**Read before Posting** FAQ Garda Recruitment

Since these threads are a little out of date I have been updating them slightly beginning with FAQ.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.