Metropolitan Police constable interview guide

How the Met recruits police constables: the National Sift, online assessment, values interview, fitness test and vetting.

Updated 3 October 20261 source2 min read

Overall~6 monthsFrom application to offer

Online assessment3 partsInterview, written task, briefing

FitnessJob-related testWith a 6-week plan to prepare

Training≤ 3 monthsAfter your offer

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The process

As the Met describes it. The whole process takes around six months.¹

Application and National Sift~2 weeks
Eligibility questions and a basic security check, then two exercises: a Situational Judgement Test and a Behavioural Styles Questionnaire. No policing knowledge is needed.
Online assessment3 weeks to complete
Three parts, with results within three weeks.
- Competency-based interview. Answer using examples from your work and personal life.
- Written exercise. An urgent written task, as a police constable.
- Briefing exercise. Read material and answer questions on it.
Met assessmentResults in 4–8 weeks
A values interview, a medical (eyesight, hearing and blood pressure) and a job-related fitness test.
Pre-employment and vetting~2 months
Checks that you meet the Met's standards of behaviour and share its values.
Offer
Training starts within three months, with intakes every five weeks.

Questions to expect

Based on what the Met says each stage covers.

Competency-based interview

Tell me about a time you stayed calm with someone who was angry or upset.

Tell me about a time you did the right thing when it wasn't the easy option.

Tell me about a time you had to make a quick decision with limited information.

Values interview

Why do you want to be a police constable in London?

What does treating people fairly mean to you?

How to prepare

Collect examples from everyday life as well as work. The Met asks for both.
Write clearly under time pressure for the written exercise.
Start fitness training early. The Met offers a video and a six-week plan for the fitness test.
Be completely honest in vetting. It checks your standards of behaviour.¹

Quick answers

How long does it take to join the Met as a police constable?

Around six months from application to offer.

Do I need policing knowledge for the National Sift?

No. The Situational Judgement Test and Behavioural Styles Questionnaire don't need any.

Is there a fitness test to join the Met?

Yes, a job-related fitness test. The Met provides a video and a six-week training plan.¹

Sources

Police constable recruitment processMetropolitan Police

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