To become a police officer in South Africa you apply to the South African Police Service (SAPS) when it advertises entry-level posts. You need a Senior Certificate (Grade 12) or equivalent, no previous criminal convictions, and you must pass medical and psychological assessments. A degree is not required. Recruits then train for 24 months as police trainees before being enlisted as constables.
Recruitment is periodic and free. Confirm the current intake, age limit and closing date on the SAPS careers pages before you prepare.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
The SAPS application process page lists these requirements:
- permanent residency in South Africa, with documentary proof
- at least 18 years old but younger than 30, with documentary proof
- a Senior Certificate (Grade 12) or equivalent qualification, with documentary proof
- no previous criminal convictions
- fluency in English and at least one other official language
- a physical and medical examination, with a finding that you are physically and mentally fit
- willingness to have your fingerprints taken and your background checked, and to serve anywhere in South Africa
- willingness to take the oath of office
Age limits are set per advert. The 2025/26 police trainee drive targeted people aged 18 to 35, as reported by SAnews, so read the age in the advert you apply under.
Education and Subject Requirements
The SAPS asks for Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification and does not specify subject choices. You do not need a degree to become a police officer. Extra qualifications and additional languages can strengthen an application, but they are not listed as entry requirements.
Once accepted, you join as a police trainee on the Basic Police Development Learning Programme. It lasts 24 months, with about 12 months at the SAPS academy and 12 months in the workplace. After training and being found competent, trainees are permanently enlisted as constables. Details are on the programme page.
Age, Fitness, Licence and Background Requirements
Age: under 30 on the SAPS application page, and 18 to 35 for the 2025/26 trainee intake. The advert for the intake you apply under governs.
Fitness: a physical and medical examination as determined by SAPS is compulsory, as is a psychological assessment. Look in the advert for the intake for any physical standard, and start training before applications open.
Background: you must have no previous criminal convictions. Your fingerprints are taken and your background is checked. Applicants must also have no visible tattoos contrary to SAPS objectives. A driver’s licence is not listed among the SAPS application requirements, but check the advert for the post you want.
Integrity matters throughout: accepting a corruption approach ends a career and can lead to a criminal record under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004. Report any approach instead.
Documents and Evidence Required
The SAPS requires documentary proof of your permanent residency, your age and your Grade 12 or equivalent qualification. In practice expect to supply:
- your South African ID, or proof of permanent residency
- your Senior Certificate (Grade 12) or equivalent
- any further qualifications you want considered
- contact details that will reach you throughout selection
- your consent to fingerprinting, medical, psychological and background screening
The advert states exactly which documents to upload or submit and whether they must be certified. Follow it to the letter, since incomplete applications fall away.
Application and Selection Process
How to become a police officer: in 2025, applications ran online only, through the SAPS careers e-Recruitment portal at saps.gov.za/careers. The application was free of charge, and no position in the SAPS is for sale. That drive opened on 30 June 2025 and closed on 18 July 2025. No 2026 trainee intake was open when this page was last updated, so watch the SAPS careers pages for the next intake.
If your application is accepted you go through screening, the medical and psychological assessments and background checks, then sign a 24-month agreement and join the Basic Police Development Learning Programme as a trainee.
Verify every recruitment advert against the official SAPS website before you respond. Anyone who asks you for money to secure or fast-track a place is committing fraud.
If SAPS recruitment is closed, other bodies, such as metropolitan police services, recruit separately with their own requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I become a police officer?
Apply to SAPS when it advertises police trainee posts. You need Grade 12, to be within the age limit of the advert, no criminal convictions, and to pass the medical and psychological assessments. You then train for 24 months as a trainee before being enlisted as a constable.
Do I need a degree to become a police officer?
No. The SAPS asks for a Senior Certificate (Grade 12) or an equivalent qualification.
What is the age limit to join the police?
The SAPS application page says at least 18 but younger than 30. The 2025/26 trainee drive targeted people aged 18 to 35. Check the age in the current advert.
Do I have to be a South African citizen?
The SAPS application page lists permanent residency in South Africa, with proof, rather than citizenship. The wording in a specific advert may differ, so read it before you apply.
Does a criminal record disqualify me?
SAPS requires that you have no previous criminal convictions. Your fingerprints are taken and your background is checked.
Does it cost money to apply?
No. The application process is free of charge, and no position within the SAPS is for sale.
Where do I find the current requirements?
On the SAPS careers pages. Age limits, closing dates and the application method are set per recruitment cycle.
Confirm current requirements and intake dates with the South African Police Service before applying. See job requirements and browse all career requirements.