**Read before Posting** FAQ Garda Recruitment

KERSPLAT!

Since these threads are a little out of date I have been updating them slightly beginning with FAQ. I have added, edited and deleted some parts as I saw necessary. Please Post any additions you see fit and I will add them if I see fit. Most of the below is thanks to a former mod of GR, Geri Boyle so many thanks to him

If you cannot find an answer to your question, please ask here http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057264162

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As the same questions are popping up again and again I'm putting a shortlist together so hopefully this will answer some of them in a comprehensive list. I know these questions are answered on here already but they're hard to find so they keep coming up. If anyone has any more to add, or can answer anything better than me, please do.

* How do I go about applying to join?

Applications for the position of Garda Trainee are made by way of an online application process which is managed by the Public Appointments Service. To receive notification of forthcoming Garda Trainee recruitment campaigns as they arise, you must register as a member of http://www.publicjobs.ie Once you have completed the registration process, log in and click on My Job Alerts, select Security/Emergency Services and then click on Garda. You will be notified by e-mail when a recruitment campaign is beginning. At that stage you will be invited to make an application on http://www.publicjobs.ie


* When is the next recruitment campaign?

A Garda recruitment campaign was announced by the Minister for Justice & Equality on the 12th December 2013 with the closing date of the 9th January 2014, which is currently underway. The MOJ has said that this drive will provide trainees for the next 3 years but may be subject to change

* What is the age limit to join?

Applicants must be aged 18-35. If you're under 35 you are not too old to join. Alot of people join at this age. It is not frowned apon, as you have some life experience under your belt. In short, go for it! If you are at the younger end of the scale, and you are sure it's for you, then also go for it! That is the general consensus around here.

* Do I need Irish to join?

No, you need to have passed 2 languages in your Leaving Cert (or equivilant) at least one of which must include Irish OR English.


From Garda Website:

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
(A) (i) Have obtained an Irish Leaving Certificate with a grade D3 minimum in five subjects at ordinary level, or
(ii) have a Level 5 Certificate (Major award) on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), or
(iii) have a qualification that, in the opinion of the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is of a standard in terms of both level and volume of learning that is not lower than the standard of the qualification specified at (i) and (ii) above

AND

(B) 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 or qualifications specified in (A) above, or for English or Irish through such assessments as set out by the Public Appointments Service.


The Public Appointments Service (PAS) will verify the validity of qualifications other than the Irish Leaving Certificate with Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). Applicants should not contact QQI directly.

* What are the different stages in the Recruitment Process? How do I find out more information about each one?

There are 5 stages to the recruitment process.
Stage 1 - Online Assessment
Stage 2 - Online Assessment
Stage 3 - Supervised Assessment
Stage 4 - Interview
Stage 5 - Medical Assessment
Stage 6 - PCT Assessment

There is also a meeting with your local Super which usually happens after passing stage 3 and before stage 5

* How do I become a Sergeant/ Work for CAB/ Get into a specialist area within AGS?

You must apply for AGS as normal, then train and serve as uniformed member for 3 years before applying for positions in specialist areas or earning promotions withing AGS. This does not include civilian positions. For civilian opportunities, see here: http://www.garda.ie/Controller.aspx?Page=164

A few more questions and answers taken from various threads around the forum. Just want to try keep them easy to find.

* I am extremely interested in joining AGS but i was wondering is it true that if a member of your family has had a conviction and prison time served, my chances getting in are seriously hindered?

During the application process when you get past aptitude stage you fill out a form that asks your family details- names, dob, and addresses of family members. Background checks will be done on each one. That's not to say it will hinder your chance. Most people have a black sheep in their family. They will probably ask you how close you are to this family member etc. but unless the offense relates to terrorist acts/ major drug dealing offenses/ gangland crime etc. it shouldn't affect your chance of getting in. It may delay your process slightly but basically they just need to be aware of your family history.
You will be merited on you....not your family. However, in saying that if we'll say a family member still was a "big player" then forget about it.
Be honest and dont let it put you off applying if it's what you want.


* I have children , if I were to get into An Garda Siochána , what are the chances of me being stationed close to home?

If you have children, you can't pick your station but you can nominate 2 divisions that you want to work in. They try to accommodate you as best they can.

* Is the pay weekly or monthly for trainee's aswell as Full Time members?

