Police & Defence Force Prep course

Why choose us for Police & Defence Force Preparation?

Develop the fitness, resilience and practical skills recruitment teams are seeking.

Practical training

Train with professional equipment and expert guidance from instructors who know recruitment requirements.

Ex-service tutors

Your instructors are ex-Police and NZDF professionals who bring current recruitment standards and expectations to your training.

Entry-test-ready outcomes

Graduate with mental and physical capabilities that match the high standards of NZ Police, NZDF and protective services.

Our Police & Defence Force Preparation course

Our Police & Defence Force Prep course

Here’s an overview of our Police & Defence Force Preparation course.

Police and Defence Force Entry Preparation

Level 320 weeks60 credits

Build the fitness, confidence and skills needed for Police or NZDF careers. Develop physical readiness, communication abilities and teamwork through realistic training scenarios. Graduate ready to excel in pre-entry testing and recruitment interviews.

View all Police & Defence courses

Police & Defence Force Preparation FAQs

Your service preparation questions answered - from entry requirements to career pathways.

What do I need to enrol?

It’s easy! All you need to bring along is proof of citizenship or PR. We will help you do the rest. If you are an international student, please contact us first.

How much does this course cost?

You might be eligible to do this course for free! Talk with our Student Support Team to find out. If not, you may be eligible for loans and allowances, and we can help you with that.

What time does this course start and finish?

This course runs from either 9am to 1pm, or 1pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Please speak to your Student Support Team to see which option is available.

Am I eligible for a travel allowance?

If you are aged between 16 and 19, yes! If not, we can sit down and discuss what assistance you might be entitled to.

What resources will I need?

We provide everything you need.

What does a typical day look like?

Every day we will practice physical fitness training, psychometric testing and mathematical reasoning, to best prepare you for your entry test, and help you achieve your goal of joining the New Zealand Police or Defence Force. We also cover vital skills like teamwork, problem solving and stress management.

Will this course get me into the Police or Defence Force?

No – but it will significantly increase your chances of success. And the good news is the NZ Police currently need 1800 new police officers!

To find out more about entry criteria for the NZ Police check out Newcops.co.nz.

Or to learn more about Defence Force entry criteria check out Defencecareers.mil.nz.

Do I need to be super fit to do this course?

No. But you need to be fit to be in the Police or Defence Force. This programme will definitely help you increase your fitness level.

Maths is not my strong point. Will I still be able to do this course?

Yes. We can put you through a literacy and numeracy programme if necessary. It’s free and will get you up to speed.

James from Auckland's Pasifika community had a clear vision - becoming a police officer to inspire youth. Through Skills Institute's hands-on Pre-Police & Defence Force course with tutor Prashant Naikar, he built confidence and discovered strengths he didn't fully recognise. Today, he continues his police journey while dreaming of becoming a tutor himself.

James Muliaga

Hayley, a mum of three from Porirua, transformed her creativity into nail technology expertise. Skills Institute's flexible Level 4 course fit her life as a working mother, with tutor Ina Nolan guiding her through real-world training. Today, Hayley is planning to open her own nail salon by graduation

Hayley Mason

Fabiola, a mother of two from Chile with engineering background, found new adventures in hospitality at Skills Institute. Inspired by students' excellent customer service, she developed those same skills through hands-on practice with tutor Rahul. Today, she's confidently planning her next steps in the industry.

Fabiola Osorio

Marie grew up styling her Samoan family's hair, discovering her passion for hairdressing. Skills Institute helped her transform natural talent into professional expertise through hands-on learning. She overcame self-doubt to graduate Level 3 and complete Level 4 Hairdressing, ready for success.

Marie Tominiko

Nandita was managing 500+ recruitment rounds at Auckland Council when she saw potential for more. The NZ Certificate in Business Level 4 fit with her full-time work, with her breakthrough mastering Excel. She's transformed from managing processes to driving change.

Nandita Singh