Entry routes

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There are three ways you can join us. You don’t need a degree, but you will need a basic level of education or relevant work experience.

You might be able to apply through more than one route.

For example, if you have A‑levels, a degree and work experience, you can choose the Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP).

If you have A‑levels and work experience, you could apply for either the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) or the Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP).

Each route has different benefits, so you can pick the one that feels right for you.

You also need to meet our eligibility criteria: Who we are looking for.

Important information about entry routes

Please choose your preferred entry route on your application form. We will do our best to offer you the route you select.

However, if that route is already full, we may offer you a different route that matches your qualifications, skills and experience.

If you have work experience or GCSE/A-Levels

All qualifications must be provided and checked before we can issue a formal offer.

If you have a degree in any subject (except the Professional Policing Degree), you can apply through either of the entry routes listed below:

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: Hold a GCSE in Maths & English (Grade C and above or level 4 to 9) or equivalent. And Training or work experience, whether undertaken in or outside England and Wales, which is considered to be equivalent to a level 3 qualification, where you can 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 & English (Grade C and above or level 4 to 9) or equivalent. 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) 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:

Hold a GCSE in Maths & English (Grade C and above or level 4 to 9) or equivalent.

And
Training or work experience, whether undertaken in or outside England and Wales, which is considered to be equivalent to a level 3 qualification, where you can 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 & English (Grade C and above or level 4 to 9) or equivalent.

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)

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 Training College Apply to a specialist team: after two years.	Two year programme Probation: two years Training: 22 weeks at the Essex Police Training College Apply to a specialist team: after two years.
Entry requirements: hold a GCSE in Maths and English (Grade C and above or Level 4 to 9) or equivalent have, or be working towards obtaining, an Honours degree (Level 6) qualification or above, in any subject	Entry requirements: hold a GCSE in Maths and English (Grade C and above or Level 4 to 9) or equivalent 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 Training College
Apply to a specialist team: after two years.

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

Entry requirements:

hold a GCSE in Maths and English (Grade C and above or Level 4 to 9) or equivalent
have, or be working towards obtaining, an Honours degree (Level 6) qualification or above, in any subject

Entry requirements:

hold a GCSE in Maths and English (Grade C and above or Level 4 to 9) or equivalent
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