You can join us as an AFP recruit.
The AFP gives you a lifetime of opportunities with over 200 types of roles, career progression and the opportunity for your work to make a real difference. We work in locations around Australia and the world.
Pathway to 3 unique roles
Apply to join the AFP as a new recruit police officer or protective service officer (PSO). These are 'sworn officers' with powers to enforce the law. They wear a badge and uniform. They carry a firearm.
If we select you as a recruit, you'll get paid to train. After 4 to 6 months at AFP College, you'll be qualified with new practical skills like defensive tactics and driving. When you graduate, you'll be 'sworn in' to start your new role.
Join our Recruitment Group on Facebook for upcoming job opportunities and career expos.
Eligibility
To apply as an AFP recruit, you must:
- be at least 18 years old
- be an Australian citizen
- hold a valid Australian driver's licence (at least P plates)
- meet our character standards
- have attained a minimum educational level of a Year 10 Certificate, or higher.
There’s no upper age limit to join us, but you must pass the health checks.
During our rigorous selection process, we'll ask for proof that you:
- can maintain a minimum level of fitness
- can swim 100m freestyle
- hold current first aid and CPR certifications.
Ready to apply?
Application process
From taking our eligibility tool and completing an online application to being merit listed and waiting for a place at the AFP College, our 8-stage application process can be as quick as 6 months, but it’s often up to 9 months.
For full information on each stage please read more about our application process.
Training
Whether you’re studying at AFP College in Canberra or the Pinkenba Training Centre in Brisbane, you're fully employed from Day 1. This means we pay you to attend classes! You’ll do some theory and action-packed practical lessons. Learning new skills, like defensive tactics, driver training and weapons handling.
You can ask to live off-site, but living at our facilities during training is part of the fun!
Federal Police Development Program
Specialised training for a police officer – national policing and a police officer – ACT Policing.
We run several programs each year to meet demand.
The AFP will assist in covering the cost of travel to AFP College for recruits in training. Recruits will also receive a salary from day one of training and all main meals and accommodation paid for.
Upon graduation from college, the AFP will cover the cost of travel from college back home and provide relocation assistance for officers moving from another state or territory to their permanent location. This includes assistance with removalists, vehicle transport, pet relocation as well as settling in allowances while you actively secure permanent housing. Officers are responsible for sourcing and paying for housing upon graduation.
After graduating, you'll deploy to your agreed permanent location. Before you start training, we'll confirm this as part of your job offer.
Protective Service Officer Program
Specialised training for a protective service officer.
We run several programs each year to meet demand.
The AFP will assist in covering the cost of travel to AFP College for recruits in training. Recruits will also receive a salary from day one of training and all main meals and accommodation paid for.
Upon graduation from college, the AFP will cover the cost of travel from college back home and provide relocation assistance for officers moving from another state or territory to their permanent location. This includes assistance with removalists, vehicle transport, pet relocation as well as settling in allowances while you actively secure permanent housing. Officers are responsible for sourcing and paying for housing upon graduation.
After graduating, you'll deploy to your agreed permanent location. Before you start training, we'll confirm this as part of your job offer.
How to apply
Head to our AFP Jobs portal to apply. We’ll guide you through every step of the way.
Ask us if you have any questions before you start your application.
Choose us
Meet us online
Learn more about being a protective service officer (PSO).
Want to know more?
Free information session coming up. Hear from a panel of PSOs and our Recruitment team.
Ready to apply?
Start your application today.
From sworn policing and protection roles to specialist and corporate support roles. Australia-wide. Grow your career with the AFP.