Do B1, C1 and C2 trainee civil servant (fonctionnaire-stagiaire) police officers have the opportunity to take part in field operations during their training?
Yes! Police training at the Police School comprises both theoretical modules and practical work placements. These work placements take place in police stations and within the criminal investigation department (SPJ) or national units, where trainees shadow police officers in their day-to-day work. Some of these placements may also take place in police units or departments abroad.
Do B1, C1 and C2 trainee civil servants (fonctionnaire-stagiaire) share accommodation on site whilst undergoing their training at the Police School?
No.
What happens if a trainee civil servant (fonctionnaire-stagiaire) police officer fails their basic vocational training?
As part of their training, candidates must pass theoretical and practical tests. Depending on the circumstances, a deferral may be possible. Candidates who fail their training period (stage) are excluded. If they still wish to become a police officer, they may reapply and start the recruitment process from the beginning.
Are candidates paid during their training at the Police School?
Yes! All trainee civil servants (fonctionnaire-stagiaire) are entitled to a salary during their training. The method for calculating this is set out on the Civil Service website under: Career paths and pay > Civil servants > Salary, and more specifically for salary groups B1, C1 and C2 .
Depending on the role, the type of work and personal circumstances, various allowances and benefits – such as a meal allowance or family allowance – may be added.
For candidates in police careers, there is a specific career structure: Career Paths and Remuneration > Civil Servants > Career Structure.
What is a typical day like during training at the Police School?
A typical day of classes at the Police School begins at 8am and usually ends at 5pm. Trainee civil servants (fonctionnaires-stagiaires) always start their day with a briefing, followed by four lessons covering various theoretical and practical subjects. Physical education is also part of the training.
Time slots allowing trainee civil servants (fonctionnaires-stagiaires) to prepare for exams, for example, are also included in their timetable. After 5pm, the Police School’s facilities remain open for them to study or prepare for their lessons, as does the gym for their physical training.
They wear their uniform every day.
What subjects are taught?
The training program includes both theoretical and practical subjects to ensure that trainee civil servants (fonctionnaires-stagiaires) are as well prepared as possible for a career in the police force.
Examples of theoretical subjects:
- Use of weapons
- Conflict management
- Medicinal substances
- Protection of young people
- Criminal procedure
- Road traffic regulations (“Code de la Route”)
- Human rights
- Domestic violence, etc.
Examples of practical subjects:
- Practical shooting
- Police tactics
- Violence control
- Sport
- Drill, etc.
Practical subjects are taught alongside the necessary theoretical foundations, and with regard to the theoretical subjects, great importance is placed on a practical focus.
What comes next after successfully completing police training in the B1 or C1 career levels?
Most police officers begin their careers, mainly in a police station, but also within one of the various police services and units (UGAO, SPJ, USP, etc.). Since 2026, interested police officers have the opportunity to join the Special Police Unit (USP) immediately upon completion of their training period (stage), following a specific selection process.
As a police officer posted to a police station, the officer is in direct contact with people in distress and responds to emergencies to assist them. They play an active role in preventing and combating crime.
Police officers who wish to specialise in a specific field later on may apply for vacant posts within the various departments and units of the Police. Click here to discover some examples of possible areas.
Generally speaking, officers may change departments or units several times during their career, depending also on their preferences or interests. Overall, the role of a police officer has become vastly more diverse over the last few decades.
How does the training program for salary group A1 trainees work?
Candidates wishing to become senior police officers must hold a Master’s degree (Bac+5) or equivalent. Following the general aptitude test (CGPO) and the special Police exams, candidates are admitted to the training programme subject to availability and their ranking in the various tests. They will undertake 22 months of theoretical and practical police training at the École nationale supérieure de la Police in Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d’Or, near Lyon. In addition to police procedures, their training also includes courses in leadership, personnel management and crisis management.
Are candidates paid during their training?
Yes! All trainee civil servants (fonctionnaires-stagiaires) are entitled to a salary during their training. The method for calculating this is set out on the Civil Service website under: Career paths and remuneration > Civil servants > Salary, and more specifically for salary group A1.
Depending on the role, the type of work and personal circumstances, various allowances and benefits – such as a meal allowance or family allowance – may be added.
For candidates in police careers, there is a specific career structure: Career Paths and Remuneration > Civil Servants > Career Structure.
What comes next for A1 police officers once they have completed their training and passed their exams?
A1 police officers generally take on managerial roles within police units and services. In addition to police procedures, their training includes, amongst other things, courses in leadership, staff management and crisis management. Most A1 police officers therefore begin their careers in one of the four police regions, where their role most often involves personnel management and the organisation and supervision of large-scale police operations. In addition to strategic posts requiring coordination or management skills within a region, many also hold posts within the Criminal Investigation Department (SPJ), such as Investigator. For A1-grade officers too, career prospects and opportunities for internal mobility are varied and offer rewarding challenges to candidates.
For more information on the recruitment process for the A1 career level, click here!