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What Applicants Commonly Need Across Canada

If you’re thinking about a career in policing, most services across Canada look for similar basic requirements. While details may vary by province or police service, applicants are generally expected to:

    • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

    • Be at least 18 years of age

    • Have a high school diploma (some services may ask for college or university credits)

    • Hold a valid driver’s licence with full privileges and a safe driving record

    • Meet physical fitness standards and pass medical and psychological assessments

    • Meet vision and hearing standards

    • Demonstrate good character, with no serious criminal history (pardons may be considered)

Typical Steps in the Recruitment Process

Here are the common stages you’ll go through in most Canadian police services:

    • Submit Application
      You’ll fill out an online application form and provide documents (proof of education, driver’s licence, citizenship or residency, etc.).
    • Initial Screening & Testing

          • Review of documents & background check.

          • Written/hallmark tests (thinking, reasoning, sometimes a communication test) depending on the service.

          • Fitness/physical ability test.

    • Interviews & Assessments
      This can include behavioural interviews, more in-depth personal interviews, psychological assessments.
    • Medical, Vision & Hearing Checks
      To ensure you meet health and sensory requirements.

    • Training Academy
      Once accepted, you’ll attend a police academy (or equivalent). Training usually includes legal knowledge, report writing, ethics, community relations, defensive tactics, driving, physical training, etc. For example, the RCMP’s training is 26 weeks at their Depot Academy.

    • Field Training / Probation
      After academy, you work under supervision (“field training”) and complete a probationary period.

Things that Vary by Province / Service

Because Canada is large and policing is largely provincial or municipal, many details differ. Some of the variable parts include:

    • Extra educational requirements or credits

    • Specific fitness test types and standards

    • Number of demerit points allowed on driver’s licence

    • Timeline for each stage of the recruitment process

    • Supplemental certifications (first aid, CPR, etc.)

    • Language requirements (English, French, bilingualism)

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