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Free Diagnostic Tool

Police OAC Readiness Check

The Police Online Assessment Centre (OAC) is the biggest hurdle in recruitment. Use this 2-minute diagnostic tool to sanity-check your preparation and find out exactly what you need to focus on next.

What is the OAC Readiness Check?

This free tool assesses your preparedness for the three core elements of the College of Policing online assessment: the Competency-Based Interview, the Written Exercise, and the Briefing Exercise. It checks your understanding of the Competency and Values Framework (CVF) and highlights gaps in your STAR examples.

Question 1 of 100%

Have you prepared structured STAR examples from your own experience?

“Independent guidance. Preparation improves readiness, not outcomes.”

Identify Gaps

Most candidates focus on the wrong things. We pinpoint exactly where your preparation is weak so you don't waste time.

Save Time

Don't practice aimlessly. Get a clear direction on whether you need to work on your structured answers, briefing skills, or written analysis.

Boost Confidence

Walking into the OAC knowing you've checked all the boxes is a huge advantage. Anxiety comes from uncertainty; preparation kills it.

Interview and assessment centre updates

New interview practice questions and model answers, by email

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Analysis FAQ

Common questions about OAC preparation and this tool.

How do I know if I'm ready for the police OAC?
Readiness isn't just about confidence; it's about having structured STAR examples, understanding the specific competencies being assessed, and practicing under timed conditions. Our free readiness check helps you objectively assess these areas.
What happens if I fail the readiness check?
You cannot 'fail' this check. It is a diagnostic tool designed to highlight gaps in your preparation so you can fix them before your actual assessment centre.
Is this tool affiliated with the College of Policing?
No. This is an independent guidance tool created to help candidates prepare. It is not an official assessment.
What are the common reasons for failing the OAC?
The College of Policing does not publish reasons for individual results. In our experience, answers that lack structure or do not address the question asked make evidence hard to credit. The College's own rules can also end an attempt: prepared notes, copying and pasting into the written exercise, or a second device can lead to an automatic fail.

Essential Deep-Dive Guides

Free STAR Answer Checker

Write your answer, get instant structure feedback.

The OAC Explained

The complete overview of the process and what to expect.

Competency Interview Guide

How to structure winning STAR responses.

Written Exercise Guide

Writing reports that score high on analysis.

Briefing Exercise Guide

Presenting with confidence and clarity.