What is the Queensland Police Service Entrance Assessment (QPSea)?

The Queensland Police Service Entrance Assessment (QPSea) is used to assess applicants for entry into the Queensland Police Service. Your successful QPSea result is valid for 3 years and must be valid at time of application submission. 

The QPSea is administered by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) on behalf of QPS, drawing on ACER’s expertise in delivering fair, transparent and accessible testing for applicants across Queensland, Australia and overseas.

  • QPSea assessment components

    Literacy

    tests reading comprehension

    Abstract reasoning

    tests problem-solving and logic

    Writing

    tests written communication skills

  • When should I complete the QPSea?

    The Recruiting Team will invite you to participate in the QPSea after you have completed the Expression of Interest (Step 1) and been deemed eligible. Note, some applicants may be exempt from the QPSea.

    Most QPSea assessments are completed online, under live remote supervision via webcam, allowing applicants to sit the test from home. ACER also offers limited in-person testing sessions in Brisbane throughout the year.

    Two mounted unit officers patrol on horseback

  • Can I be exempt from the QPSea?

    You may be exempt from completing the QPSea if you meet one of the following criteria:

    • Have an ATAR score of 80 to 100, or an OP score of 1 to 10, and have achieved a C or pass grade in Year 12 English and Mathematics at an Australian educational institution.
    • Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level 7 or above) completed in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada or the Republic of Ireland. An exemption may be considered if the applicant can provide evidence that their degree was completed in English and meets the AQF requirements.
    • Hold a diploma qualification (AQF level 5 or higher) completed through an Australian educational institution, and have completed Year 12 in Australia with a C or pass grade in English and Mathematics.
    • Have passed the QPSea within the last 3 years.

    Exemptions for applicants with Australian or New Zealand policing experience:

    • Are a current or recently resigned police officer from Australian or New Zealand jurisdictions (including QPS) and meet the eligibility requirements to undertake an accelerated training program, including the PACE program. To be eligible for this exemption you need to meet the following criteria:
      • Have at least 2 years of policing experience with and Australian or New Zealand jurisdiction in the past 5 years, 
      • Have more years of operational policing experience than years since resigning.

  • What if I don’t pass the QPSea tests?

    If you do not pass one or more QPSea components on your first attempt, you can book a resit through the ACER portal for the component/s you did not pass.

    Remember, the QPS will only cover the cost to resit up to 2 components.
    If you need to resit all 3 components, an exclusion period may apply before you can undertake the full QPSea again. You will need to meet the assessment costs.

    Learn more on the ACER QPSea website
    police recruits standing on parade

  • Who pays for the QPSea?

    QPS Recruiting will provide you a voucher to cover the cost of the QPSea. The voucher can be redeemed once. The voucher covers the full test (literacy, abstract reasoning, and writing components), plus a resit of up to 2 components if needed.

    If you redeem the QPSea voucher, you will not be eligible to receive another voucher, this includes if you book but do not attend testing. Any further assessment will be at your own cost.

    Highway Patrol officers on motorcycles

  • Using your QPSea voucher

    It is vital that you action the following steps within strict timeframes, after receiving your QPSea voucher. Make sure you are prepared for this process before you apply.

    Redeem within 72 hours

    You must log on to the ACER website and redeem the issued voucher within 72 hours of receipt.

    Book your test within 7 days

    You are required to book an assessment date within 7 days from the date the QPSea voucher is received.

    Comply with ACER requirements

    You must comply with ACER registration requirements, including their rescheduling or cancellation process.

  • Next steps

    Before submitting your QPS Expression of Interest (EOI), make sure you are ready to undertake the QPSea. ACER provides a range of resources to help you prepare for the assessment, including practice resources, technical requirements and more. 

    Remember, once you submit an EOI to commence the Queensland police recruit application process, you may then be required to complete several steps and assessments within short timeframes. Make sure you are prepared and able to fully commit to the recruitment process before you begin.

    Visit the ACER QPSea site
    See what we offer
    Explore our recruitment process
    Take the QPS Eligibility Test
    Find a recruiting event near you
    Learn more in our FAQs

  • Contact us

    Phone: 1300 BE A COP (23 2 267)
    +61 7 3015 3388 (for overseas enquiries)

    Email: Recruiting@police.qld.gov.au

    Contact hours: 9am-12pm and 1-3pm, Monday to Friday

    Visit us: By appointment only

Get started with our eligibility test