Compare UK public-service careers
Side-by-side comparisons of UK public-service careers: the tests each one uses, the selection stages, eligibility and how the jobs differ.
Police Constable vs Police Call Handler
Both put you at the heart of a police force, but they are different jobs with different processes.
Sergeant Exam (NPPF) vs Inspector Exam (NPPF)
Both are the College of Policing's NPPF step two legal exams: 150 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours, online, on crime, evidence and procedure, and general police duties, drawn only from the current Blackstone's Police Manuals.
Sergeant Exam (NPPF) vs Detective Exam (NIE)
Two College of Policing law exams with different purposes.
Civil Service Fast Stream vs Diplomatic Fast Stream
Both are Fast Stream schemes chosen in the same application (you can pick up to 3 schemes), with the same first stages: online tests, then a half-day virtual assessment centre.
Civil Service EO / HEO vs Civil Service AO / AA
Both are the main ways into the Civil Service through Civil Service Jobs, assessed with Success Profiles.
HMRC Officer vs DWP Work Coach
Two of the largest Civil Service recruiters, both through Civil Service Jobs and Success Profiles.
Army Soldier vs Army Officer
Both start online with the Army, but the selection is different.
Royal Navy Rating vs RAF Aviator
Both services now use the Defence Aptitude Assessment: 6 multiple-choice tests sent to your candidate portal, with role-dependent score requirements.
Prison Officer vs Probation Officer (PQiP)
Both are HM Prison and Probation Service careers, but they work at different points of a sentence.
Border Force Officer vs Police Constable
Both enforce the law in uniform, but in different places and under different employers.
Firefighter vs Police Constable
Both are frontline emergency careers with demanding selection.
Intelligence Officer vs Civil Service Fast Stream
Both suit graduates who want to work on national issues, and both use online tests, assessment exercises and interviews.