Weekly.

* Can somebody tell me whats the shift rota schedule?

The rota can vary depending on your station. One common shift pattern is:

06:00 to 14:00

14:00 to 22:00

22:00 to 06:00

* What does "You are never off duty" mean exactly? Are you often called to come to work on your rest days for example? Do you have some kind of "on call system"?

When they say you are never off duty pretty much means if you are off duty and see something happen you should intervene keeping in mind that you must put your safety and those around first. An example of this would be say if you saw a person being mugged or a place being robbed or a traffic incident then you should at least report it and possibly react but again thinking of safety.
Another aspect of it is when on duty you see certain suspicious things like a bogey looking fella hanging around outside the credit union or a fella possibly selling drugs. These are things that most normal people would not notice at all but guards do. Unfortunately when you're off duty you are looking for these suspicious characters as well therefore the quote "you are never off duty" applies

You can get a phone call to come into work on OT but this job is like any other in that you can decline.

* I have a degree/ masters in Law. Will this help me?


It may OR may not help you. It depends what you're like as a person. I know plenty of people with degrees, who have the personality of a ham sandwich. On the other hand, I know people with not a 3rd level cert to their name, but have great aptitude for the job, and walked through the interview straight into the college.

Your IQ could be off the chart, but if you can't talk to people, you don't stand a chance of getting in.

KERSPLAT!

New FAQ. Obviously it's a little late for this drive but it's good to have for the future. As I stated above, any changes you feel should be implemented you can either post them here or PM me. I'll be updating the other stickies in due course

Thanks

-KERSPLAT!

Bloodwing

The shifts are out of date. Here's a link to the St Raphaels app on the play store that contains the new roster. I'm sure there's an iPhone equivalent.

KERSPLAT!

Thanks bloodwing. Is there a regular shift pattern or does it change all the time? Obviously I can't put the shift times for each unit if they're all different so if they are all different I'll just leave a link to the app

Bloodwing

KERSPLAT! wrote: »

Thanks bloodwing. Is there a regular shift pattern or does it change all the time? Obviously I can't put the shift times for each unit if they're all different so if they are all different I'll just leave a link to the app

Its a regular pattern that repeats every ten weeks and there's a slight variation in the hours you work on the late shifts but other than that its straight forward enough. I'll type it out later and PM it to you. I'd say it'll end up being too long to include in the FAQ.

KERSPLAT!

Bloodwing wrote: »

Its a regular pattern that repeats every ten weeks and there's a slight variation in the hours you work on the late shifts but other than that its straight forward enough. I'll type it out later and PM it to you. I'd say it'll end up being too long to include in the FAQ.

That'd be great, much appreciated. We'll try get it in some way.

Also got a PM with info earlier just haven't had a chance to reply so thanks to that person too

Ganks

How long is training to become a guard?

Jay138

I know you mentioned this at the beginning but I just want some clarification.

For the next batch of recruits are they allowing people to apply via publicjobs or are they using those who have already applied? If they are not allowing people apply, I find this so unfair as I was not eligible to apply back in '13 but have worked extremely hard to be eligible for the next recruitment drive.

The registration through publicjobs.ie is now closed. They're still evaluating and recruiting people from the campaign that started in late 2013.

You can set up notifications on publicjobs so that you'll get a text when the campaign opens again. No doubt that will happen in the near future, just be patient and use this time effectively to get some useful experience and skills. I waited 4 years for the recruitment to be re-instated, I'm sure you can make it, as well

Jay138

Thanks very much. I'll hang in there and continue to up skill so, not much else I can do. Are you a Guard now then? Well done!

Nick L 82

Hi all,

Just wondering if something like having 2 points on your licence would effect your application and to what degree would the vetting process dive into i.e. is it just a case of checking you and your family on the PULSE?

Cheers

jjjjjjjk

I am 19 years of age and have been always interested in becoming a Garda recruit. I have started studying nursing in college which i was told would also help my chances as i am dealing with the public all the time.plus I have lots of other side courses done too to bulk up my C.V.done also. I have registered with public jobs during the year and have got no email yet. just wondering now that were in the month of september does anyone know when the next recruitment drive and would I have a good chance in being selected. I hope to get a response thanks.

