What studies should you do to become a police officer in France?

Introduction

You want to become a police officer in France but don't know what studies to pursue? Stay with us, we'll detail all the steps to join the police and achieve your goal.

You dream of joining the national police and building a career in the police officer profession, but don't know where to start? Don't worry, whether you're still in middle school, high school, or already working, there are several ways to access this sector which is actively recruiting.

From choosing your stream after 9th grade to the police officer entrance exam, passing through police school training, we guide you step by step. Discover in this article all the possible paths, required qualifications, age conditions, and necessary preparation to succeed in your training and become a police officer in France.

Access requirements to become a police officer in France

To become a police officer in France, it is essential to meet several access requirements set by the administration. First, the candidate must be a French national or a citizen of a European Union member state, with the enjoyment of their civil rights. The integrity of your criminal record is also paramount: no conviction incompatible with the exercise of police functions should appear on the official record.

The required age varies depending on the exam you take. For the police officer entrance exam, candidates must be between 17 and 35 years old at the time of the tests, with possible exceptions for certain profiles such as former military personnel. The minimum level of education required is the baccalauréat (high school diploma) for police officers, although other exams – such as the commissioner exam – require a bac+5 (master's degree) qualification.

Physical fitness plays an important role. Candidates must pass sports tests and medical aptitude tests, proving their ability to exercise a physically demanding profession. Excellent vision, correct hearing, and good general fitness are essential. Finally, candidates must pass the written, oral, and sports tests of the National Police exam to be admitted to police school.

What stream and studies to pursue to join the national police

To join the national police, several paths are possible from high school onwards, depending on the career you're aiming for. Choosing a general stream, such as the general baccalauréat with a specialization in economics and social sciences (SES) or political science, provides a solid foundation. However, a STMG technological baccalauréat (management and business sciences) or a professional baccalauréat in security professions is also relevant, particularly for quick entry into non-commissioned officer exams.

After the baccalauréat, candidates can prepare for a police officer exam on their own or follow specific training in a training institute or integrated preparatory class (CPI) offered by some police schools. For officer or commissioner positions, higher education is essential: a licence (bac+3, a three-year undergraduate degree) in law, public administration, or political science is strongly recommended. Some students even continue to the master's level. If you're considering the legal route to boost your application, the double law degree is a particularly valued option for officer or commissioner positions.

It's also possible to go through an IEP (Institute of Political Studies) or an ENS-D1-D2 preparatory class to maximize your chances of getting into the National Higher School of Police (ENSP). If you're still unsure about the best path after the baccalauréat, consult our guide on post-baccalauréat training according to your profile to compare options and make an informed decision.

The police officer entrance exam: preparing for it and passing it

The police officer entrance exam is an essential step to join the national police. It requires rigorous preparation, both physically and intellectually. The exam takes place in several phases: admissibility tests (written), psychotechnical and psychological tests, an interview with a panel, as well as sports tests.

To succeed, methodical organization is essential. It is recommended to follow specific preparation, either online through dedicated platforms, or within training centers, or even as an independent candidate using past papers and thematic sheets. The program covers general knowledge, reading comprehension, logic, and the basics of French law and institutions.

Physical fitness also plays a key role. Regular training is essential to pass the physical tests of the exam, including the motor skills course and cardio-respiratory endurance.

Mental preparation before the oral interview is also crucial: candidates must demonstrate their motivation, their sense of ethics, and their ability to exercise authority. Anticipating the panel's expectations will help you stand out during this final test. Consistency, discipline, and perseverance are the pillars of success.

Police school training and the beginning of your career

Police school training in France is a crucial step to becoming a police officer. It begins after passing the entrance exam, which can be external or internal. Future police officers follow paid training, provided at one of the national police schools (ENP), distributed across the country. Lasting an average of 8 to 12 months depending on the specialization, this training combines theoretical courses, practical training, internships at police stations, and ethics modules.

Students learn law, intervention techniques, conflict management, use of force, procedure writing, as well as the fundamental values of public service such as neutrality and respect for rights. After passing the final exams, trainee police officers are confirmed in their position and assigned to a service in one of the national police zones, generally according to needs.

The beginning of your career can be demanding. Young police officers must often show adaptability, particularly when facing variable schedules, significant emotional burden, and sometimes difficult field realities. However, this experience is also enriching, allowing you to quickly put into practice the skills acquired during training.

Since I was little, I dreamed of becoming a police officer. After a STMG baccalauréat, I pursued exam preparation at a specialized school. Every day, I learned to push myself, both physically and mentally. The path is demanding, but today I'm proud to have been admitted to police school. Believing in your calling and never giving up is the key.

I started my studies without really knowing what I wanted to do. One day, a police officer came to my class to talk to us about his profession. That meeting changed everything. After my baccalauréat, I pursued a law degree before taking the police officer entrance exam. It's not easy, but with passion and rigor, anything is possible.

What studies do you need to do to become a police officer in France?

You need to pass the police officer entrance exam, which is accessible with a minimum baccalauréat level.

What is the difference between municipal and national police?

The national police is run by the state and operates across the entire country, municipal police is run by local councils.

Can you become a police officer without a diploma?

There are internal exams or exams reserved for agents already working in the civil service.

What is the minimum age to become a police officer?

You must be at least 17 or 18 years old depending on the exam you're aiming for.

What training is there after the police exam?

Paid training lasting several months is provided at a police school.

Becoming a police officer is much more than just a job: it's a calling, a commitment to serve security and justice. While the path may seem demanding, with studies, exams, and training, it remains accessible to anyone who is motivated and determined. By learning about the studies needed to become a police officer and preparing each step with rigor, you give yourself every chance of success. Believe in your potential, train with passion, and persevere in this meaningful path. The journey can transform an ambition into a true life mission.