The Short Answer
Expect the process to take 6 to 9 months from clicking 'Apply' to your first day. Vetting alone can take 12 weeks. Do not resign from your current job until you have a confirmed start date.
Stage-by-Stage Breakdown
Application & Sift (Weeks 1-4)
You submit your form. The recruitment team checks your eligibility (age, residency). You complete the online sift tests.
Assessment Centre (Weeks 5-10)
You are invited to the Online Assessment Centre. You have a window of about 7 days to complete it. Results usually take 2-3 weeks to be moderated and returned.
Vetting & Medicals (Months 3-6)
This is the long wait.
- Vetting: The force digs into your finances and family. If you have "associates" (family with records), this goes to a review panel.
- Medical: Your GP must send a report. GPs are busy and often charge for this. You then attend a face-to-face medical.
The Pool (Month 6+)
You've passed everything! But there might not be a training course starting next week. You enter "The Pool" waiting for the next intake.
The Big Bottlenecks
1. GP Reports
Doctors have 28 days to respond but frequently take longer. You cannot attend your medical without this.
2. Third-Party Vetting
If you have lived in multiple force areas, your vetting file has to be sent to those other forces for local checks. This adds weeks.
Intake Dates
Forces plan training intakes usually 4 times a year (e.g., January, April, July, October). If you pass your vetting in February, you won't start until April.
Do not resign yet
How to speed it up
- Check your email (and spam) every single day.
- Chase your GP reception politely but firmly if the report is late.
- Tell your family/referees to expect a call/email from vetting.
- Declare EVERYTHING on vetting forms - missing info causes 'query-backs' which add delays.
Recruitment Timeline Planner
Get a tailored estimate based on your force's current status.
Application Timing Explorer
Can you afford the wait? Plan your finances.
Explore Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does police recruitment take so long?
The main delays are Vetting (checking family/finances) and Medicals (waiting for GP reports). Both rely on external agencies and manual reviews.
How can I speed up my application?
Be responsive. Book your medical as soon as the email lands. Chase your references. Ensure your vetting form has NO gaps in addresses.
Do different forces take different amounts of time?
Yes. Larger forces like the Met often have longer backlogs. Smaller county forces might process a cohort in 3-4 months if they have training places to fill.
Does the PCDA route take longer than DHEP?
The recruitment process is the same for both. The difference is the length of the training (3 years vs 2 years).
What happens if I miss a deadline?
You risk being moved to the next intake, which could tackle 3-6 months onto your wait. Always check spam folders.
Can I start without a final offer?
No. You should never resign from your current job until you have an Unconditional Offer with a firm Start Date.
Independence Statement: Police Pay UK is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with any police force or the College of Policing. Official policies can change; always verify with your chosen force's recruitment team.
Prefer a single, realistic overview?
If you’re exploring multiple parts of the application process, our Candidate Hub brings timelines, preparation steps and early-career pay into one clear planning view.
Independent planning tools • No subscription required