RCMP Application Requirements

As the managing director of anEDGE, a Vancouver-based company that mentors applicants through the Municipal and RCMP Application Requirements, I often get asked this question:

“ So, what exactly are the RCMP Application requirements?” There is no short answer, as the RCMP application requirements are extensive. I do not want to leave anything out of respect for you and the RCMP process.

So, welcome to the first step toward an enriching career with the RCMP!
During the RCMP application process, the RCMP seeks dedicated individuals who thrive in team environments, excel in communication, embrace diversity, maintain physical fitness, and exhibit strong leadership qualities. RCMP applicants are expected to embody the RCMP’s core values, which include integrity, respect, compassion, responsibility, and excellence.

A career in the RCMP will allow you to embark on an exceptional career path with the RCMP, where you can make a difference in local communities and contribute to national and international endeavors. The RCMP is Canada’s premier police force, offering unparalleled service levels and diverse learning and advancement opportunities.

1) RCMP Application Requirements: For Returning Applicants:

Suppose you have previously been through the RCMP application requirements process and once applied to join the RCMP as a police officer. In that case, you may be eligible to re-apply under the following conditions:

Your deferral period has elapsed. It would have been communicated to you in your previous application’s conclusion letter. You can reapply three months after your file’s conclusion date if no specific date was provided.
You now meet the RCMP application requirements and qualifications.
You meet the vision and hearing standards and have completed the two required medical assessments.

The RCMP application requirements require you to please meet these conditions to avoid rejection from the recruitment process, with a subsequent six-month waiting period before re-application. Upon receiving your application, the RCMP will review it alongside your previous application file. Subsequently, the RCMP will contact you to guide you through the following steps.

2) All applicants need to meet the following RCMP Application Requirements?

Before proceeding with your actual online application, ensure that you meet the RCMP application requirements or qualifications and that you demonstrate good character as outlined below:

You must be a Canadian citizen or have permanent resident status in Canada.
Permanent residents must have resided for at least three years (1,095 days) out of the last five years.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Proficiency in English and/or French is essential.
A valid, unrestricted Canadian driver’s license is necessary.
Possession of a Canadian secondary school diploma or its equivalent is required.
Meeting health, psychological, vision, and hearing standards is mandatory.
Applicants must meet the required physical abilities and be prepared to use necessary physical force, including firearms.
Successful applicants must complete 26 weeks of training at the RCMP’s training academy (Depot) in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Willingness to relocate anywhere within Canada and work shifts, including weekends and holidays, is necessary.
Understanding and compliance with regulations regarding tattoos, jewelry, and personal effects are essential.
Demonstrate Good Character:

As a police officer, high ethical standards are paramount both on- and off-duty.
The following criteria apply:

Applicants must not have any pending matters or convictions in criminal court.
Participation in severe criminal behavior or activity disqualifies regardless of arrest or charge.
Dishonorable discharge or dismissal from any police, military, or law enforcement organization is grounds for rejection.
Applicants must not have pending or current personal bankruptcies or consumer proposals.
Participation in criminal behavior or activity in Canada or abroad is prohibited during application.
Cheating in any part of the RCMP application process is strictly forbidden.

Examples of Serious Criminal Offenses include, but are not limited to:

Murder, manslaughter, sexual assault, and terrorist activities.

Examples of Criminal Behaviors and Activities include, but are not limited to:

Illicit drug use, theft, and impaired driving.

Evaluation of Past Actions:
In assessing suitability, the following factors are considered:

The severity and frequency of past actions, circumstances, intent, remorse, the time elapsed, age, and subsequent behavior are also critical. Remember, regardless of qualifications, trustworthiness is paramount. You will only be considered for employment if you are relied upon to fulfill your duties honestly and reliably.

3) The RCMP Application requirements require you to submit your application online.

First, you must establish a GC Jobs account to finalize your online application. The RCMP’s job posting for police officers can be found on GC Jobs. Search for “police officer” in the “Job title” field. Navigate to the “Jobs open to the public” tab within the search results.

Please note that your responses to the online application may lead to screening outside the recruitment process. If your application is screened out during this stage, a waiting period of 6 months is required before re-applying. If you have any questions about the RCMP application requirements or process, we recommend attending a recruiting event or contacting a recruiter before submitting your online application.

4) The RCMP Application Requirements Require – Participating in a Career Presentation.

You’ll receive an invitation to attend a career presentation upon successful screening into the process. At this presentation, you’ll gain insights into the policing career and have the opportunity to address any queries or apprehensions with an engaging recruiter.

5) The RCMP Application Requirements require – Completing the RCMP Online Entrance Assessment.

What is the RCMP Online Entrance Assessment?

Upon receiving an email from a recruiter, you’ll gain access to the RCMP Online Entrance Assessment, which evaluates your personality, behavior, and cognitive abilities.

