The Stage 1 Online Assessment of the competition is a supervised (proctored) assessment which you will take at home.

This Online Assessment includes:

1. Assessment Questionnaire
2. Verbal Reasoning Test
3. Numerical Reasoning Test
4. The Written Exercise

Your results in these tests decides your placing (referred to as the Order of Merit i.e. OOM) on the list of candidates.

If you’re thinking about taking this Assessment without preparing properly to….” See how you go”, you’ve missed the point about the need to get your best score and boosting your position on the Order of Merit.

Don’t take the tests for granted. Be prepared.

Stage 2 includes the formal Competency Based Interview. The competencies, which are predefined by the 3-person interview board, are key skills deemed necessary to serve effectively as a member of An Garda Síochána.

The Interview typically lasts 45 minutes and takes place online via Zoom

Your interview will largely focus on the content in your Interview Form. It is an examination of five competencies.

The 5 competencies are:

1. Exercising Authority
2. Resilience
3. Conscientiousness
4. Interpersonal Skills & Service Ethos, and
5. Using Information & Problem Solving.

During the interview candidates are asked to give examples of instances when they displayed each of the competencies effectively. Most people pick examples from their previous work experience, voluntary experience, educational experience or a hobby that they enjoy.

GardaIP will coach you on how to best match your experience against each competency. We will tailor your examples and match your experience against each competency in a structured and easy to understand format. Undoubtedly the best in the market, GardaIP offers a dedicated one-to-one session on preparing for the Stage 2 Competency Interview.

Ace your Garda Trainee Interview. Start preparing today!

If you are successful at the Stage 2 Competency Interview, you will called forward to complete the Physical Fitness Test.

The Test is comprised of 2 separate Stages. They are all tailored and evaluated against your age category and gender. The two Stages are:

1. Fitness Test – 3 components
A. Progressive shuttle run,
B. Sit-up test (one minute time limit)
C. Press-up test (no time limit)

2. Physical Competence Test 
A. Competency-based timed circuit (3 sets / laps)

Successful applicants from the Physical Fitness Test will be required to undergo a comprehensive Medical Examination by a Registered Medical Practitioner nominated by the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána. You must be certified to be in good health, of sound constitution and suited physically and mentally to performing the duties of a member of An Garda Síochána.

Medical Examination Requirements:

• Mental & Physical Health
• Weight Standards
• Vision Requirements
• Hearing Standards

Substance Misuse Test:

• Hair specimen (minimum 3cm) required on same day as Physical Fitness Test
• Urine sample may be used in exceptional circumstances
  Participation is mandatory – refusal or positive result means no further advancement!

The comprehensive security vetting process is conducted by An Garda Síochána’s National Vetting Bureau while you’re already undertaking Phase 1 training at the Garda Training College, Templemore.

What the Vetting Process Includes:

• Criminal background check (including juvenile records)
• Employment history verification
• Character references from employers, teachers, or community leaders
• Social media and online presence review
• Interview with vetting personnel
• Verification of all information provided in your application

Key Requirements:

• Complete honesty about your past – any discrepancies will result in automatic disqualification
• Good character references who can vouch for your integrity and suitabilit
• Clean criminal record (even minor offenses must be declared)

Timeline: The vetting process runs concurrently with your Phase 1 training. While you’re learning at Templemore, the National Vetting Bureau conducts this thorough background investigation.

Critical Point: Failure to pass vetting at any point during Phase 1 training will result in immediate dismissal from the college, regardless of your academic performance or progress in training.

Pro Tip: Ensure all your documentation and references are accurate before you even reach Templemore – there’s no going back once training begins.