DHEP Interview Questions
and Preparation
UK 2026
A complete guide to Degree Holder Entry Programme interview questions, graduate police assessment preparation, CVF Level 1 behaviours, STAR answer structure, common mistakes, and how to practise before your DHEP assessment.
Route
DHEP
Type
Graduate Entry
Focus
CVF Level 1
Method
STAR
Risk
Generic Answers
Mode
OAC + In-Person
What is the DHEP interview?
The DHEP interview is a police recruitment assessment used for candidates applying through the Degree Holder Entry Programme. It usually tests whether a graduate candidate can demonstrate the behaviours, values and judgement expected of a police constable under the College of Policing Competency and Values Framework (CVF). Strong answers normally use the STAR method and show maturity, reflection, communication, public service motivation and readiness for operational policing.
A strong DHEP interview answer should:
- Answer the question directly
- Use a real example
- Follow STAR structure
- Focus on personal actions
- Link clearly to a CVF value
- Show maturity and judgement
- Include a clear result
- Explain what you learned
Independent Recruitment Preparation Notice
PolicePay is not part of any police force, the College of Policing, the Home Office, any university partner, or any recruitment provider. This guide is for independent preparation only. Recruitment processes vary by force, so candidates should always check their own force’s official recruitment instructions. PolicePay is an independent preparation resource. This guide is based on publicly available police recruitment information, the College of Policing Competency and Values Framework, and general recruitment practice. It is not official guidance and does not guarantee a recruitment outcome.
Guide Directory
What is DHEP?
DHEP stands for Degree Holder Entry Programme. It is an entry route into policing for candidates who already hold a degree. It is usually a 2-year graduate route into police constable training, combining operational training with professional development.
It is not simply a "fast track". Candidates still need to meet recruitment standards, vetting, fitness, medical requirements and operational competence expectations.
| Feature | DHEP |
|---|---|
| Qualification Requirement | Degree already held (any subject). |
| Academic Component | Graduate-level professional learning. |
| Programme Length | Often around 2 years. |
| Interview Focus | CVF values, judgement, maturity, motivation. |
| Assessment Type | May include OAC, interview or local stages. |
Is there a DHEP interview?
Many DHEP candidates will face some form of structured interview, online assessment, video interview, competency interview or values-based interview depending on the force. The exact process varies, but the scoring logic is usually similar: candidates must show evidence of behaviours expected of a police constable and demonstrate they understand the demands of graduate entry policing.
Some forces may use the Online Assessment Centre (OAC), while others use a local interview or a blended process. Candidates should prepare for both video-recorded and in-person structured questions.
If you are unsure which your force uses, practise both in the simulator.
Start DHEP Practice →Common DHEP Interview Questions
DHEP interview questions are usually competency-based, values-based or motivation-based. They ask for real examples from university, work, volunteering or professional life.
Respect & Empathy
- - Tell us about a time you helped someone vulnerable.
- - Tell us about a time you dealt with someone from a different background.
- - Tell us about a time you adapted your communication style.
- - Tell us about a time you listened carefully before deciding.
- - Tell us about a time you treated someone fairly in a difficult moment.
Courage
- - Tell us about a time you challenged inappropriate behaviour.
- - Tell us about a time you made a difficult decision.
- - Tell us about a time you admitted a mistake.
- - Tell us about a time you stood up for what was right.
- - Tell us about a time you acted even though it was uncomfortable.
Public Service
- - Tell us about a time you put someone else's needs first.
- - Tell us about a time you improved something for others.
- - Tell us about a time you worked under pressure.
- - Tell us about a time you took responsibility for a problem.
- - Tell us about a time you supported your community.
Graduate Readiness & Motivation
- - Why are you moving from your degree into policing?
- - How has your degree prepared you for operational work?
- - Tell us about a time you used critical thinking to solve a problem.
- - Tell us about a time you handled competing priorities.
- - How would you adapt from academic life to shift work and scrutiny?
DHEP Assessment Centre Questions
Graduate entry assessments often include recorded video responses, written tasks, situational judgement tests or local force interview panels.
| Assessment Type | What it Tests | How to Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Structured Interview | CVF evidence. | Prepare 6 professional STAR examples. |
| Video Interview | Concise timed answers. | 3-minute practice loops. |
| Written Exercise | Judgement & written clarity. | Structured written answers. |
| Graduate Suitability | Maturity & reflection. | Examples of applied learning. |
What CVF Values
Matter for DHEP?
DHEP candidates are assessed against Level 1 behaviours, with an expectation of high maturity and reflection.
Respect & Empathy
Focus on listening, dignity, and adapting your style.
Courage
Focus on challenging behaviour and integrity.
Public Service
Focus on ownership and professional outcomes.
Graduate Readiness
Critical thinking, reflection, and applied learning.
Assessor Tip:
Do not over-intellectualise. Policing is practical and public-facing. Use plain English and focus on your actions.
How to answer DHEP
using the STAR Method
S: Situation
20-30s
Set the scene briefly.
T: Task
20-30s
Explain your responsibility.
A: Action
90-120s
Personal steps, decisions and communication. core marks.
R: Result
30-40s
Outcome, reflection and learning.
The most common DHEP mistake is giving an academic explanation instead of a behavioural example. Focus on what you did.
Practise a 3-minute STAR answer →
Example DHEP
Interview Answer
Question: Tell us about a time you used feedback to improve your performance.
"At university I got feedback on an assignment, so I worked harder next time and got a better grade. It was helpful."
Why it fails:
Too vague, no detail on the feedback, no clear personal action or reflection.
Situation: Professional or academic setting.
Task: "My goal was to improve..."
