Victoria Police have several resources and forms available to help Protective Services Officer applicants throughout the recruitment process. Take a look at the range below including information sessions, YouTube videos, exam tutorials, podcast and fitness tools and tips available.
Information sessions
Attend a free information session to find out more about the Protective Services Officer role, the recruitment process and what a day in the life of a Protective Services Officer looks like.
Online resources
YouTube
View the Victoria Police recruitment process videos:
Podcast
A Career in Policing features police officers, Protective Services Officers and Police Custody Officers sharing their stories, advice and experience about the recruitment process, life at the Academy, how to pass the fitness test, specialist roles, and much, much more!
- Listen or,
- Search ‘A Career in Policing’ on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Entrance Exam preparation resources
Applicants sitting the exam should use the following preparatory materials from ACER. ACER is the examination authority for Victoria Police.
Applicants will need to refer to the updated study material provided above or from the ACER website.
Exam Tutorials
Applicants sitting the entrance exam should use the following tutorials to assist in their studies.
- Entrance exam - Extended writing
- Entrance exam - Summary writing
- Entrance exam - Numeracy
- Entrance exam - Abstract
- Entrance exam - Verbal
Fitness Test preparation resources
Video and guide
Applicants sitting the fitness test should use the following preparatory materials.
Police Fit App
Download the free Police Fit app to help you train and prepare for the fitness test:
Fitness Tutorials
Interview preparation resources
The interview for the Protective Services Officer role is a behavioural and scenario-based interview. The basis of this interview is that past performance is the best predictor of future performance.
The questions you will be asked allows you to describe specific experience or actions you have taken. The answers you give allows the interviewers to make an informed decision around suitability for the Protective Services Officer role. Your verbal communication skills will also be assessed during the interview.
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Applicants can prepare for behavioural interviews by:
- brainstorming past experiences that demonstrate strengths applicable to the Protective Services Officer position - think about communications skills, conflict negotiation, teamwork and leadership
- drawing from past experiences that are relevant to the position where you achieved a positive result from a negative situation
- researching and having an understanding of current affairs within Victoria such as current issues facing Victoria Police and the community
- thinking about your motivation for applying for the role
- selecting the best examples from your list of past experiences
- structuring responses to possible questions based on the above elements
- performing mock interviews and role-playing
When formulating possible responses for a behavioural interview, applicants may like to consider using the STAR approach. This approach refers to:
- Situation – explaining the situation in which the experience occurred
- Task – the task you were required to complete
- Actions – the action or actions you took in the experience.
- Result – the outcome or outcomes of the experience
On the day
- dress appropriately for the interview – office attire is recommended
- arrive 15 minutes early - allow plenty of time for travel and to find the venue. We are based on the Ground Floor of 311 Spencer Street, Docklands
- bring any supporting documents that are required
There will be two employees of Victoria Police conducting your panel interview. During the interview:
- try and stay calm and relaxed, practice breathing exercises
- introduce yourself to the interview panel members
- allow the interviewer to finish talking before you answer the question. If you don't understand a question, ask the interviewer to repeat or rephrase it
- think about your answer first — there's no need to rush
- show interest and enthusiasm when responding to questions and answer concisely
The panel will give you an opportunity to ask any final questions.
Note: when asked scenario-based questions applicants are not expected to have any knowledge of police powers, policy or procedure – use your common sense, decision making and verbal communication skills.
Your interview will run for approximately 40-50 minutes.
Reviewed 17 June 2021