You’ll have 14 days from receiving the link to complete the assessment.
Designed as an unbiased tool, the assessment comprises six sections:

Section 1: Workstyle preference
Section 2: Language comprehension
Section 3: Numerical skills
Section 4: Spatial skills
Section 5: Memory quotient
Section 6: Business reasoning

The assessment will take approximately 55-70 minutes, with timed portions. It’s advisable to complete the entire assessment in one sitting.

How Do I Prepare?
Utilize the RCMP Online Entrance Assessment Preparatory Guide to prepare yourself.

What Score Do I Need to Pass?
Completion of the assessment doesn’t guarantee progression in the RCMP recruiting process. Your score will be compared against RCMP standards for police applicants to determine competitiveness. In case of failure, re-application is permitted after a 3-month waiting period.

After Completing the Assessment
Congratulations on completing the RCMP Online Entrance Assessment! You’ll be contacted to proceed to the next stage of the recruiting process.

At this stage, ensure timely submission of all forms and documents within two business days. Successful completion leads to fast-tracking to the subsequent stage.

6) The RCMP Application process requires you to Submit the necessary forms and documents.

Upon contact by a Recruiting Analyst, you’ll have 14 days to finalize the Security Screening Application and submit all necessary documents through a secure online portal.

Please only submit these materials once requested. Applicants with top scores on the RCMP Entrance Exam progress to the next stage of the RCCMP application process.

At this juncture, you’re tasked with submitting all forms and documents within two working days. Successful and accurate submission expedites the process to the subsequent stage.

For accurate completion, observe the following:

Only complete or illegible forms will be considered.
Forms must be electronically completed, printed, and signed.
Some forms require initialing after printing.
Submission instructions for forms and documentation will be provided electronically. Hand-delivered, mailed, or emailed packages won’t be accepted.
Retain original copies for your records. Hard copies may be requested for authentication.
Dates must be entered in YYYY/MM/DD format.
Inaccurate or incomplete submissions may significantly delay your process and could lead to file closure.
For optimal form completion, consider the following tips:

Most web browsers don’t support opening, filling, and saving these PDF forms. Mobile devices like iPads, tablets, and cell phones can’t be used for this purpose. To fill out and save PDF forms, download them to your computer and open them with Adobe Reader®.

Ten or newer.
Required Forms:

Regular Member Applicant Hearing Examination Report (RCMP 6509)
Vision Examination of Applicant (RCMP 2180)
Regular Member Applicant Questionnaire (RCMP 5096)
Suitability Screening Form (RCMP 1980)
Friends and Associates Suitability Screening (RCMP 3165)
Acknowledgement of Professional Responsibilities in the RCMP (RCMP 6465)
Vision and Hearing Exams:
Before the medical stage, complete the following examinations:

Vision Examination
Hearing Examination
Ensure retention of completed forms until requested.

Security Screening Application:
Complete an online Security Screening Application via GCKey.
If selected, instructions for creating and submitting GCKey will be provided.
You can get technical assistance or inquiries by contacting:

GCKey account: 1-855-438-1102
Security Screening Application: [email protected]

Required Personal Documents (Originals):

Birth certificate (front and back)
Canadian Citizenship or permanent resident card with Confirmation of Permanent Residence (if applicable)
Social Insurance Number/Marriage/Divorce/Separation or Name Change Certificate (if applicable)
Two passport photographs
Proof of education: Canadian high school transcripts or equivalency assessment
Valid Canadian Driver’s License (front and back)
Statement of Driving Record from each province or territory lived in for the past three years.
Provincial Health Card
Valid standard first aid certificate, including Level C CPR for infants, children, and adults.

Note: Submit the first aid certificate closer to the end of the recruiting process; it must be valid upon Depot enrollment.

7) RCMP Application Requirements: Completing a Suitability Interview Understanding the Interviews:

This stage evaluates whether you possess the core competencies, values, and traits requisite for an RCMP police officer. It comprises two components:

Attribute Evaluation Interview and the Regular Member Applicant Questionnaire (RMAQ)
The Attribute Evaluation Interview aims to gauge your existing knowledge, skills, and abilities regarding the core competencies sought in RCMP constables. Conversely, the RMAQ assesses actions or behaviors from your past that could pose challenges to your candidacy. Honesty is a crucial focus of the RMAQ, with considerations for severity, regency, and repetition of any adverse actions.

When undertaking the Suitability Interview, which encompasses behavioral-type questions, STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help provide structured responses.

Attribute Evaluation Interview:
A meticulous analysis of the functions and duties of an RCMP constable has identified critical qualities required for the role. Based on this analysis, the Attribute Evaluation questions were crafted to ascertain if you possess the necessary attributes for successful performance. This part of the interview utilizes behavioral-type questions to gather examples of your past performance in various situations.

Four competencies are assessed during the Attribute Evaluation Interview:

Problem-Solving
Teamwork
Communication
Self-Control and Composure
Behavioral Questions

These questions delve into how you handled diverse situations in your past, providing insights into your potential future actions. It’s crucial to respond with specific examples rather than generalizations.

The STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) offers a structured approach to formulating responses to behavioral questions.

