Qualifications and standards to become an RCMP officer

Application requirements

To apply as a police officer of the RCMP you must:

  • Be a Canadian citizen or have permanent resident status in Canada. Individuals with permanent resident status must have resided (been physically present) in Canada for 3 (1,095 days) out of the last 5 years as a permanent resident.

    The application process is conducted in Canada only. If you are a Canadian citizen living abroad, and you meet all of the requirements, you will have to travel to Canada at your own expense for some portions of the process.

    If you have been outside of Canada for more than six months in a row during the past 10 years, you will need to provide details of your activities during that time. In some cases, you may need to provide details of your activities even if you have been outside of Canada for less than six months. Additional information can be found here: field investigation and security clearance.

    RCMP police officers who are permanent residents may be limited in obtaining certain positions that require a top secret security clearance or certain types of travel documents. If you are interested in becoming a Canadian Citizen you can find more information on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.

  • Be at least 18 years of age to apply

    While you can apply to the RCMP and go through the selection process and basic training at 18 years of age, you cannot be hired to work as a police officer until you are 19 years old.

    There is no maximum age limit to apply to the RCMP.

  • Be proficient in English and/or French

    You must be fluent in either English or French, including being able to speak, write, and read either official language. You do not need to be bilingual to apply.

  • Possess a valid, unrestricted driver's licence

    If your driving experience is limited, it would be to your advantage to gain more experience before attending the Cadet Training Program. You need to demonstrate good driving skills and be a confident, competent driver.

  • Possess a Canadian secondary school (high school) diploma or equivalent

    If your education was obtained outside Canada, you must get an equivalency assessment. Contact the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) to find out which organizations across Canada perform these assessments. You can find out more by visiting CICIC's website.

    If you did not complete secondary school, you must obtain an equivalency assessment. For more information, contact your local board of education or adult learning centre to be assessed and take a General Educational Development (GED) test or equivalent.

  • Meet the health and psychological standards

    You must meet minimal health standards as assessed by RCMP Health Services. This includes a full medical assessment, laboratory test(s) and psychological examinations.

  • Meet the vision standards

    Prior to applying, you must meet the minimum vision standards as assessed by a registered/certified Ophthalmologist / Optometrist.
    Review the vision standards

  • Meet the hearing standards

    Prior to applying, you must meet the minimum hearing standards as assessed by an audiologist.
    Review the hearing standards

  • Meet the necessary level of physical abilities

    Police work is physically demanding. It is extremely important to achieve and maintain a high level of fitness prior to applying. Our training program is not designed to get you into shape, but rather to prepare you for the rigors of policing.

    If you arrive in less than good physical condition, you will start training at a distinct disadvantage. Not only will you increase your risk of injury and/or termination from the Cadet Training Program, you will struggle with both the physical and academic aspects of the Cadet Training Program, and will likely not graduate

    Learn about the physical standards required of our police officers and how to be prepared.

  • Be prepared and able to carry a firearm and to use it or any other necessary physical force

    As a police officer you will be responsible for maintaining public order and safety. You will be expected to use various levels of intervention in the performance of your duties as a police officer.

  • Be willing to spend 26 weeks at the RCMP's training academy (Depot) in Regina, Saskatchewan

    You will be required to live at Depot while in training for the entire 26-week duration. You will also be required to do evening and weekend training activities.

  • Be willing to relocate anywhere within Canada

    The RCMP is a national organization and as such, you, and your family (if applicable), must be willing to relocate anywhere within Canada. You may be asked to submit preferred options for consideration in advance of your first post following graduation; however, all posting are governed by operational needs.

    The number of times a police officer will be relocated varies depending on the police officer's role, promotional interests, human resourcing needs and available opportunities. The RCMP serves communities across the country and our police officers are expected to be mobile to gain a variety of experience and to meet the operational needs of the organization.

  • Be willing to work shift work including weekends and holidays

    You should expect to work shifts, including nights, evenings, weekends and holidays as policing takes place 24 hours per day.

  • Be aware of requirements for tattoos, jewelry and other personal effects

    Tattoos are permitted if they do not depict or incite hate, harassment, or discrimination against individuals on the basis of the grounds listed in Canadian Human Rights Act, section 3.

    You may wear discreet personal effects on the body if they do not interfere with the effectiveness of personal protective equipment. Examples include glasses, watches, medical bracelets, jewelry, wedding bands, kangas, kirpans, karas, and medicine bags.

Lastly, police officers must conform to certain standards. At several stages during the recruiting process, you will be made aware of the behavior standards which will be expected of you throughout the application process and your career as a police officer of the RCMP.

Do you want to join Canada's national police force? Find out how to apply now.

If you want to learn more about a career with the RCMP, attend a recruiting event. Held across the country, recruiting events provide an opportunity to meet a recruiter and have your questions answered.

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