How to become a Garda

Garda Síochana, Irish Police Force

Every year there are there are hundreds and hundreds of applications to be a member of the Garda Síochana. In early December there is a written assesment.

Garda Síochana Requirements

To qualify to do garda training you need to satisy the following

• Be between 18 and 26 years of age
• Height : The requirement to be of a specific height has been removed and replaced with a physical competency test.
• You must be in good mental and physical health.
• Pass the written assesment

Those who are selected are eligible for appointment as members of the force only on satisfactory completion of 62 weeks of training. Once this is completed you are eligible to be a member of the force.

Application Stages

Here we will try to outline Selection will be by means of a three stage process as follows:

• Stage 1: Will comprise of three written tests
• Test 1: Verbal evaluation
• Test 2: Analytical Reasoning
• Test 3: Job Simulation Exercise
• Stage 2: Will include elements like a written communication exercise and an interview.
• Stage 3: Will include a medical examination and may also include a physical ability test

The tests at Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the selection process will be based on the skills/qualities that have been shown to be necessary for effective performance as a member of the Garda Siochana. All candidates called to Stage 1 and Stage 2 will receive familiarisation and preparation material in advance.

Requirements to apply

As a prerequisite for applicants to join, they must be one of the following:

1. A national of a European Union Member State
2. A national of an EEA State or the Swiss Confederation
3. Be a refugee under the Refugee Act, 1996
4. Have a period of one year's continuous residence in the State immediately before the 1st September, 2005 and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years. (Periods of illegal residence or residence as an asylum seeker do not count in the qualifying five year period).

Tips for the Garda Interview

Make sure you know your examples of your skills backwards and have a few extra examples. Be able to discuss where each skill is relevant to being a Garda. Additional questions will be on : Training, motivating yourself while on duty outside the Dáil, adjusting to the strict life on campus, surviving on very little money (only applicable if currently working), what you'd find hard as a Garda, what you'd enjoy.

The report writing is fast and furious and it is suggested that you concentrate on writing the info down rather than looking at the screen. Once you know your skills and why you want to be a Garda you'll be fine. We know it's easy to say, but do try to relax and look on it as a chat with a friend !

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