Level 4 Diploma in Community Policing Practice

About the qualification

Qualification Number: 603/3945/7

SFJ Awards Level 4 Diploma in Community Policing Practice

Operational Start Date: 1 January 2019

The primary function of the Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) is to be the visible and uniformed presence of the service in the community, fostering and promoting relationships (especially in respect of community cohesion, diversity and inclusivity) across communities. The objective of the SFJ Awards Level 4 Diploma in Community Policing Practice is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required for the role of the PCSO.  The qualification is based on and mapped to the Police Community Support Officer curriculum developed by the College of Policing.

The qualification is a mandatory component of the apprenticeship programmes in England and Wales.

• Total Qualification Time: 810 hours
• Guided Learning: 240

What are the pre-entry requirements for the Level 4 Diploma in Community Policing Practice?

Learners are required to have completed the PCSO recruitment process to access this qualification, which includes common eligibility requirements regarding age, nationality and physical fitness. Individual police forces may have additional specific entry requirements.

Applications for the PCSO role are submitted through individual police forces, and prospective learners should check eligibility and recruitment windows locally. The recruitment process includes the PCSO Recruit Assessment Centre, details of which can be found on the College of Policing’s website.

Learners following the apprenticeship route in England should refer to the Level 4 Police Community Support Officer Apprenticeship Standard and Assessment Plan available on the Institute for Apprenticeships website.  Apprentices in Wales must undertake an initial and diagnostic assessment of essential skills using WEST (Wales Essential Skills Toolkit) in Communication, Application of Number and Digital Literacy available on the Wales Essential Skills Toolkit website.

For further information, download the specification here:

Please contact us for more information.