Qualifications and standards to become an RCMP officer

The RCMP is seeking highly motivated team players who possess strong leadership abilities, from a wide range of backgrounds. All applicants are expected to reflect the core values of the RCMP (integrity, honesty, professionalism, compassion, respect and accountability).

During your application process you will be required to provide certain documents and agree to certain conditions.

The length of our recruiting process varies for each individual applicant. Factors such as, how quickly and accurately an applicant completes and returns their selection package forms, the number of locations the individual has lived, and if the applicant has lived abroad can impact the time needed to process an application.

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 in Canada for the last 10 consecutive years.
  • Be at least 19 years of age at the time of engagement
  • Be proficient in English and/or French
  • Possess a valid, unrestricted driver’s licence
  • Possess a Canadian secondary school (high school) diploma or equivalent
  • Meet the health and psychological standards
  • Meet the vision standards
  • Meet the hearing standards
  • Meet the necessary level of physical abilities
  • Be prepared to carry a firearm and to use it or any other necessary physical force
  • Be willing to spend 26 weeks at the RCMP Academy (Depot) in Regina, Saskatchewan
  • Be willing to relocate anywhere within Canada
  • Be willing to work shift work including weekends and holidays
  • Be aware of expectations with regards to tattoos and piercings

Lastly, police officers must be of good character. 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 have what it takes to be a police officer? 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.