Excellence in Community Policing

Policing the Communities of the Highlands and Islands




Selection Process

We’ll let you know when we receive your application and – after initial screening – we’ll tell you whether we’re going to be able to progress it. If you’re successful at this stage we’ll invite you to sit the Standard Entrance Test (SET), which is used by all Scottish forces. This test is a measure of general education, and everyone is required to sit it, regardless of what qualifications you already hold, and you’ll also undertake the Critical Thinking Test (CTT), which contains illustrated police-based scenarios.

If you pass the SET, and CTT we’ll then ask you to complete a medical and eyesight questionnaire. These forms will be passed (sealed) onto our Occupational Health Service who make all our medical decisions. If you have any queries regarding this, you can contact the service directly at Occupational Health Service, Osprey House, Raigmore Avenue, Inverness. Telephone: 01463 704499.

We’ll also need to take up background and reference checks. If there aren’t any problems, you’ll be invited to take part in a two-day Assessment Panel where you’ll undergo various exercises and a fitness and medical assessment.

Due to the complexities involved, it can be quite a long process. To help, we’ve put together an application process flowchart. You can view the chart here.