Inside changes to Victorian Police Recruitment in 2025

The Victorian Police force is halving the length of its entrance exam and moving it online in a bid to clear a backlog of recruits languishing on a waiting list.

The move comes as the force continues to struggle to fill around 1,200 frontline vacancies across the state, despite ongoing recruitment drives.

By streamlining the application process, Victoria Police hopes to fast-track the intake of new officers.
The change also makes testing easier for people across Victoria, including regional and interstate applicants. The change also aims to attract a broader range of candidates. It will help those balancing family, study or work commitments who previously found the recruitment process too restrictive.

So, what do the changes involve?

What do the changes involve

Testing available day and night

From November 1, testing slots will be available online every 10 minutes of the day and night, including public holidays. This move reflects a more flexible and accessible approach. It removes barriers for regional applicants who once had to travel long distances for testing.

Previously, applicants had to undertake the test at a testing centre. Testing centres were only open once a month on a Saturday.

This led to significant wait times for prospective police officers. Forty per cent of the more than 3,000 people going through recruitment are waiting to complete the test.

Importantly, those who wish to complete the test in person at a testing centre will still be able to do so.

Shorter, faster entrance exam

The size of the exam will be reduced from eight testing sections to four, cutting the time to complete it to two hours from the original 4½.

Prospective officers will still have to answer 100 questions and tasks and will be tested in literacy, abstract reasoning, report writing and numeracy. This ensures the exam continues to assess essential policing skills while removing some of the repetition and fatigue associated with the previous format.

To maintain security and integrity, a number of safety measures will be in place. These include:

Real-time supervision

Each test will be overseen by a live supervisor. Applicants must verify their identity and keep their camera on at all times.

 Digital monitoring

Supervisors can view the applicant’s screen through a secure browser and run remote sweeps to detect any unauthorised software. Applicants will also be asked to complete a 360-degree pan of the room to confirm their phone is stored away and they are not wearing an earpiece.

Rigorous oversight

The Australian Council for Educational Research will manage the process, ensuring all tests are timed, recorded and independently reviewed.

The move is just the latest in a series of initiatives to boost Victorian police recruitment. It follows educational requirements being reduced earlier this year. Minimum education requirements were scrapped and the entrance exam was waived for those with an ATAR over 65 and functional English. The force’s training program was also reduced from 31 weeks to 25 weeks. The changes aim to put police officers on the streets sooner while ensuring recruits receive mentoring from senior leaders.
These reforms mark one of the biggest updates to Victoria Police recruitment in decades. They are designed to speed up the path from application to active duty.

As Victoria Police recruiting processes are modernised, applicants need to adapt to a faster and more competitive system. With the introduction of online testing and streamlined education requirements, preparation and presentation are more important than ever. Understanding what recruiters are looking for — and how to communicate your skills and motivation clearly — can make all the difference when applying for roles in policing or other public-sector careers.

Are you looking for a new career? Selection Criteria Writers can help. We are pleased to offer professional resume writing and LinkedIn profile writing services. Our team specialises in preparing high-quality applications for those interested in careers in policing. This helps candidates showcase their skills, integrity and alignment with organisational values.

Article References

ABC News (23 May 2025) ‘Victoria Police to shorten training course to boost policing’, ABC News, accessed 24 October 2025.

Juanola, M.P (24 October 2025) ‘Police recruits to take streamlined online entrance exam in push to fill 1200 vacancies’, The Age, accessed 24 October 2025.