Dublingirl88

jjjjjjjk wrote: »

I am 19 years of age and have been always interested in becoming a Garda recruit. I have started studying nursing in college which i was told would also help my chances as i am dealing with the public all the time.plus I have lots of other side courses done too to bulk up my C.V.done also. I have registered with public jobs during the year and have got no email yet. just wondering now that were in the month of september does anyone know when the next recruitment drive and would I have a good chance in being selected. I hope to get a response thanks.

You have done plenty so far, make sure you have passed maths and English in the leaving or have the equivalent, you will also need a second language to English and this can be pass Irish or French or whatever language done at leaving level, the next recruitment drive will likely not be for another 12-18 months at least so possibly see about some community work etc or go travelling or do some new group hobbies etc so as to show how you enjoy new things etc and enjoy meeting new people, this will also keep you busy while waiting for the next recruitment!

lisa85irl

Hi I've a few questions, I've gotten threw to the second round and am waiting to hear back about the third. Do u need to have maths in your leaving cert, I have everything else plus a fetac level 5 qualification????

Typer Monkey

Just in relation to the line above about being able to decline OT like any other job, currently your shift time can be changed or you can be directed to work on a rest day by your superintendent with 14 days notice in writing. Happens in my division 4/5 times a year currently

cw67irl

Can anyone post a breakdown of the various phases. Duration ect. Iv looked online but not found much info

matthew1998

I know this is in the FAQ but is 19 too young to join straight out of school. Would I be lacking life experience? I have a part time job and I am good talker with adults. I'm always afraid I'd look too young as well?

Turbo T

matthew1998 wrote: »

I know this is in the FAQ but is 19 too young to join straight out of school. Would I be lacking life experience? I have a part time job and I am good talker with adults. I'm always afraid I'd look too young as well?

Just apply Matthew. Years and years ago you had to be between 18 and 20-something. Give it a bash.

If you don't get it 1st time you can apply again and you'll be a little older next time but once you qualify to apply, apply.

matthew1998

Turbo T wrote: »

Just apply Matthew. Years and years ago you had to be between 18 and 20-something. Give it a bash.

If you don't get it 1st time you can apply again and you'll be a little older next time but once you qualify to apply, apply.

Cheers for the motivation !

brianp20

Can anyone tell me is foundation level Irish acceptable? I have a good leaving cert but I really struggled with Irish.

Ashersosull89

Hey done the garda aptitude tests and that in PAS about 3 weeks ago still havent heard anything just wondering if thats normal?? Im out of my mind with worry would love if someone could put me to ease?

MrBlack93

Ashersosull89 wrote:

Hey done the garda aptitude tests and that in PAS about 3 weeks ago still havent heard anything just wondering if thats normal?? Im out of my mind with worry would love if someone could put me to ease?

You can relax. Only those that completed their tests in the first week of testing have received results thus far.
Was told elsewhere that the other results are expected this week (although nothing is certain with PAS)

job seeker

Original post: No, you need to have passed 2 languages in your Leaving Cert (or equivilant) at least one of which must include Irish OR English

I have English & French and have the L.C.A qualification. So this is a definite yes, that I my application will be accepted?

job seeker

job seeker wrote: »

I have English & French and have the L.C.A qualification. So this is a definite yes, that I my application will be accepted?

Anyone?

denisryan

Hi,

I am just wondering if Garda recruitment are strict on educational requirements. I don't meet the entry requirements in relation to education as I only have 4 D3's in my LC at Ordinary level and also an E at Ordinary level. I had my interview today. Just wondering what my chances are?? TIA

SinWin

denisryan wrote: »

Hi,

I am just wondering if Garda recruitment are strict on educational requirements. I don't meet the entry requirements in relation to education as I only have 4 D3's in my LC at Ordinary level and also an E at Ordinary level. I had my interview today. Just wondering what my chances are?? TIA

Hi

Public appointments are sorting your educational requirements. If you don't meet the standard they will let you know to submit relevant documentation regards your education. They will let you know if you are short of something ....

dublin2000A

matthew1998 wrote: »

I know this is in the FAQ but is 19 too young to join straight out of school. Would I be lacking life experience? I have a part time job and I am good talker with adults. I'm always afraid I'd look too young as well?

apply anyway, if you get in then great if not you'll gain a great experience of what to expect the next time you apply! the interview is tough and preparation is key but nothing will prepare you than going through the real thing