Watchmanship (Neighborhood Guard) was reintroduced into the ranks of law enforcement with Decree Law No. 690 issued in 2017. Officially named “Market and Neighborhood Guards” in the related law, these personnel serve as a public security force responsible for maintaining order in their assigned areas.
Market and neighborhood guards are employed within the support services class of the General Directorate of Security. The position remains a popular career choice among many young people, and recruitments continue to take place. How do you apply to become a guard? What are the guard requirements for 2024? We have compiled the details you may be curious about below.
WHO CAN BECOME A GUARD?
To be eligible to become a guard, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of the Republic of Turkey,
- Have at least a high school diploma or equivalent,
- Have no physical disability that prevents duty,
- Meet specified age and height requirements,
- Have completed or deferred mandatory military service,
- Comply with the health conditions specified in the regulation.
HOW DO YOU APPLY FOR GUARDING?
Applications for guard positions can be submitted through the General Directorate of Security’s website or via the e-Government (e-Devlet) portal. The Police Academy’s candidate application system at ais.pa.edu.tr is used to collect applications.
Can You Apply Through e-Government?
Yes. Guard applications are accepted via e-Government. Applicants can log into the e-Government portal and use the Police Academy section to submit their application. Use the relevant Police Academy candidate operations link on the e-Government site to access the application form.
WARNING: You cannot apply through either system until an official announcement is made by the General Directorate of Security. Systems are opened for applications only after the official announcement. Fraudulent messages—often containing fake links and claiming that “applications have started” via SMS—are circulated; do not trust such messages.
WHEN DO 2024 GUARD APPLICATIONS START?
The start date for 2024 guard applications has not been officially announced. Historically, recruitment periods often begin in the first quarter of the year. When applications open, we will publish the details on our site.
NOTE: In some cases, provincial-level recruitments may be organized as needed. We will inform you of any such developments.
WHERE IS THE APPLICATION FEE PAID?
The exam/application fee can be paid at Halkbank branches and ATMs. Candidates must deposit the specified fee into the designated account before completing their application.
WARNING: You cannot submit a valid application without paying the exam fee.
WHAT IS THE AGE LIMIT FOR APPLICATION?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and not have reached 31 years of age at the time of application.
WHAT IS THE REQUIRED EDUCATION LEVEL?
Candidates must have graduated from at least a high school or an equivalent institution to apply for guard positions.
Can Open High School Graduates Apply?
Yes, graduates of open high school programs are eligible to apply.
IS COMPLETING MILITARY SERVICE REQUIRED?
Yes. Applicants are required to have completed their military service. Candidates who have not completed their military service are not eligible to apply.
NOTE: Under the current regulation, completing military service is mandatory. If this requirement changes, we will share updates.
HOW TO FILL OUT THE APPLICATION FORM?
The guard application form must be filled out via the e-Government system. Applicants should enter all required information completely and accurately in the form fields. The form requests personal information and relevant details.
HOW IS THE GUARD EXAM CONDUCTED?
The guard exam consists of written and physical tests. Candidates must pass a written exam covering general culture and basic legal knowledge.
What Are the Exam Stages?
In addition to the written exam, the selection process includes a physical proficiency test and interview stages. Candidates are expected to succeed in all stages.
HOW IS THE INTERVIEW CONDUCTED?
The interview evaluates candidates’:
- Personality traits,
- General abilities,
- Suitability for the profession.
A panel asks various questions and scores the candidate based on responses. The interview is the final stage of the selection process.
HOW MUCH ARE GUARD SALARIES IN 2024?
Guard salaries in 2024 vary according to government economic policies and years of service. The entry-level salary is reported as 38,669 TRY.
WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF A GUARD?
Guards are responsible for protecting public life and property, preventing crimes, and maintaining public order. They also receive training in areas such as traffic management and basic first aid.
We have provided the latest information on guard applications for 2024, including eligibility requirements, exam stages, and key details. If you have questions, opinions, or suggestions about the guard profession, please share them in the comments section.