Am I Eligible? 

Overview of Garda Entry Requirements

Eligibility criteria is published by the Public Appointment Service at the beginning of each recruitment campaign in a document called ‘Candidate Information Booklet. The basic eligibility requirements are outlined below (Based on 2025 Recruitment Campaign ( download full document here).

(i) Be of good character

(ii) Be certified by a Registered Medical Practitioner (nominated by the Commissioner after consultation with the Minister) to be in good health, of sound constitution and suited physically and mentally to performing the duties of a member of the Service.

(iii) Have passed a Physical Competence Test 

You must have attained the age of 18 and be no more than the age of 49 by the closing date for application to this competition.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

You must be by the closing date for application to this competition:

A. A national of a European Union Member State; or

B. A national of a European Economic Area State, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland or the Swiss Confederation; or

C. Under the International Protection Act, 2015 and in compliance with the Admissions and Appointments Regulations 2013, as amended, be:

i. A refugee or a family member of such a person in relation to whom a refugee declaration is in force and continues to be in force for the entire duration of the Garda Recruit selection and admissions process; or

ii. A person granted subsidiary protection or a family member of such a person in relation to whom a subsidiary protection declaration is in force and continues to be in force for the entire duration of the Garda Recruit selection and admissions process; or

iii. By the closing date for application to this competition, have had a period of one year’s continuous residence in the State, and during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years.

by the closing date:

By the closing date for application to this competition, you must have obtained the

following:

1. An Irish Leaving Certificate with a grade D3 or O6 minimum in five subjects at Ordinary Level*; or

2. A minimum of a Level 5 Major award (120 Credits) on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ); or

3. A recognised qualification (at Level 5 or greater), deemed comparable to the above in terms of both level and volume of learning as determines by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).

 Please note: • Successful applicants are required to study and pass Irish as part of a module in the Garda College.

** Subjects taken at Foundation Level Leaving Certificate are not considered equivalent for entry to this competition. In certain cases, a Pass in the Applied Leaving Certificate may be deemed equivalent to an Ordinary Leaving Certificate. A H7 grade is also deemed equivalent to an O6 grade.

The Public Appointments Service may verify the validity of qualifications other than the Leaving Certificate with Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). Candidates may refer to the  National Academic Recognition Information Centre  which offers advice on the academic recognition of foreign qualifications in Ireland.

be proficient in either or both of the following:

i) the Irish language

ii) the English language

Please note that we are NOT affiliated with An Garda Síochána or the Public Appointments Service and the content and information on this website has been provided in good faith.