Q: When can I apply to join the ACDP?
External graduate / undergraduate applicants may apply at any time to join any of the 8 Scottish forces or British Transport Police via the ACDP. If applicants are appointed within force prior to the annual ACDP selection process, they will be invited to undertake this process when it is next held. If unsuccessful in accessing the ACDP, and already appointed as a Constable, applicants will remain as a standard entrant.
For serving officers, ACDP intake arrangements inviting applications are circulated to forces in July.
Q: When do the ACDP Selection Processes take place?
The ACDP selection process is held annually. The Aptitude Tests take place in December; Force Selection Boards in February / March and the Assessment Centre in April. Dates are confirmed in July together with intake arrangements for the year ahead.
Q: As an external ACDP applicant, do I have to complete all aspects of the initial two-year probationer training?
Yes
Q: How many officers are on the ACDP?
There are currently under 40 officers on the Programme. There is however no fixed number of places or an annual intake quota, nationally or within forces.
Q: Can I apply as a serving officer who has passed all 3 subjects of the Police (Scotland) Promotion Examination, but not in one sitting?
Yes, Constables, Sergeants and Inspectors who are qualified for promotion beyond Inspector rank through the Police (Scotland) Promotion Examination are now eligible to apply for the ACDP, irrespective of whether they obtained all 3 subject papers in the same sitting or not.
Q: Can I apply as a serving officer who has passed the Diploma in Police Service Leadership and Management?
Yes, Constables, Sergeants and Inspectors who have passed the Diploma in Police Service Leadership and Management, or other mutually recognised promotion examination e.g. OSPRE Parts 1 and 2, are also eligible to apply.
Q: How many times can I apply for the ACDP?
Candidates are limited to a maximum of 3 applications. The only exception to this is for officers who had previously accessed the Programme on their third application and were subsequently removed for not obtaining all Police (Scotland) Promotion Examination papers in one sitting under the then guidelines.
Q: What is the difference between the ACDP, the Accelerated Promotion Scheme for Graduates and the Accelerated Promotion Scheme?
The ACDP superseded the Accelerated Promotion Scheme for Graduates, which previously replaced the Accelerated Promotion Scheme. The ACDP was introduced in 2007 as part of a process aimed at modernisation, improved eligibility and closer alignment to the Senior Careers Development Service.
Q: How can I apply?
External applicants can apply to join the Scottish police force of their choice or the British Transport Police via the ACDP by completing the standard police entrance application form. This should be sent to the relevant Force recruitment branch, together with the ACDP application form which can be downloaded from this site.
Applicants who are successful in being appointed to the service will receive details from their force regarding the ACDP selection process when available.
Serving officers can apply by submitting an ACDP application form as detailed within intake arrangements circulated annually in July.
Q: What do I do if I have further queries?
If you have any further queries regarding the Programme please contact the ACDP Co-ordinator.
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