PC Sift and Online Assessment FAQs
| Can I transfer my Assessment score to Cheshire Constabulary? | As part of the recruitment process, Cheshire Constabulary will consider applications form individuals who have achieved a national pass mark at Assessment within the past 24 months. The national pass mark will be detailed in your Personal Feedback Report. You must also meet the Cheshire Constabulary eligibility criteria. If you meet the criteria then we would be happy to consider your application and request that you contact [email protected] prior to applying for further guidance and advice. |
| How long does it take to receive the outcomes from my Online Assessment Centre? | This will normally take between 2 - 4 weeks. This is marked externally by the College of Policing and as soon as the outcomes have been sent to Cheshire Constabulary, all candidates will be contacted within a couple of days. |
| How many stages are there for in the Online Assessment Centre? | After the National Sift, there will be three further stages to complete at the Online Assessment Centre. This will include a video interview, a written and briefing scenario based exercise. Further information can be found at https://www.college.police.uk/career-learning/joining-police/online-assessment-process |
| What is AIMS? | AIMS is an online platform used by the College of Policing to hold the National Sift and Online Assessment Centre. When progressing through this stage, you will be sent a link directly to register an account. |
| How do I register for the National Sift? | You will be sent a link in your Invite to complete the National Sift which you will be asked to follow to register a profile on the AIMS platform. |
| How long do I have to complete the National Sift? | You will have a week to complete the National Sift exercise from the point at which you have registered yourself onto the AIMS platform. |
| What does the National Sift involve? | The National Sift assesses your judgement and decision-making skills in relation to job-relevant situations. In the exercise, you will be presented with 15 scenarios that reflect challenging situations you may face when working in the role. For each scenario, you will be presented with four possible actions that could be taken. You will be asked to rate each of the four actions in terms of its effectiveness in addressing the scenario. |
| I won't be able to complete the National Sift in time, can I request an extension? | Yes, we can normally offer additional time for candidates to complete the Sift if they are struggling to meet the deadline, providing this does not impact the registration process to the Online Assessment Centre. |
| How can I obtain feedback from the Online Assessment Centre? | Yes once the results have been released to candidates by the College of Policing, you will be sent a link to obtain your Asseessment Centre Feedback Report. If successful this report will remain valid for 2 years and can b transferred across to other forces within England and Wales. |
| What happens if I failed the National Sift? | If unsuccessful, you may wish to resit the national sift. You may do so in three months’ time from the date you completed your assessment. You will be limited to attempt the assessments twice in a 12-month period. You will be required to complete both exercises in the national sift again. |