length, and academic requirements.
| Programme | Requires Degree | Academic Component | Length | Qualification | Operational Exposure | Who It Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCDA | No | High (Degree-level) | 3 Years | BSc in Professional Policing | Full (Phased) | School leavers or those wanting a funded degree. |
| DHEP | Yes | Medium (Graduate Diploma) | 2 Years | GDip in Professional Policing | Full (Accelerated) | Graduates wanting academic policing credentials. |
| PCEP | No | Low (Internal Modules) | 2 Years | Professional Accreditation | Full (Immediate focus) | Practical learners and career changers. |
| PCEP-D | Yes | Low (Internal Modules) | 2 Years | Professional Accreditation | Full (Immediate focus) | Graduates wanting operational training without more degree work. |
Fitness Hub
Level 5.4 standards, simulators and 6-week training protocols.
Vetting Hub
Finances, family checks, and social media disclosure data.
OAC Hub
Assessment Centre simulation and STAR method mastery.
Salary Hub
Exact take-home pay, pension forecasts and salary increments.
The Reality of
Recruitment (2026)
Police recruitment has fundamentally changed. The era of the "General Entry" has been replaced by a system that prioritizes professional qualification. Whether you are entering via the Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) or the Graduate Entry (DHEP), you are essentially applying for a dual role: a police officer and a university student.
This means your academic suitability is scrutinised as heavily as your operational potential. You will be expected to balance 40-hour patrol weeks with degree-level assignments and portfolio building. Understanding this demand is the first step to successful entry.
Success Metrics
- 1Vetting Integrity Full disclosure is non-negotiable. 40% of failures are due to non-disclosure of minor historic issues.
- 2OAC Competency The Online Assessment Centre tests values, not just skills. Preparation for the STAR method is essential.
Essential Library
Joining Requirements
Age, qualifications, and tattoos rules.
5 min readHow Long It Takes
Realistic wait times for vetting and medicals.
5 min readStarting Salary
What you earn in your first 3 years.
5 min readDebt & Vetting
Can you join with CCJs or IVAs?
5 min readMistakes & Convictions
How past mistakes affect eligibility.
5 min readTraining: What to Expect
Reality of the first 20 weeks.
5 min readPolice Recruitment FAQs
Common queries regarding the 2026 entry routes and PCEP.
Can I join the police without a degree in 2026?
Yes. In 2026, many police forces in England and Wales have reintroduced the Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP), which allows candidates to join and undergo operational training without the requirement to complete a university degree. However, you must check with your specific target force as some still operate exclusively via the PCDA degree route.
What is PCEP?
PCEP stands for the Police Constable Entry Programme. it is a two-year training pathway delivered directly by police forces rather than in partnership with a university. It focuses on operational policing skills and professional accreditation without the academic burden of a full degree.
Is PCDA mandatory?
No, PCDA is not mandatory nationally. While it was intended to be the primary route, the reintroduction of PCEP provides an alternative for those who do not wish to study for a degree while working. The route available to you depends entirely on which recruitment pathways your chosen force has chosen to open.
Which forces offer PCEP?
Availability varies across the 43 forces of England and Wales. Large forces like the Metropolitan Police and various regional forces have adopted PCEP to provide more flexibility. You should check the 'Careers' section of your local force website for the most current route availability.
Is PCEP easier than PCDA?
In terms of academic assignments, yes—PCEP has a lower classroom and essay burden. However, the operational expectations, fitness standards, and vetting requirements are identical. You still undergo a rigorous two-year probation where your performance is monitored daily.
Can I switch from PCDA to PCEP?
Generally, no. Once you have started a specific entry route and are enrolled with a university partner (for PCDA), switching to the non-degree PCEP route is usually not permitted due to funding and contractual arrangements between the force and the university.
What is PCEP-D?
PCEP-D is the 'Degree Holder' version of the Police Constable Entry Programme. It is designed for candidates who already have a degree in any subject but want to join via a force-delivered training model rather than the university-linked DHEP route.
Is PCEP being rolled out nationally?
PCEP is a nationally recognized framework approved by the College of Policing. While most forces now offer it as a way to increase recruitment flexibility, it is up to each individual Chief Constable to decide which routes to offer for their specific force.
Police Pay (UK) is an independent resource. We provide independent guidance to candidates based on publicly available standards. We are not affiliated with any police force, recruitment department or the College of Policing.