Become an RCMP officer: Before you 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.

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.

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.

(For the purposes of RCMP recruiting, an unrestricted driver's license refers to the ability to drive unsupervised at any time of the day or night, on any road and with as many passengers as there are seat belts)

If your education was obtained outside Canada, you must get an equivalency assessment. Contact the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials to find out which organizations across Canada perform these assessments. You can find out more by visiting Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials 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 Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) test or equivalent.

If you did not complete your secondary education (high school) in Canada and do not have an equivalency, you may still apply if you have completed a university degree from a recognized Canadian university, or a diploma from a recognized Canadian college. Please note that if you have completed a college diploma you may be asked to provide your education equivalency later in the process.

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

You must meet the minimum vision standards as assessed by a registered/certified Ophthalmologist / Optometrist. Review the vision standards.

You must meet the minimum hearing standards as assessed by an audiologist. Review the hearing standards.

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.

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.

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.

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 postings 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.

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

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.