Action: "I reviewed the feedback... I asked for clarification... I changed my approach... I reviewed the outcome..."
Result: "Improved performance... learned to treat feedback as a tool for growth."
DHEP Graduate
Readiness & Maturity
Because DHEP is a graduate route, forces expect candidates to show maturity, reflection, and the ability to apply learning Practically.
What to Show:
- - Critical thinking & logic
- - Learning from mistakes (Reflection)
- - Applying knowledge to people tasks
- - Professional communication
- - Resilience under dual pressure
"I can apply learning practically... I reflect and improve."
Test Your Graduate Answer →
7-Day DHEP Interview
Preparation Plan
Understand DHEP & Route
Learn the role of a constable and the DHEP expectations.
Select 6 Core Examples
Audit university, work, volunteering or professional life.
Map to CVF & Maturity
Ensure each story shows Respect, Courage, Service or Reflection.
Convert to STAR
Draft bullet points. Ensure Action is the longest part.
Timed Out Loud Practice
Speak answers out loud. Record yourself and check 'I' language.
Audit Result & Learning
Check reflection sections in every answer. Focus on applied learning.
Full Mock Assessment
Practise follow-up questions and timed video response format.
Common DHEP Interview Mistakes
Generic Graduate Talk
Preparing 'grad' answers instead of personal real-life examples.
Over-Intellectualising
Using complex academic language instead of practical behavioural evidence.
The 'We' Trap
Talking about the team's success instead of your personal action.
No Value Link
Failing to connect your actions to the specific CVF behaviour assessed.
Lack of Reflection
Forgetting to say what you learned or would do differently next time.
Route Ignorance
Not understanding that DHEP is an operational policing role first.
DHEP Interview
Preparation Checklist
Explain what DHEP is and why you chose it.
Explain why graduate entry suits you.
Provide 2 examples for each CVF value.
Provide 1 example showing reflection/applied learning.
Answer in STAR format (Action is longest).
Speak for 3 minutes without rambling.
Use 'I' language consistently.
Give a clear result and personal reflection.
Understand basic police values and public service.
Practise follow-up questions.
Practise DHEP Questions
Before the Real Assessment
Reading questions is useful. Practising your answer out loud is what actually improves performance. Get CVF feedback against Level 1 behaviours now.
DHEP Question Bank
Realistic questions for the degree holder entry route.
Graduate Readiness Prompts
Practise answering questions about maturity & reflection.
CVF Level 1 Feedback
Identify missing behaviours before the real assessment.
Independent Preparation Tool. Not officially affiliated.
DHEP Interview
FAQs
What questions are asked in a DHEP interview?
DHEP interview questions are usually competency-based, values-based and motivation-based. They may ask about times you helped someone vulnerable, challenged poor behaviour, worked under pressure, took responsibility, adapted your communication, managed deadlines, used feedback or applied learning.
How do I prepare for a DHEP interview?
Prepare by learning the CVF Level 1 values, understanding the DHEP route, choosing real examples, structuring each answer using STAR, practising out loud under timed conditions and checking that each answer includes personal action, a result and reflection.
Is the DHEP interview different from PCEP or PCDA?
The core police interview principles are similar, but DHEP candidates should be ready to explain how their degree, work experience or previous learning has developed maturity, judgement and readiness for policing. Exact processes vary by force.
Does DHEP use the Online Assessment Centre?
Some forces may use online assessment elements, while others may use local interviews or force-specific assessment stages. Candidates should check their force's official process and prepare for both online and in-person formats.
What CVF values are tested in DHEP interviews?
DHEP interviews commonly assess CVF Level 1 behaviours and values such as Respect and Empathy, Courage and Public Service. Candidates should also prepare examples that show maturity, reflection and ability to learn from feedback.
How long should a DHEP interview answer be?
A strong practice answer is often around 3 minutes. The Situation and Task should be brief, the Action should be the longest part, and the Result should clearly explain the outcome and learning.
Can I use examples from university?
Yes. DHEP candidates can use examples from university, work, volunteering, sport, caring responsibilities or community experience, as long as the example clearly shows the behaviour being assessed.
What is the biggest reason candidates fail DHEP interviews?
Common reasons include weak STAR structure, using 'we' instead of 'I', vague examples, no clear result, poor reflection, over-intellectualised answers and failing to link the answer to the CVF value being assessed.
Should I memorise DHEP interview answers?
No. Candidates should prepare flexible examples and practise structure rather than memorising scripts. Memorised answers can sound unnatural and may fail if the question is worded differently.
How can I practise DHEP interview questions?
Use timed practice, record your answers, review your STAR structure and check whether you clearly explain your personal action, result and learning. The PolicePay Mock Interview Simulator is designed for this type of practice.
Candidate Hub
Central police recruitment authority library.
5 min readMock Interview Simulator
Timed practice with CVF feedback.
5 min readPCEP Interview Preparation
Guide for the non-degree entry route.
5 min readPCDA Interview Preparation
Guide for the degree apprenticeship route.
5 min readHow to Pass the Interview
Practical CVF & STAR guide.
5 min readCVF Interview Questions
Level 1 questions and STAR structures.
5 min readOAC Interview Questions
Prep for the Online Assessment Centre.
5 min readPolice STAR Interview Answers
How to structure competency answers.
5 min readWhy Candidates Fail
Common mistakes and how to fix them.
5 min readMethodology & Independence Notice
PolicePay is an independent explanatory and preparation platform. This guide is based on publicly available recruitment information and general CVF preparation principles. It is not official recruitment guidance, does not replace force-specific instructions, and does not guarantee any assessment outcome. Recruitment processes vary by force, entry route and assessment provider.