The RCMP Entrance Exam Has Changed — Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’ve spoken with current RCMP members or browsed older forums, you’ve likely seen references to the RCMP RPAT (Regular Member Police Aptitude Test) or the RPAB (Regular Member Police Aptitude Battery).
Those tests were used for years to screen new recruits — until the RCMP moved to a modern, fully remote entrance assessment designed to better evaluate real-world reasoning, work style, and problem-solving ability.
At anEDGE.ca, we help applicants navigate these updates with realistic RCMP Entrance Assessment practice exams that mirror the official format. Here’s how the new system compares to the old — and how to prepare.
The Old RCMP RPAT and RPAB
The RCMP RPAT was originally a paper-based aptitude test… Later, it transitioned to an in-person, computer-based exam conducted at a supervised test centre, but it still measured the same core skills.
Key features of the old RPAT/RPAB:
- Conducted in-person at a supervised test centre (evolving from a paper-and-pencil format to a computer-based one).
- Around 114 multiple-choice questions across several booklets
- Focused heavily on language, math, and logic skills
- The RPAB included the Six-Factor Personality Questionnaire (SFPQ)
- Scores were compared against a national standard to determine eligibility
While it successfully measured academic ability, the older tests didn’t fully capture behavioral competencies or real-world problem-solving in modern policing.
The New RCMP Entrance Assessment
The RCMP has since replaced the RPAT and RPAB with the RCMP Online Entrance Assessment — a fully online and remote exam that candidates complete on their own computer within 14 days of receiving their link.
This updated format introduces new sections and a more holistic evaluation style. It is designed to assess both your cognitive abilities and your fit with RCMP values and workstyle expectations.
Current RCMP Online Assessment Sections (2025):
- Workstyle Preference – Measures your behavior, values, and fit with RCMP culture.
- Language Comprehension – Evaluates reading and written understanding.
- Numerical Skills – Tests basic arithmetic and problem-solving.
- Spatial Skills – Assesses 2D and 3D visualization, crucial for situational awareness.
- Memory Quotient – Measures short-term recall and accuracy under pressure.
- Business Reasoning – Evaluates logical decision-making using workplace-style scenarios.
Most applicants complete the test in about 55–70 minutes, though it must be done in a single sitting. The RCMP describes it as a “fair, bias-free assessment” aligned with current recruitment standards.
RPAT vs Online Entrance Assessment — Side-by-Side Comparison 
This evolution reflects how the RCMP now values decision-making, judgment, and situational reasoning as much as academic ability.
What These Changes Mean for Applicants
Many online guides still reference the RPAT, creating confusion for new applicants. The truth is that the old test no longer applies — but understanding it helps you appreciate what the RCMP looks for today.
Here’s how your preparation should shift:
- Expect online, timed modules — no paper, no breaks.
- Focus on spatial and memory skills — both are now critical.
- Prepare for scenario-based business reasoning — decisions under pressure.
- Build awareness of your workstyle — the first section shapes how recruiters interpret your results.
- Practice completing full simulations under real-time conditions to reduce anxiety and boost accuracy.
How anEDGE Helps You Prepare
At anEDGE.ca, our RCMP Entrance Assessment Practice Exams are built by former RCMP recruiters and police trainers who know the exact testing standards.
Here’s how our prep mirrors the real exam:
- Full-length timed simulators that replicate the official structure
- Section-specific drills for reasoning, spatial, memory, and writing
- Instant scoring and detailed progress tracking
- Behavioral guidance on the Workstyle section — what to expect and how to answer authentically
- Designed specifically for Canadian applicants, aligned with 2025 recruitment updates
Our approach helps you walk into the assessment with confidence, knowing exactly what to expect — not guessing based on outdated RPAT information.
👉 Explore the RCMP Entrance Assessment Practice Exams
FAQs about the RCMP PRAT/PRAB vs Entrance Assessment:
Question: Is the RPAT still used?
Answer: No. The RCMP now uses the Online Entrance Assessment as the standard entry test for Regular Member applicants.
Question: What’s the main difference between the RPAT and the Online Assessment?
Answer: The old RPAT was an in-person, supervised test (either paper or computer-based). The new online version is fully remote and adds spatial reasoning, memory, and behavioral components to better reflect real policing skills.
Question: Can I use old RPAT study guides?
Answer: They can help with logic and math, but they won’t prepare you for spatial or behavioral sections. Use updated 2025 materials.
Question: How long do I have to complete the online exam?
Answer: You have 14 days from when the RCMP emails your test link, but the exam itself must be completed in one sitting (about 55–70 minutes).
Question: Does passing guarantee I move forward?
Answer: Not automatically — your score is one part of the overall RCMP selection process.
Final Thoughts
The shift from the RPAT to the RCMP Entrance Assessment represents more than a name change — it’s a complete modernization of how the RCMP evaluates candidates.
By combining cognitive, behavioral, and situational reasoning, the new exam identifies applicants who not only think clearly but also make sound, ethical decisions under pressure.
With anEDGE’s RCMP practice exams, you can prepare smarter, simulate the real conditions, and give yourself the confidence to perform your best when it counts.