National investigators' exam (NIE)

Support, guidance and information for people taking the national investigators' exam (NIE).

2023 exam dates

Exam date Registration (all close at 6pm)
Tuesday 7 March
  • opens Thursday 12 January
  • closes Wednesday 8 February
Tuesday 6 June
  • opens Wednesday 5 April
  • closes Wednesday 10 May
Tuesday 5 September
  • opens Wednesday 12 July
  • closes Wednesday 9 August
Tuesday 21 November
  • opens Wednesday 20 September
  • closes Wednesday 25 October

NIE candidate handbook

Information on the rules, syllabus, how to apply, details of the assessment process, and results and feedback. All candidates must read this handbook.

Go to handbook

Syllabus changes for all 2023 exams

This statement is applicable to all candidates undertaking the NIE in 2023 (March, June, September and November).

The following sections have been removed from all 2023 exams and will therefore not be examined in the 2023 NIE.

The Blackstone's Police Investigators Manual 2023 sections:

  • 1.10.1
  • 1.10.2
  • 1.10.3
  • 1.10.4

The rest of the syllabus is still examinable.

For their own knowledge, candidates are recommended to familiarise themselves with the updated legislation. Forces may wish to consider testing this within force.

All candidates should refer to the relevant candidate handbooks for their exam for further information about the syllabus.

Other useful information

Exam results

See a breakdown and some demographic analysis of exam results.

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