Entry routes

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There are four entry routes available. The entry requirements are varied - you don't need a degree to join us, but we do require a minimum standard of education or equivalent work-experience.

You may be eligible for more than one entry route e.g. you have A-levels, a degree and work experience so you can choose from PCEP/DHEP. Or you have A ‘levels and work experience, allowing you the opportunity to apply to PCDA/PCEP. Each route offers different benefits so you can choose the route that suits you.

You must also meet the eligibility criteria as detailed in Who we are looking for.

Important information about entry routes

Please select your preferred entry route on your application form. We aim to offer you the entry-route of your choice however, if that route is fully-subscribed we may offer you an alternative based on your qualifications, skills and experience.

If you have work experience or GCSE/A-Levels

All qualifications will have to be evidenced before a formal offer is issued.

Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)	Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)
Two year programme Probation: two years Qualification you'll gain: No qualification Training: 22 weeks at the Essex Police Training College Apply to a specialist team: after two years.	Three year programme Probation: three years Qualification you'll gain: BSc (Hons) in Professional Policing Training: 22 weeks at the Essex Police College Apply to a specialist team: after three years.
Entry requirements: training or work experience where you can evidence: understanding and supporting public/customer needs adapting your communication style solving complex problems making decisions or hold a GCSE in English Language (Grade C and above or level 4 to 9) or equivalent. You must also be able to evidence: understanding and supporting public/customer needs adapting your communication style solving complex problems making decisions or hold a level 3 qualification or be working towards one, including an International Baccalaureate Diploma or NVQ or have two A-Levels at grade E or above in any subject or be working towards these or have served the minimum term of service with the UK Armed Forces and have achieved an exemplary reference on discharge or are a member of Essex Police staff, a PCSO or special constable or designated detention officer who have passed their probationary period	Entry requirements: Hold a GCSE in Maths and English (Grade C and above or Level 4 or above) And Have achieved or be working towards the equivalent of 64+ UCAS points (two A Levels or two Level 3 qualifications Grade C or above) If you do not hold the required qualifications you can still apply, but you must be able to evidence one of the below, and you will be required to undergo additional assessments as part of our recruitment procedure: Currently work for Essex Police as Staff, PCSO, or Special Constable, and have passed the probationary period for that role Have a minimum of four years’ service with the UK Armed Forces and have achieved an exemplary reference on discharge 32 – 63 UCAS points from 2 A Levels or equivalent Please note if you do not hold the required GCSE grades in Maths and English, you will be supported by Anglia Ruskin to undertake a Level 2 qualification in both (typically known as Functional Skills) as part of this entry route. All qualifications will have to be evidenced before a formal offer is issued.
Apply for PCEP	Apply for PCDA

Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)

Two year programme
Probation: two years
Qualification you'll gain: No qualification
Training: 22 weeks at the Essex Police Training College
Apply to a specialist team: after two years.

Three year programme
Probation: three years
Qualification you'll gain: BSc (Hons) in Professional Policing
Training: 22 weeks at the Essex Police College
Apply to a specialist team: after three years.

Entry requirements:

training or work experience where you can evidence:
- understanding and supporting public/customer needs
- adapting your communication style
  solving complex problems
- making decisions

hold a GCSE in English Language (Grade C and above or level 4 to 9) or equivalent. You must also be able to evidence:
- understanding and supporting public/customer needs
- adapting your communication style
  solving complex problems
- making decisions

hold a level 3 qualification or be working towards one, including an International Baccalaureate Diploma or NVQ

have two A-Levels at grade E or above in any subject or be working towards these

have served the minimum term of service with the UK Armed Forces and have achieved an exemplary reference on discharge

are a member of Essex Police staff, a PCSO or special constable or designated detention officer who have passed their probationary period

Entry requirements:

Hold a GCSE in Maths and English (Grade C and above or Level 4 or above)

And
Have achieved or be working towards the equivalent of 64+ UCAS points (two A Levels or two Level 3 qualifications Grade C or above)

If you do not hold the required qualifications you can still apply, but you must be able to evidence one of the below, and you will be required to undergo additional assessments as part of our recruitment procedure:

Currently work for Essex Police as Staff, PCSO, or Special Constable, and have passed the probationary period for that role
Have a minimum of four years’ service with the UK Armed Forces and have achieved an exemplary reference on discharge
32 – 63 UCAS points from 2 A Levels or equivalent

Please note if you do not hold the required GCSE grades in Maths and English, you will be supported by Anglia Ruskin to undertake a Level 2 qualification in both (typically known as Functional Skills) as part of this entry route.

All qualifications will have to be evidenced before a formal offer is issued.

Apply for PCEP

Apply for PCDA

If you have a degree or are in your final year of study

All qualifications will have to be evidenced before a formal offer is issued.

Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP)	Pre-Join Degree
Two year programme Probation: two years Qualification you'll gain: Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Training: 22 weeks at the Essex Police College Apply to a specialist team: after two years.	Two year programme Probation: two years Training: 22 weeks at the Essex Police College Apply to a specialist team: after two years.
Entry requirements: degree in any subject	Entry requirements: have or are in your final year of undergraduate degree in Professional Policing
Apply for DHEP	Apply for pre-join degree

Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP)

Pre-Join Degree

Two year programme
Probation: two years
Qualification you'll gain: Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing
Training: 22 weeks at the Essex Police College
Apply to a specialist team: after two years.

Two year programme
Probation: two years
Training: 22 weeks at the Essex Police College
Apply to a specialist team: after two years.

Entry requirements:

degree in any subject

Entry requirements:

have or are in your final year of undergraduate degree in Professional Policing

Apply for DHEP

Apply for pre-join degree

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Entry routes

Important information about entry routes

If you have work experience or GCSE/A-Levels

If you have a degree or are in your final year of study