Introduction
If you’re preparing to apply to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), understanding the OPP interview process is one of the most important steps in your journey.
Thousands of applicants every year pass the initial testing phase — but only those who understand what the interview stages measure move on to the final selection.
At anEDGE, we specialize in 1-on-1 OPP interview coaching and law-enforcement exam preparation, built by former OPP, RCMP, and municipal recruiters who know exactly what to expect behind the interview table.
In this 2025–2026 guide, we’ll walk you through the entire OPP interview process, what each stage involves, and how to prepare effectively for success.
Overview of the OPP Interview Process
The OPP interview process is designed to evaluate your motivation, judgment, and behavioural competencies — qualities essential for modern policing in Ontario.
It usually consists of two main interviews:
- Local Focus Interview (LFI) – assesses your motivation, values, and connection to the community.
- Essential Competency Interview (ECI) – evaluates how you’ve demonstrated core policing competencies through real-world experiences.
Together, these interviews help recruiters understand who you are, what drives you, and how you behave under pressure.
Stage One: The Local Focus Interview (LFI)
The LFI is often the first formal step in the OPP interview process.
Its purpose is to measure your motivation for joining the OPP, your understanding of policing in Ontario, and your alignment with OPP values.
What the OPP Looks for
- A clear, personal reason for wanting to join the OPP
- Understanding of Ontario’s diverse communities
- Awareness of OPP’s mission and core values (Integrity, Professionalism, Honour)
- Reflection on community service and volunteer experience
- Communication skills and self-awareness
Sample LFI Questions
- “Why do you want to become an Ontario Provincial Police officer?”
- “What do you know about the OPP and the communities it serves?”
- “Describe a time you made a difference in your community.”
- “How do you demonstrate integrity in your daily life?”
How to Prepare
- Research OPP regions and current community priorities.
- Reflect on your personal motivations and values.
- Practise answering with specific, real examples.
- Avoid memorized responses — authenticity matters.
Stage Two: The Essential Competency Interview (ECI)
Once you pass the LFI, you’ll move on to the Essential Competency Interview (ECI) — a structured, behavioural interview focusing on six key competencies the OPP believes every officer must demonstrate.
| **OPP Competency | Description** |
| Resiliency | Remaining calm and effective under stress |
| Teamwork | Cooperating and contributing effectively to group goals |
| Communication | Listening, speaking, and writing clearly and respectfully |
| Problem Solving | Using analysis and creativity to resolve complex issues |
| Leadership | Taking initiative and guiding others positively |
| Inclusivity | Respecting diversity and building equitable relationships |
(Note: When you publish, format the text above as a table for best readability.)
How the ECI Works
The interviewer will ask questions starting with phrases like:
- “Tell me about a time when…” or “Describe a situation where…”
You’ll need to provide real-life examples from work, school, volunteering, or personal experiences.
Each answer should use the STAR format:
- S – Situation
- T – Task
- A – Action
- R – Result
Example Question
“Tell me about a time when you faced a conflict in a team and how you handled it.”
What Recruiters Evaluate
- Clarity and structure of your response
- Ownership of your actions and results
- Learning outcomes and self-reflection
- Consistency with OPP values
How Long Is the OPP Interview Process?
- Local Focus Interview (LFI): 45–60 minutes
- Essential Competency Interview (ECI): 60–90 minutes
Overall timeline: Depending on scheduling, both interviews may be completed within a few weeks, though timelines vary across Ontario.
Be patient — interview scheduling depends on applicant volume, regional recruiters, and testing cycles.
Top Tips for Success in the OPP Interview Process
1. Prepare Six STAR Stories
Have at least six clear examples ready, each linked to a competency.
Example topics:
- Handling conflict (Teamwork)
- Leading under pressure (Leadership)
- Supporting diversity (Inclusivity)
- Problem-solving in a crisis (Problem Solving)
2. Practise Aloud
The OPP interview measures verbal communication — tone, pacing, and clarity.
Record yourself practising answers and aim for 2–3 minutes per story.
3. Know the OPP Inside and Out
Research the OPP’s current initiatives, community partnerships, and policing priorities.
Demonstrating knowledge of the organization sets you apart.
4. Reflect Honestly
Recruiters value self-awareness. Be ready to discuss lessons learned from your experiences — not just successes.
5. Get Expert Feedback
Even strong candidates benefit from professional coaching.
At anEDGE, our former OPP recruiters conduct mock interviews that mirror the real process — helping you refine STAR stories, structure answers, and build confidence.
Book your OPP Interview Coaching session now
Common Mistakes in the OPP Interview Process
- Giving generic answers (“I just want to help people”)
- Forgetting to describe your specific actions
- Overexplaining the Situation and skipping the Result
- Using vague or hypothetical examples
- Appearing unprepared or unaware of OPP values
Remember: interviewers want to see how you think, act, and learn — not perfection.
About anEDGE: Your Expert Coaching Team
anEDGE is a leading Canadian law enforcement coaching and exam preparation company. We specialize in one thing: helping candidates like you successfully navigate every stage of the police hiring process, from the entrance exam to the final interview.
What makes us different? Our team.
anEDGE was founded and is run by former police recruiters and officers from services across Canada, including the OPP, RCMP, and municipal agencies.
We don’t just teach theory. We provide 1-on-1 coaching, realistic mock interviews, and preparation packages built from actual behind-the-table recruiting experience. We know what recruiters are looking for because we were those recruiters.
Why Coaching with anEDGE Makes the Difference
The OPP interview process is designed to be fair, but it’s also highly competitive.
Strong candidates often fail simply because they don’t know how to frame their experiences in the STAR format or communicate them confidently.
At anEDGE, our 1-on-1 OPP Interview Coaching gives you:
- Customized mock interviews with former OPP recruiters
- Personalized STAR story development and feedback
- Communication and pacing techniques that reflect real OPP standards
- Confidence to perform at your best, even under pressure
🎯 Real Police. Real Coaching. Real Results.
Start your OPP Interview Preparation today →
FAQs: OPP Interview Process
Q1: How many stages are there in the OPP interview process?
There are typically two: the Local Focus Interview (LFI) and the Essential Competency Interview (ECI).
Q2: Do I need policing experience to pass the OPP interview?
No. The OPP values transferable skills from work, school, volunteering, and community service.
Q3: How should I structure my answers?
Use the STAR method — Situation, Task, Action, Result — to keep answers clear and concise.
Q4: What competencies does the OPP evaluate?
Resiliency, Teamwork, Communication, Problem Solving, Leadership, and Inclusivity.
Q5: Does anEDGE offer mock OPP interviews?
Yes. anEDGE’s national coaching team includes former OPP recruiters who conduct realistic mock interviews and provide detailed feedback.
Conclusion
The OPP interview process is your opportunity to demonstrate your integrity, motivation, and readiness to serve Ontario communities.
By understanding each interview stage, preparing STAR stories, and practising under realistic conditions, you can stand out from other applicants.
When you’re ready to take the next step, the anEDGE coaching team is here to guide you — every step of the way.
Visit our OPP Interview Coaching & Preparation page to start preparing for your OPP interview today.