Queensland Police Officer vs WA Police Officer: which career suits you?
Both forces accept applicants from 17 and a half and both post officers across huge regional areas. QPS starts with an expression of interest and the QPS Entrance Assessment (literacy, abstract reasoning and writing), then an online panel interview, medical, vetting, psychological assessment and fitness, about 16 weeks on average to an offer. WA Police runs integrity checks and a tattoo review, then a psychometric and entrance evaluation and a Physical Performance Evaluation with published standards (beep test 7.01 for men, 6.01 for women), a panel interview and a 28-week paid academy.
Queensland Police Officer vs WA Police Officer at a glance
| Queensland Police Officer | WA Police Officer | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Queensland Police Service Officer (Recruit to First Year Constable) | WA Police Force Officer (Entry-Level Recruit to Probationary Constable) |
| Questions | QPSea, three components: Literacy 30 questions, Abstract reasoning 30 questions and Writing (one typed task) | Psychometric/entrance evaluation covering cognitive ability, emotional intelligence, personality, behaviour and psychological wellbeing. WA Police does not publish the number of questions or the types of cognitive item |
| Time | 1 hour 45 minutes: Literacy 35 min, Abstract reasoning 35 min, Writing 35 min, each timed and scored separately | Not published by WA Police |
| Passing score | You must reach the minimum scaled score ('Standard Met') on all three components; the benchmark is shown on your results certificate (scores are mapped to the Australian Core Skills Framework). One re-sit of failed components is allowed. A pass stays valid for 3 years | No published pass mark. The evaluation includes measures that identify inconsistent or overly favourable responding, which can affect the validity of your results. Results feed a holistic review panel with your interview, integrity, fitness and work history |
| Format | Computer-based, under live supervision via webcam at home or in person in Brisbane. Points are not deducted for wrong answers. ACER and QPS say only their own preparation material is official; our questions are original practice items, not real QPSea questions | Answer every assessment openly and honestly. Because WA does not publish its cognitive item types, our practice covers the verbal, numerical, abstract and logical reasoning that cognitive ability tests usually contain. These are original practice items, not real WA Police questions |
| Cost | Free for invited applicants: QPS issues a voucher covering the full QPSea and a re-sit of up to 2 components. Unsponsored attempts cost $279; a late reschedule costs $107. QPS also covers the fitness test and standard medical; you pay for the swim verification and any extra medical reports | No application fee. You pay upfront for your first aid certificate, the standard P58 medical, the visual acuity assessment, the bankruptcy check and fingerprints and DNA, but WA Police reimburses these for applicants who reach the final assessment stages |
| Languages | English | English |
| Where | Expression of Interest and online application with QPS Recruiting; QPS Entrance Assessment (QPSea) run by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), mostly online with live remote supervision, or at limited in-person sessions in Brisbane; online panel interview; medical by a QPS-approved provider; psychological testing by the QPS Psychological Assessment Unit | Online application on Let's Join Forces; psychometric/entrance evaluation arranged by Police Recruiting; Physical Performance Evaluation (PPE) at the WA Police Academy, Joondalup; panel interview; final medical and vision assessment |
| Level | Police | Police |
What each exam covers
Queensland Police Officer
- The Job and Eligibility
- QPSea Literacy
- QPSea Abstract Reasoning
- QPSea Writing
- Fitness, Swim, Medical and Psychological Assessment
- Panel Interview, Integrity Vetting and QPS Values
- Application Strategy and Timeline
- Recruit Training and the First Year Constable Program
WA Police Officer
- The Job and Eligibility
- Cognitive Ability: Verbal and Numerical Reasoning
- Cognitive Ability: Abstract and Logical Reasoning
- Personality, Emotional Intelligence and Wellbeing Measures
- Physical Performance Evaluation, Medical and Vision
- Panel Interview, Selection Criteria and Core Values
- Application Strategy and Timeline
- WA Police Academy and Probation
Which should you take?
Both forces accept applicants from 17 and a half and both post officers across huge regional areas. QPS starts with an expression of interest and the QPS Entrance Assessment (literacy, abstract reasoning and writing), then an online panel interview, medical, vetting, psychological assessment and fitness, about 16 weeks on average to an offer. WA Police runs integrity checks and a tattoo review, then a psychometric and entrance evaluation and a Physical Performance Evaluation with published standards (beep test 7.01 for men, 6.01 for women), a panel interview and a 28-week paid academy.
Try both, free
Each free practice test takes about 10 minutes and shows your score by topic. No signup.
FAQ
What is the difference between Queensland Police Officer and WA Police Officer?
Both forces accept applicants from 17 and a half and both post officers across huge regional areas. QPS starts with an expression of interest and the QPS Entrance Assessment (literacy, abstract reasoning and writing), then an online panel interview, medical, vetting, psychological assessment and fitness, about 16 weeks on average to an offer. WA Police runs integrity checks and a tattoo review, then a psychometric and entrance evaluation and a Physical Performance Evaluation with published standards (beep test 7.01 for men, 6.01 for women), a panel interview and a 28-week paid academy.
Which is harder, Queensland Police Officer or WA Police Officer?
Queensland Police Officer: qpsea, three components: literacy 30 questions, abstract reasoning 30 questions and writing (one typed task) in 1 hour 45 minutes: literacy 35 min, abstract reasoning 35 min, writing 35 min, each timed and scored separately. WA Police Officer: psychometric/entrance evaluation covering cognitive ability, emotional intelligence, personality, behaviour and psychological wellbeing. wa police does not publish the number of questions or the types of cognitive item in not published by wa police. The longer exam covers more ground, but the harder one is the one further from your daily work. Take both free practice tests to see where you stand.
Can I hold both Queensland Police Officer and WA Police Officer?
You can usually apply to more than one agency at the same time, and many candidates do. You can only work in one full-time role at once, though, and each agency runs its own tests, checks and merit list, so plan your preparation around the test you'll sit first.
How do I prepare for Queensland Police Officer and WA Police Officer?
Start with the free practice test for each, then study by topic. Premium is per exam (A$89 a month each), so most people start with the exam they'll sit first and add the second when they're ready.
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Exam details are summarized from the recruiting agency's published information as of November 2026. Confirm with the recruiting agency before you book. AusGovCareer is an independent career-prep service, not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency.