When Will Police Training Start in 2025? Here’s What You Need to Know
eugene da Ponte
June 25, 2025
If you’ve been asking yourself, “When will police training start in 2025?”, you’re not alone. Like many others in South Africa, I’ve been tracking the SAPS recruitment and selection process closely to stay ahead. Whether you’ve already applied or you’re getting ready to submit your documents, it’s essential to know what to expect and how to prepare.
In this guide, I’ll break down the training start dates, how the SAPS recruitment and selection process works, and what you should be doing right now to make sure you’re ready.
What You Need To Know About SAPS Training
What I Found About When Police Training Will Start in 2025
After following several SAPS press briefings and reading media updates, it’s clear that police training for the 2024/2025 intake is already underway. Those who were shortlisted in late 2024 will begin training before the end of February 2025.
So, if you’re one of those wondering, “When will police training start in 2025?”, and you’ve already completed your assessments and interviews in 2024, expect to report to your designated SAPS academy between January and February 2025. This is the second batch of the previous intake cycle.
What About the New 2025 Intake?
For those who missed the 2024 window, don’t worry. SAPS has confirmed a new round of applications is coming soon. According to the latest updates, the SAPS recruitment and selection process will officially open again at the end of June 2025.
That’s when the next big question comes up again—“When will police training start in 2025?” For this intake, training is scheduled to begin in early 2026, most likely between January and February.
Breaking Down the SAPS Recruitment and Selection Process
From my experience and research, the SAPS recruitment and selection process involves several critical stages. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Application submission (online from June 2025 onwards)
- Initial screening based on qualifications and documentation
- Psychometric testing
- Physical fitness assessment
- Medical check-up
- Background verification
- Panel interview
- Final selection and training academy placement
Each of these steps is essential, and skipping or failing one could mean restarting the process in the next cycle.
What Happens During Police Training?
Understanding when will police training start in 2025 is just the beginning. Once accepted, you’ll go through a 24-month programme called the Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP).
Here’s how it’s structured:
- 10 months at the SAPS academy (theoretical training)
- 12 months at a police station (practical field training)
- 2 months final assessments and integration
The SAPS recruitment and selection process leads into this programme, and it’s designed to test your knowledge, discipline, and endurance.
How I’m Preparing (And You Should Too)
If you’re still wondering, “When will police training start in 2025?”, now is the time to act. I’ve started putting together all my certified documents, improving my fitness, and practising for the psychometric assessments.
Here’s my checklist:
- ID and Matric certificate (certified copies)
- Clean criminal record
- Daily physical training
- Monitoring the SAPS careers page and social media
The more prepared I am, the smoother the SAPS recruitment and selection process will go.
Key Dates to Remember
Let me help you stay on track with this simple timeline:
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Application opens | End of June 2025 |
| Shortlisting & assessments | July – November 2025 |
| Training starts (previous cycle) | By February 2025 |
| Training starts (new intake) | January – February 2026 |
So, if someone asks me, “When will police training start in 2025?”, I can confidently say early 2025 for the second half of the current intake and early 2026 for those applying mid-year.
Final Thoughts from My Journey
The journey through the SAPS recruitment and selection process is not quick or easy—but it’s worth it. I’ve learned that being organised, staying informed, and remaining focused gives me the edge. Asking “When will police training start in 2025?” is just one part of the process. What truly matters is using that time to be the best possible candidate.
So, if you’re planning to apply or are already in the process, stay sharp and prepare for the next steps. The opportunity to serve South Africa as a police officer is within reach—you just need to follow through and give it your best.
Siyaqasha publishes opportunity explainers to help applicants understand official vacancies better. Always confirm application details through official sources and submit your application before the closing date.
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