September Garda Trainee Recruitment Campaign

A Garda recruitment campaign was launched in September 2025. Applications were available via the Public Appointments Service website. 

Full eligibility information can be found in the Official Candidate Information Booklet.

The deadline for applications was 3pm on Thursday 9th October 2025

 If you successfully submit a Garda application form you can expect to be invited to the Stage 1 Online Aptitude Tests soon after the application deadline has passed. There’s no initial shortlisting so if you apply, you should expect to be invited to Stage 1. Start preparing for success in the online tests stage now!  

Give yourself the BEST chance of success in Garda selection process with our renowned preparation courses.

The competitive selection process involves a number of stages:

Stage 1 – Online Aptitude Tests (Verbal & Numerical) & Written Exercise

Stage 2 – Competency Based Interview

Stage 3 – Fitness Test

Prepare for all the recruitment stages with Career Services Garda complete package (currently on special offer):  Garda Complete Package Prepare for the Stage 1 aptitude tests with their  Stage 1 preparation course

We have designed this unofficial Garda website to help answer all your questions on how to become a Garda. Our dedicated Garda career information website has been created to help you in deciding if you are eligible and want to apply for a Garda career, the recruitment process, the career itself, the importance of preparing and much more. We hope you find the information helpful in your research and gain a comprehensive understanding on all the steps involved after reviewing the site.

BECOMING A GARDA

Becoming a Garda is more than just a job. Whether you’ve always wanted to be a Garda, looking for a career change, looking to build a meaningful career with a sense of belonging or are driven by a desire to help your community while achieve a fulfilling career An Garda Síochána offers it all.

Find Your Tribe

Belonging is at the heart of a Garda career. Whether you thrive as part of a team, are drawn to the camaraderie of specialist units, or seek a respectful and supportive workplace, you’ll find your tribe within An Garda Síochána. This is a career where every individual contributes uniquely, and introverts and extroverts alike can excel.

Competitive Salary

During Training

The costs of training to become a member of An Garda Síochána compares favourably with the costs of third level education. Garda Trainees are paid €354 per week for the 36 weeks of training in the Garda College and graduate with a Level 7 Bachelor of Arts Degree in Applied Policing accredited by the University of Limerick. Food and accommodation is provided free while resident in the Garda College.

After Training

Those who successfully complete their training come out to a guaranteed, full-time public-service pensionable job, where they start on a salary of €38,694 which rises incrementally. Garda Trainees will be assigned to work the core shift roster (12 hours) which attracts additional allowances, and will have the opportunity to work on overtime. Gardaí will have the opportunity to work on overtime which is paid at a rate of time and a half, unless working on a Sunday/public holiday which is paid at double time.

This competitive pay structure, combined with meaningful work, makes a Garda career both financially and personally rewarding.

Opportunities to Progress 

Gardaí can advance into specialist units tackling fraud, forensics, drugs, and gangland crime. After three years of service, opportunities open for specialised roles and promotions, offering a career path rich with growth and challenges.