New vocational Level 5 Diploma launched for police recruits
Policing qualifications specialists SFJ Awards have launched a new Level 5 Diploma in Professional Policing Practice, designed to formally recognise the training and learning undertaken by those entering the workforce through the Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP).
This qualification was developed based on the College of Policing curriculum, and in line with Independent Patrol Status (IPS) and Full Operational Competence (FOC) standards. An expert working group with representatives from across the UK’s police forces helped to design and refine the learning outcomes and assessment criteria included in the diploma.
Supporting the vocational route into policing
The Police Constable Entry Programme is a hands-on training route, and the diploma has been designed as a competence-based qualification to reflect this. This enables learners to evidence their skills primarily through on-the-job training and assessment. Whilst there is an element of off-the-job learning it is significantly less than the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship route.
See more information about the qualification in the centre handbook.
Making onboarding easy for employers and learners
PCEP was formally launched earlier in 2024, so to support the roll out of the new Level 5 Diploma, there is an accelerated approval process for College of Policing licenced forces, and a robust Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process for those who have already started a training programme.
In addition, there are reduced fees for early adopters of the new qualification, available until end of March 2025.