Policja

Overview

The Polish Police (Policja) recruits new officers through a qualification procedure (postępowanie kwalifikacyjne) run by the regional police headquarters. It is not a single exam: candidates move through a fixed series of stages, some scored and some pass or fail, and are then placed on a ranking list. Recruits who are taken on complete basic vocational training at a police school before joining their unit.

Who can apply

To join the Policja you must:

• hold Polish citizenship;

• have at least secondary or vocational secondary education;

• have no final conviction for a crime or a fiscal offence, and enjoy full public rights;

• be physically and mentally fit for armed service under strict discipline;

• be able to keep classified information confidential;

• have a settled military-service status, if you are subject to military qualification;

• have an unblemished reputation.

Levels or stages

The procedure has scored stages (knowledge test, physical fitness test, interview) and unscored, pass-or-fail stages (documents, psychological test, medical board).

Application and document check

You submit an application letter, a personal questionnaire, education certificates, references from past employers, military documents where relevant, and other documents required by the regulations. The recruiting unit gives you an ID number and checks your papers against the requirements. Missing details can slow the process, and false information leads to exclusion.

Knowledge test

A multiple-choice test of 40 questions, each with four options and one correct answer. Each correct answer earns 1 point, for a maximum of 40. It checks knowledge of how the Police work. The test is used for ranking only: you continue to the next stage whatever your score.

Physical fitness test

Held on the same day as the knowledge test. You complete a timed obstacle course; the course and the time standards are the same for women and men. The test is worth up to 60 points and you need at least 43 points to pass. Bring a signed statement that you have no health reasons preventing exercise, your ID card, and sports clothes and shoes.

Psychological test

Only candidates who pass the physical test take it. It uses tests, questionnaires, interviews and observation to assess intellectual ability, social functioning, emotional stability and attitude to work. The result is valid for 24 months.

Qualification interview

A panel of two to four people assesses communication skills, motivation, social attitudes and how you present yourself. The interview is worth up to 60 points, and you need at least 36 to pass.

Medical board

A medical board (komisja lekarska) carries out specialist examinations to decide whether you are physically and mentally fit for service.

Marking and results

Points from the knowledge test (up to 40), the physical fitness test (up to 60) and the interview (up to 60) are added together, along with preference points for extra qualifications. Examples of preference points:

A commission appointed by the regional police commander draws up the ranking list in order of total points, and the list is then approved by the relevant superior.

After the exam

Recruits who are admitted attend basic vocational training at a police school, lasting about six and a half months, followed by about three months of professional adaptation in a prevention unit before they are assigned to their own unit.

Preparation tips

• Practise the obstacle course against the clock well in advance; the minimum of 43 out of 60 points filters out many candidates.

• Study how the Police are organised and what they do, since the knowledge test is all about the functioning of the Police.

• Check which preference qualifications you hold or could obtain, such as a driving licence or a B2 language certificate, as they add to your ranking.