Please note: the full list of requirements are published by the Public Appointment Service at the beginning of each recruitment campaign in a document called 'Notes for Applicants'. The following is a general overview based on the most recent 2019 campaign (download full document here).
To be eligible for selection as a Trainee, an applicant must:
General
(i) Be of good character
(ii) Be certified by a Registered Medical Practitioner (nominated by the Commissioner after consultation with the Minister) to be in good health, of sound constitution and suited physically and mentally to performing the duties of a member of the Service.
(iii) Have passed a Physical Competence Test
Age Requirements
(iv) Be 18 years of age but not yet 35 years of age on midnight of the 24th April, 2019, therefore you must have been born between 25th April 1984 and 24th April 2001.
Nationality Requirements
(v) (a) Be a national of a European Union Member State, or
(b) Be a national of a European Economic Area State or the Swiss Confederation; or
(c) Be a Refugee under the Refugee Act, 1996; or
(d) Have had a period of one year’s continuous residence in the State on the closing date of the advertisement for the competition for the vacancy to which the admission relates, and during the eight years immediately preceding that period, has had a total residence in the State amounting to four years;
(e) Has been granted subsidiary protection, or is a family member of such a person, in compliance with the Admissions and Appointments Regulations 2013.
Educational Requirements
(vi) Have by the closing date:
(a) obtained an Irish Leaving Certificate with a grade D3 minimum in five subjects at Ordinary Level*, or
(b) hold a Level 5 Certificate (Major award) on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), or
(c) hold a recognised qualification (at Level 5 or greater), deemed comparable to the above in terms of both level and volume of learning as determined by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
AND
Language Requirements
(d) Must have a proven proficiency in two languages; one of which must be Irish or English. Such competency may be proven by achieving the relevant grades in an Irish Leaving Certificate or for English or Irish through such assessments as set out by the Public Appointments Service. The contents and scoring mechanism to be used at the assessments (written and oral) will be determined by the Public Appointments Service (PAS).
The competition for the selection of Garda Trainees attracts a very high number of applicants in every campaign. Accordingly, the selection process to become a Garda Trainee is rigorous, with candidates required to undertake a range of relevant assessment tests and exercises over a number of selection stages.
Our courses are carefully designed by experts in the industry and in Garda Recruitment. We have been successfully preparing candidates for Garda Recruitment campaigns for over 30 years. No one else can come close to that experience.
Becoming a Garda is an exceptional career decision which is why only a select few will make it through the process. These candidates know the importance not only of preparation but of investing in the best preparation.
Becoming a member of An Garda Síochána is an exceptional career decision. It is a permanent position that offers a number of great benefits such as:
But perhaps most importantly, it is a position that is respected by people up and down the country because as a Garda, you will be making a proactive contribution by building relationships and trust within the community.
Unfortunately, it is not easy to become a member of An Garda Síochána. To do this, you must prove yourself by navigating through a rigorous selection process. This process will not be made any easier by the vast numbers of people who will be applying for the recruitment campaign.
However, you may feel comforted by the fact that since 1987, thousands of candidates have successfully availed of our services before you. These candidates are now either serving members of An Garda Síochána or are students currently attending the Garda Training College in Templemore. We fully recognise that our very best advertisements are the recurring recommendations that these individuals provide to members of the public on an on-going basis.
In fact, we encourage you to ask members of An Garda Síochána about our services. We are confident that they will endorse our position as the most successful Garda preparation course providers in Ireland.
Gardaí who have the required skills may apply for promotion to the role of Garda sergeant, and climb the ranks of an Garda Síochána. The Ranks of An Garda Síochána are:
→ Garda
→ Sergeant
→ Inspector
→ Superintendent
→ Chief Superintendent
→ Assistant Commissioner
→ Deputy Commissioner
→ Commissioner
Garda Trainee Jack McGovern speaks about his experience of the stages of recruitment and the Garda College in Templemore. (Source - Garda Press Office - Careers Portal)
Think of preparation as one of the best investments you could ever make. You are giving yourself the best chance at success in the recruitment campaign and at gaining a great career with the following benefits:
This is a competitive process and often successful candidates are brought forward by order of merit. So, preparation is not just important in order to pass the Garda tests but also to maximise your scores in them. Candidates that prepare have an instant advantage.
Garda Preparation CoursesWhat is it worth knowing that you are giving yourself the best opportunity to succeed in the assessments?
Our experience has shown us that the most serious applicants do not believe in taking shortcuts. Neither do we. We focus on providing the highest quality preparation and have done so for over 30 years. As a result, our courses are the best in the market.
Simply put, we give you the best opportunity of succeeding!
"I am currently waiting for the next intake class after passing all stages with an OOM in the 50s. I don't know how I would have fared without the help of Career Services. They gave a clear direction and strategy for doing well in the various stages. The course instructors were brilliant and helped with feedback and advice long after the courses were over. The work put in on your own time is massively important but with the direction of Career Services, you know what to aim at and how to hit it every time. I couldn't recommend the course and people involved more highly"
Garda Trainee
“I booked a course for Stage 1 in the Carlton this year, used your course online for Stage 2 and attended Stage 3 in Portlaoise. I want to thank you for your course as it immensely helped me and I subsequently passed my interview for the Garda Trainee 2019 on the 25th of November! I am 568 OOM. I would have no hesitation in recommending Careers Services should I know anyone applying”
Garda Trainee
"I did a Garda stage 1, 2 and 3 preparation course last year with ye, I started my training last week in Templemore and can honestly say I wouldn't be there if not for the preparation courses, the best money I ever spent thanks again"
Garda Trainee
"Just emailing in relation to the results I received yesterday from Stage 3 , I passed with an OOM of 150 , I had completed all 3 courses with ye this year and they were brilliant in guiding me through the process. A particular thanks to Ed and Patrick. I hope to be in the first batch into Templemore"
Garda Trainee
“I’m delighted to say all your help has been brilliant for my application this year. I passed each stage with ease and that was with the help and guidance you provided. I did stage 2 and 3 with you guys and it was the best money I’ve spent. I’m currently waiting to hear when I get to start in Templemore and I couldn’t be more excited and thankful for your help in getting me to here”
Garda Trainee
“Hi, I found the course very helpful and worthwhile, it was worth every penny. I passed my interview with no issue. The course was a great help to prepare for the interview, I felt so confident going in, I’m currently waiting on my intake date. Thanks for the help”
Garda Trainee