Directions Program

Learn more about the benefits of our Directions Program, and what to expect throughout your application process

The AFP Directions Program provides employment pathways in a variety of professional roles including health and wellbeing, investigations, canines, cyber security, corporate support, media and communications, intelligence and protection.

These are all non-policing support roles and will provide successful candidates the opportunity to learn about the dynamic work and career pathways the AFP has to offer.The AFP Directions Program typically includes: 

• A series of rotations working in different AFP teams, exposing you to different areas within the AFP
• Gaining a nationally recognised qualification – Certificate IV in Indigenous Leadership
• Access to Directions specific support including buddies and the Malunggang Indigenous Officers Network
• Professional networking through access to mentors and senior AFP executives

While the Directions Program provides an introduction to the various roles available at the AFP, this is not a direct gateway to becoming a police officer. If you are interested in sworn policing in the future, the Directions Program is an excellent starting point to prepare you for this career path, however you will still be required to pass through the Officer Application Process.

Salary and benefits

The AFP Directions Program provides a number of benefits including:

• A starting annual salary of $57,846 plus 15.% superannuation
• Relocation assistance if you are moving interstate to participate in the Program
• Six weeks’ annual leave, plus four mandatory rest days per year
• A variety of work and developmental experiences
• Opportunity for advancement at the completion of the program

Online Application

You will need to answer some questions and upload two documents: 

• An up-to-date résumé/CV covering:
  • where you’ve worked and when you worked there (include casual, unpaid and volunteer positions)
  • positions held and achievements
  • qualifications or courses of study
  • school, community, sporting or other achievements
• contact details for two people the AFP can contact to discuss your work performance and/or general character.
• Documentation to confirm you are of First Nations heritage. Evidence of heritage is a document provided by a registered Indigenous community organisation, issuing a letter of confirmation.

Online Psychometric Assessment 

Shortlisted candidates will receive an email invitation to complete an online psychometric personality-based assessment and a text-based PredictiveHire FirstInterview, which are designed to further understand your experience and measure whether you possess the key capabilities required for the role. These assessments take about an hour. 

Employment Suitability Questionnaire and Traffic History

If you are selected to progress to the next stage of the recruitment process, you will be required to: 

• Complete an Employee Suitablity Questionnaire  to assess your character against the character standards required by the AFP.
• Provide an up-to-date traffic history from any State/Territory/international traffic authority where you have held a driver’s licence. This must cover your entire driving history up to 10 years. 

Interview and Written Assessment

Held via video chat (Skype, Zoom or similar), candidates who make it through to this stage will undertake a video interview. You will be given tips on how to prepare for this beforehand so you can perform at your best. 

As part of the interview process, you may be asked to complete a written assessment. You will be notified if this is required.

Offer of Employment and Security Clearance

You will be given an offer of employment via email through MyCareer. Before starting, you will need to obtain the required NV1 security clearance (provided by the AFP).

Upon commencement, you will complete mandatory drug testing arranged by the AFP and provide your fingerprints. 

Deserving candidates who are not offered a position in the program are placed into a merit pool for 12 months. This means you may be offered another Band 2 position in the AFP. Every year, a number of people from the merit pool are offered other positions in the AFP.