The NIE, explained.
The National Investigators’ Exam is the legal test on the road to detective. Here’s how it works, what’s on it, and how to pass it first time.
Updated 2 November 2026 · England and Wales
The NIE at a glance
Set by the College of Policing and sat online. It’s phase two of the professionalising investigations programme (PIP2): pass it, then build your portfolio as a trainee investigator.
Every NIE date| Official name | National Investigators’ Examination (NIE) |
|---|---|
| Questions | 80 multiple choice. 10 are removed after the exam, so you’re marked out of 70 |
| Time | 2 hours, 90 seconds a question |
| Pass mark | 55.7%: 39 correct out of 70 |
| Exceptional grade | 85.7% or more |
| Where | Online, on a set day, between 8am and 8pm |
| When | Four times a year: in 2026, March, June, September and November |
| The book | Blackstone’s Police Investigators’ Manual, the edition for the year you sit |
| Results | About three weeks later |
| A pass lasts | Three years (less a day) to complete PIP2 |
What’s on the syllabus
Four areas, all from the Blackstone’s Police Investigators’ Manual. Anything in it can come up.
Part 1
General principles, powers and procedures
- State of mind and criminal conduct
- Charging, court and witnesses
- Search, entry and seizure: PACE Code B
- Detention, identification and interviews
- Release, bail and disclosure
- RIPA 2000
Part 2
Serious crime and other offences
- Homicide
- Drugs, firearms and terrorism
- Cybercrime
- Assaults, hate crime and harassment
- Domestic abuse and child protection
- Public order and driving offences
Part 3
Property offences
- Theft, robbery and blackmail
- Burglary and aggravated burglary
- Handling stolen goods
- Fraud
- Proceeds of crime
- Criminal damage
Part 4
Sexual offences
- Rape and sexual assault
- Offences against children
- Offences against people with a mental disorder
- Preparatory offences
- Offences relating to prostitution
How to pass the NIE first time
- 01
Give it 14 weeks at least
That’s the College’s own recommendation for independent study. Start earlier if your caseload is heavy.
- 02
One book, the right year
Every question comes from that year’s Blackstone’s Police Investigators’ Manual. Don’t revise from an old edition.
- 03
Learn the points to prove
Many questions give you a scenario and ask whether an offence is made out. Know every element, not just its name.
- 04
Time yourself
Ninety seconds a question goes quickly. Sit full 80-question mocks so two hours feels routine.
- 05
Fix your weakest area
Four areas, all examined. A weak spot in sexual offences or property offences costs easy marks.
Detective plan
Pass it. Make detective.
- Full NIE mocks. 80 questions, 2 hours, marked the moment you finish.
- A readiness score that tells you when you’re at pass standard, area by area.
- Exam-style questions across all four areas, each with the reasoning and the points to prove.
- Law flashcards and a study plan that builds to your exam date round your shifts.
£16.99 a month, or £79 for 6 months. Cancel the monthly plan any time.
Questions people ask
What is the NIE exam?
The National Investigators’ Exam is the legal knowledge exam for trainee detectives. It’s phase two of the professionalising investigations programme (PIP2), and passing it lets you go on to become an accredited investigator.
How many questions are in the NIE?
80 multiple-choice questions in two hours. After the exam the 10 questions that performed worst are removed, so everyone is marked out of 70.
What is the NIE pass mark?
55.7%, which is 39 correct answers out of 70. A score of 85.7% or more earns an exceptional grade.
When is the next NIE?
The next NIE is on Tuesday 17 November 2026. In 2026 it ran four times, in March, June, September and November; the College of Policing publishes each year’s dates in its candidate handbook.
What book do you need for the NIE?
Blackstone’s Police Investigators’ Manual, the edition for the year you sit. It’s the only official source, and every question is drawn from it.
How long should I revise for the NIE?
The College of Policing recommends at least 14 weeks of independent study.
Who can sit the NIE?
Officers, police staff investigators and people in other investigative agencies who’ve been selected for PIP2 and can show they’re competent at PIP level 1. Your force registers you through its NIE contact.
How long does an NIE pass last?
Three years, less one day. Most people finish PIP2 within six to 12 months of passing.
Facts from the College of Policing’s NIE candidate handbook 2026. Check with your force’s NIE contact before you register. Points to Prove is independent and isn’t connected to the College of Policing or any publisher. More guides: police exam dates and the sergeant exam.