FAQs

General

I am a Canadian Citizen, but I live outside Canada, can I still apply?
Unfortunately, the recruiting process is conducted in Canada only. If you meet the basic requirements and wish to apply to become a Regular Member of the RCMP, you will have to travel to Canada at your own expense.

Education

What kind of courses should I take in high school, college or university to prepare for a career as a regular member with the RCMP?
The RCMP does not recommend one course of study over another. While one of the basic requirements is a high school diploma or equivalent, we hire applicants from all educational background and areas of study. The RCMP also promotes and encourages continuous learning.

What if I was educated outside of Canada?
If your education was obtained outside of Canada, you will require an equivalency assessment. You may obtain this equivalency through the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials Web site. An applicant can also obtain a provincial department of education accepted High School Equivalency Certificate.

Selection Process

What are my chances of being selected for the Cadet Training Program?
It is a highly competitive process for a predetermined number of positions. The number of applicants selected depends on human resource needs across Canada.

How long does the entire selection process take?
It depends upon successful completion of the necessary steps of the selection process. Generally, it takes between 6 to 18 months to fully process an application.

Training Academy

How physically fit should I be before attending the Training Academy?
Applicants are expected to enter cadet training with a good level of physical fitness. The training program is not designed for cadets to “get in shape”, but rather to allow each cadet to enhance their education, skills and abilities in fitness. Cadets who arrive at Depot in less than good physical condition often struggle with both the physical and the academic aspects of the Cadet Training Program.

What kind of physical training is involved at the Training Academy?
The physical demands of a typical training day are difficult for cadets who are unfit. A training day may include marching on parade (troop inspection) at 0615 hrs, “doubling” from class to class (double time marching; similar to a jog), or sparring in Physical Defence Tactic, marching/running/performing push-ups in drill, running 4 miles and climbing 9 flights of stairs... all before noon!

After a quick lunch, the same troop may perform in the Sergeant Major’s noon parade, then attend a classroom lecture and a firearms training session in the afternoon. Missing the bus and having to run out to the firearms range, meeting an instructor to practice the PARE after classes and squeezing in a weight workout after supper may further compound the activity of the day. Be prepared to enter Cadet Training with a good level of physical fitness.

Postings

What happens after I graduate?
After your graduation from Depot, you will normally be hired as a Regular Member of the RCMP. Your education will continue throughout your first posting, where you will be coached and mentored by experienced police officers as part of our Field Coaching Program.

How long before I can get into a specialized unit?
Newly engaged members are normally posted to general duty assignments and expected to complete a minimum of three years of operational policing before becoming eligible to apply in a specialized unit. Members who meet the competency profile (i.e. skills, experience) for a particular position may be considered for a specialized unit to meet organizational needs.

Is it possible to apply for a position in Forensic Investigation?
Only Regular Member of the RCMP can apply for positions in Forensic Investigation. A Regular Member must have completed a minimum of three years of operational policing duties before being eligible to apply for placement in the Forensic Identification Apprentice Training Program.

My spouse would like to continue his/her education. Is it possible to be posted close to an urban centre with a university?
As a member of the RCMP, you may be posted anywhere in Canada. It is the RCMP’s responsibility to provide policing service to many small and remote communities. This may make continuing education difficult.

Aboriginals

As an Aboriginal or Inuit person, what are my chances of being posted back to my home area? Can I be posted somewhere else in Canada? Do I have to be posted to a specific community?

The RCMP, by virtue of the Canadian Constitution and the RCMP Act, has primary responsibility for policing on reserves and Aboriginal and Inuit communities across Canada. As the federal government has responsibilities stemming from Tripartite Agreements being negotiated with Aboriginal and Inuit communities throughout Canada, Aboriginal and Inuit applicants' posting requests are given careful consideration.

Because of these contractual agreements, it is incumbent upon the RCMP to employ Aboriginal members to serve in these communities, a significant number of which are situated in rural and/or more isolated areas of Canada. Notwithstanding this, as a member of the RCMP, you may be posted anywhere in Canada.

Are there any special programs for hiring Aboriginal persons? I have heard of the Aboriginal Cadet Development Program.
The Aboriginal Pre-Cadet Training Program (APTP) offers Canadian Aboriginal people from the ages of 19-29, the opportunity to get an inside look at the life of a police officer. This summer program provides the selected candidates with hands-on experience in the RCMP’s training program and ample opportunity to do meaningful work in their community while working along side police members of the RCMP.

Pension Transfers - DND

I am a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces. Can I transfer my pension to the RCMP or elect to pay back the return of contributions?
Yes, the RCMP recognizes prior service with the Canadian Armed Forces. A newly hired RCMP member may choose to transfer his/her Canadian Forces pension to the RCMP Pension Fund or to purchase prior Canadian Forces service for which a return of contributions was received, provided it meets the eligibility requirements under the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act. Eligible service in the Regular Forces must normally be full-time paid service of at least 90 consecutive days. Periods of Canadian Forces Reserve service must be continuous full-time paid service of at least six months.