Way to the police
The two-year basic training to become a police officer in the National Police takes place at the Police School of Eastern Switzerland in Amriswil. Since 2015, a standardized admission procedure has been in place for all police corps in Eastern Switzerland (Ostpol.CH), including the National Police.
The National Police organizes an information evening at which interested parties can obtain useful detailed information about the police profession and the application procedure, including the tests.
Aptitude test
In order to be able to apply to the National Police, an aptitude test must be successfully completed for a fee. The aptitude test consists of:
- Theoretical part (IST-2000-R intelligence structure test)
- Sports test: Requires a basic level of fitness, which is why early preparation for the specific exercises is strongly recommended.
Click here to register for the aptitude test.
The certificate issued upon passing the aptitude test must be submitted to the National Police together with the application documents.
The certificate can be obtained either from the National Police - which, however, only carries out the aptitude test when a public job vacancy is advertised - or from a police corps in Eastern Switzerland (AI, AR, GL, GR, SG, SH, TG, Stapo Chur, Stapo SG), which offer the aptitude test several times a year. Regardless of which police corps the certificate is obtained from, it can be used for applications to the National Police. The certificate is valid for two years.
The National Police will announce the date of the aptitude test with the job advertisement. Registration for the aptitude test is only possible after the date has been announced in the job advertisement. The dates of the aptitude tests offered by the Eastern Switzerland police corps can be found on the respective corps' websites.
After registering for the aptitude test, you will receive a confirmation of registration and an invitation to attend. The examination fee for the aptitude test is CHF 50 and must be paid in cash at the start of the aptitude test. At the same time, you must provide proof of identity with your identity card or passport. Further information on the aptitude test is available at +423 236 78 01 or .
From application to selection
Once you have passed the aptitude test, you can apply to the National Police with the relevant application documents. The following requirements apply:
- Valid aptitude test certificate (theory and sport passed)
- Liechtenstein citizenship
- Completed vocational training or high school diploma and professional experience
- Impeccable reputation
- Mental maturity and resilience
- Good communication and social skills
- Physical fitness
- Willingness to work irregular hours (nights, weekends)
- Generally between 20 and 35 years of age
- Driving license Cat. B
In addition to the usual application documents, an extract from the criminal and seizure register is required.
Information on data processing in the application process can be found here.
For suitable candidates, the further selection procedure includes
- an assessment (civics test, German test and structured interview)
- an official medical examination
- an interview with the Chief of Police
Police school
Since 2019, training to become a police officer has lasted two years. In the first year, comprehensive theoretical knowledge and police skills are taught at the police school in Amriswil (TG). Candidates complete the first year of training by taking the operational capability test and swearing in. In the following practical year, they put what they have learned into practice with the National Police and take the professional examination (police officer with a federal certificate) at the end of the year. This is followed by formal acceptance into the police corps of the National Police.