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Use the National Standard

The Online Assessment Centre won't test your knowledge of the law. It tests how you think, communicate, and make decisions under pressure.

Definition

The Police Online Assessment Centre (OAC) is the standardized national evaluation used to select police constables in England and Wales. It assesses candidates against the Competency and Values Framework (CVF) rather than legal knowledge.

OAC

Where the OAC Fits

Included in the standard national recruitment pipeline.

1

Application

2

OAC

Current Focus
3

Force Stages

4

Final Checks

The Three Exercises

You will complete three distinct exercises on the online platform. You must pass each one to proceed.

Exercise 1

Competency Interview

A pre-recorded interview where you answer questions via webcam. You are given a question, 1 minute to prepare, and 5 minutes to record your answer.

Read the Full Interview Guide

What they asked recently

"Tell me about a time you supported a colleague who was struggling."

"Describe a time you had to make a difficult decision without all the information."

Core Competencies Tested

  • We are emotionally aware
  • We take ownership
  • We are collaborative
  • We deliver, support and inspire

The Winning Formula (STAR)

10%
Situation & Task

"I was working at Tesco when a customer became aggressive..."

80%
Action (The 'I')

"I stepped in, lowered my voice, and asked him to explain the issue. I kept my open palms visible to show I wasn't a threat..."

10%
Result

"He calmed down, apologised, and we resolved his refund."

Common Fail: The "We" Trap

"We decided to close the store." -> Fail. Who decided? You or your manager?

"I suggested to the manager that we close the store." -> Pass.

Format In-Tray / Report
Time ~120 Minutes
Tools Text Editor (Basic)
Required Structure
To: Inspector Jones
From: PC Candidate
Subject: Community Issue Review

1. Introduction
The purpose of this report is to...

2. Key Issues Identified
• Anti-social behaviour at the park
• Lack of lighting increasing fear

3. Proposed Actions
I recommend we partner with the council to...

4. Conclusion
This approach balances enforcement with...
Exercise 2

Written Exercise

You assume the role of a Police Constable. You are given a pack of documents (emails, articles, complaints) and must write a report recommending a course of action.

Read the Full Written Exercise Guide

How to Pass

  • A
    Prioritise You can't solve everything. Pick the high-risk, high-harm issues (e.g., vulnerable child vs noise complaint).
  • B
    Use Bullet Points Assessors scan for key points. Do not write a dense wall of text. Use headings and bullets.
  • C
    Justify Everything Don't just say "I will patrol the park." Say "I will patrol the park in order to provide visible reassurance..."
Exercise 3

Briefing Exercise

You are given a scenario (e.g., a community tension or school issue). You have 10 minutes to prepare and 5 minutes to speak directly to the camera, acting as if you are briefing a superior or community group.

1

What?

Run through the facts clearly. "The issue is that youths are gathering at the library, causing intimidation."

2

So What?

Explain the impact & risk. "This risks key stakeholders feeling unsafe and losing trust in certain community areas."

3

Now What?

Your solution. "I propose a partnership meeting with the school and increased patrols between 15:00 and 17:00."

Don't Leave It To Chance

The national pass rate fluctuates, but preparation is the only variable you can control. Check your readiness level now.

Start Readiness Check

Common Questions

Everything you need to know about the logistics.

Do I need to dress smart?
Yes. Treat it exactly like an in-person job interview. Business attire (suit/tie/blouse) puts you in the right mindset and shows assessing staff you are professional.
Can I use notes?
Generally, yes—but check the specific rules of your assessment platform. However, do NOT read from a script. Eye contact with the webcam is crucial for engagement. Use notes as prompts only.
What if I freeze?
Take a breath. Silence feels longer to you than it does to the assessor. Say 'Let me just take a moment to collect my thoughts' and restart your sentence. This shows resilience, which is a positive trait.
Do I need legal knowledge?
No. The OAC is legally neutral. If a scenario involves a law you don't know, state: 'I would check the specific legislation and force policy before acting'. This is the correct answer.
Can I fail one exercise and pass overall?
It is possible, as the score is an aggregate across competencies. However, a 'severe fail' in one area (e.g., showing racism or extreme dishonesty) will cause an automatic failure of the whole process.
Who marks it?
Trained College of Policing assessors. They do not know you, they do not see your name (usually), and they mark against a strict grid of indicators linked to the CVF.
How long does it take?
Allow around 3-4 hours in total if doing it all in one sitting, though you can often take breaks between exercises depending on the platform settings.
Is the fitness test part of the OAC?
No. The OAC is purely behavioural. The fitness test (bleep test) is done separately at a force venue.
Can I do it on my phone?
Technically some platforms allow it, but it is strongly advised to use a laptop or desktop with a stable connection and good webcam for the best experience.
What happens if my internet disconnects?
Most platforms save your progress. Log back in immediately. If you cannot, contact the recruitment team helpline provided in your invite email straight away.

OAC Hub

View all Online Assessment Centre guides and explanations in one place

More OAC Guides

Interview Guide • Written Exercise • Briefing Exercise • How It's Marked • Common Mistakes • If You Fail
Back to OAC Hub