Regular Member Applicant Questionnaire Interview:
This interview aims to understand you better and assess any past actions or behaviors that could hinder your candidacy for an RCMP police officer position.

Filling out the Questionnaire:
Honesty is paramount in completing the questionnaire. Falsifying, misrepresenting, or omitting information can result in removal from the recruiting process. Background checks include contacting previous and current employers and references to verify honesty.

Note: Pre-employment polygraph tests may be utilized to evaluate the honesty of your responses.

8) RCMP Application Requirements: Undergoing Medical and Psychological Suitability Assessments:

This phase necessitates two distinct evaluations: the Psychological Suitability Screening (PSS) and the Medical Screening Process (MSP). You must complete the PSS before proceeding to the MSP. The RCMP covers these basic assessments.

Psychological Suitability Screening.
Before proceeding with any testing, you must sign a consent form. It’s crucial to note that after the Psychological Suitability Screening, you won’t have access to any reports, test results, or feedback.

This evaluation aims to assess your current psychological attributes pertinent to the role of a police officer. It involves standardized psychological testing, an interview, and a review of collateral or third-party information, encompassing data from various stages of the RCMP selection process. Your responses in a Pre-Interview Questionnaire will disclose all past and present psychological conditions and relevant health information. Accuracy and completeness in this questionnaire are imperative, as any discrepancies may impact your application.

The evaluation outcome may not solely depend on the presence of mental illness, nor will a history of psychological difficulties necessarily disqualify you. Documentation may be required to demonstrate resolution and successful functioning over time.

RCMP Medical and Psychological Suitability Standards.
Our standards align with operational policing requirements, ensuring your ability to handle the physical and psychological demands inherent in the police officer role. Four critical tasks with occupational health requirements are active driving, firearms use, physical confrontation, and operational decision-making.

Medical Screening Process.
Following a successful Psychological Suitability Screening, the Medical Screening Process assesses your fitness for duty. Reports and information from the Psychological Suitability Screening are utilized in this comprehensive review.

The fitness for duty assessment includes a review of current and past medical and psychological conditions and their impact on essential operational duties.

Medical Health Information.
This includes clinical health history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Additional information from your primary health care provider or specialist may be requested to understand better any conditions affecting your physical or psychological functioning.

Conditions Affecting Fitness for Duty.
Your medical and psychological condition must not impair performance to the extent that essential duties cannot be performed safely and effectively. Any condition posing risks to personal health, sudden incapacitation, impaired judgment, or transmission of infectious diseases may disqualify you. Compliance with Canadian Medical Association Guidelines for professional driving is essential.

Health Declaration.
You must declare all current health conditions, past medical and psychological history, medication usage, and any requirements for medical aid. Failure to disclose complete medical and psychological history may be deemed a breach of integrity.

Immunizations and Tuberculosis Status.
Up-to-date immunizations, including tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B, are recommended. A two-step tuberculin skin test and chest x-ray may be required, documented in the RCMP Applicant Immunization and Tuberculosis Test Record form.

9) RCMP Application Requirements: Undergoing a Field Investigation and Security Assessment.

The concluding phase of the application process involves a meticulous field investigation and security assessment conducted by the RCMP. This investigation aims to scrutinize your background to ascertain your suitability thoroughly. Upon successful completion, you will be granted security clearance.

Field Investigation and Security Clearance.

As part of your application to join the RCMP, they will conduct an extensive background check covering the past ten years of your activities. This investigation is pivotal in evaluating your reliability and appropriateness for the position.

It encompasses various aspects, including:

Previous Employment
Education
Neighbourhood inquiries
Relationships with friends and associates
Character references
Personal finances
Drug and alcohol usage.
Online activities
Involvement in criminal activities

Time spent outside of Canada.

If you are a Canadian citizen who has spent more than six consecutive months outside of Canada in the past ten years, part of the RCMP application requirements is to provide details of your activities. Sometimes, even if you were outside Canada for less than six months, we may still request information regarding your activities.

Providing an account of your activities abroad does not guarantee security clearance; each case is evaluated individually.

Examples of documents to support your account of activities abroad may include:

Letters of reference or referral from foreign embassies and missions in Canada
Letters of reference or referral from Canadian embassies or missions in the country of residence while abroad.
Security screening information from countries with security information exchange agreements with Canada.
Letters or police clearance certificates from law enforcement agencies in the countries of residence while abroad.
Credit summaries from reputable foreign financial institutions.
Letters of reference from foreign educational institutions or universities.
If you were employed by the Government of Canada or served with the Canadian Armed Forces while abroad, you may not be required to provide details of your activities.

The RCMP application requirements and process can be extremely demanding, but don’t let that discourage you. As one of Canada’s most respected law enforcement agencies, the RCMP holds its applicants to a high standard.

However, with determination and the right approach, you can navigate the process on your own.

That being said, anEDGE is here to provide expert coaching and mentorship to help you succeed. Remember, you have what it takes to achieve your career goals, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.