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National Crime Agency Assessments

Prepare for the National Crime Agency application process with general practice tests.

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Careers at National Crime Agency

The National Crime Agency is at the forefront of the UK's fight against serious and organised crime. The career paths within the NCA are diverse, encompassing roles that combat financial crime, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and more. Integrity is one of the NCA's four values, and every role requires security vetting to at least Security Check (SC) level, so the hiring process can take longer than at many other employers.

National Crime Agency Application Process

The stages depend on the role, and each job advert says how candidates will be assessed. A typical route is:

1. Online Application

2. Online Tests (some roles)

3. Interview or Assessment Centre

4. Pre-employment Checks and Security Vetting

National Crime Agency Online Application

Your career with the National Crime Agency starts with the online application. Depending on the role, you may be asked for a CV showing your employment history, including any gaps, for the last three years, short examples of up to 250 words written in the STAR format, or a personal statement, which normally has a limit of 1,250 words. The NCA suggests reading the Civil Service Success Profiles to help with your application. It's crucial to tailor your application to the specific role you're aiming for, highlighting how your competencies align with the job's requirements and the Agency's values.

National Crime Agency Online Tests

Some roles include an online ability test, such as a verbal or numerical reasoning test. You cannot skip questions or go back, so answer each one before moving on. The NCA suggests trying the Civil Service practice tests on GOV.UK to get used to the format.

National Crime Agency Interview

Many roles include an interview. The NCA says interviews vary slightly with your experience and field of expertise. Questions may draw on the Behaviours and Experience elements of the Civil Service Success Profiles, which the NCA recommends reading, so prepare examples using the STAR format.

National Crime Agency Assessment Centre

Some roles include an assessment centre. The NCA lists a presentation, a written exercise or an in-tray exercise as possible tasks.

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National Crime Agency Assessments Tips

Understand the Role

Research the specific position and the skills it requires. This will help you focus your practice on relevant areas.

Practice Regularly

Regular practice can help you feel more comfortable on test day. Familiarity with question formats and time limits is crucial.

Stay Calm

Test anxiety can impair your performance. Practise relaxation techniques to stay calm during the actual test.

Free Practice Exams

Use the free practice tests on Psychometric Tests for general preparation in verbal and numerical reasoning.

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National Crime Agency Assessments FAQs

What are the National Crime Agency tests?

The tests depend on the role. Some NCA roles include an ability test, such as a verbal or numerical reasoning test at the application stage. Roles with an assessment centre may also include a presentation, a written exercise or an in-tray exercise. The job advert says which methods apply.

Are the National Crime Agency tests hard?

The NCA does not publish pass marks or difficulty levels. Where a role uses an ability test, it is a timed online verbal or numerical reasoning test in which you cannot skip questions or go back, so working steadily and accurately matters.

How do I prepare for National Crime Agency tests?

The NCA suggests practising with the Civil Service verbal and numerical tests on GOV.UK to get used to the format. General reasoning practice, such as the tests on Psychometric Tests, can also help you get used to working under time pressure.

How long does the recruitment process take at National Crime Agency?

It varies by role, and the NCA says joining can take longer than in some other organisations. After a conditional offer, the pre-employment checks, including security vetting, take around 16 weeks for external candidates.

What are National Crime Agency's core values?

The National Crime Agency has four values: Integrity, Agility, Alliance and Excellence. Integrity means doing the right thing and acting with courage, Agility means being flexible and innovative to stay ahead of the threat, Alliance means embracing diversity and working with partners, and Excellence means aiming to be world class at protecting the public from serious and organised crime.