How to apply to Calgary Police Service

Education

Grade 12 diploma or equivalent.

Citizenship

Canadian citizen or permanent resident status.

Age

At least 18 years of age.

Driver's licence

Class 5 Driver's license (non GDL).

Demerit points

No more than five demerit points.

Medical

Meet medical/health and fitness standards.The minimum requirements list links a Medical Self Assessment Tool (PDF).

Vision

Must meet the Alberta provincial visual acuity standards.If any portion of the vision standards examination is not met, you will be asked to provide a letter from an optometrist or ophthalmologist stating you are a good candidate for corrective surgery. The allowable corrective procedures are Corneal Refractive Surgery, Pseudophakic Intra-Ocular Lenses, or Phakic Intra-Ocular Lens Implants (only certain designs are allowed). The surgery does not need to be completed prior to your application; as part of a conditional offer of employment, the vision standard, including appropriate healing time and medical clearance, must be met before you can be placed in a recruit training class.

Hearing

Must meet the Alberta provincial hearing standards, tested on CPS forms.We cannot accept the RCMP vision and hearing forms as all municipal police agencies in Alberta follow provincial standards for these tests and the criteria differs from that of the RCMP. You will need to have your vision and hearing tested again using our standards and forms.

Criminal record

No unpardoned criminal convictions and no criminal charges pending before the courts.

Clear period

No criminal activity within the last three years, both detected and undetected.

Drug use

Past drug use is assessed under the requirement to be a minimum of three years clear of any detected or undetected criminal activity.Our selection process is very thorough and includes several in-depth interviews, a polygraph examination and a background security investigation. It does not include a drug test. If you disclose any illegal activity, we will discuss it with you and determine whether it will preclude you from becoming a police officer with the Calgary Police Service. If you used it after legalization, it would not affect your eligibility but you will be assessed on the reason for the usage and the frequency.

Credit and financial record

One year clear of discharge date from a bankruptcy.

Character and conduct

Ability to pass Enhanced Security Clearance (conducted by the CPS).Obtaining an Enhanced Security Clearance can be challenging if you have not lived in Canada or the United States of America for a minimum of three years (depending on residency).

Foreign credential evaluation

Education received outside of Canada must be assessed by a designated organization through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).There are currently five designated organizations that will issue qualified applicants with an assessment certificate stating that you have met the minimum educational requirements equivalent.

TattoosPreferred

Tattoos are accepted at the Service; members are expected to project a professional and unbiased image at all times when representing CPS.Members are encouraged to limit the placement of tattoos to areas that can easily be covered with the approved CPS uniform. Any tattoos deemed to be offensive, present an unprofessional appearance, or undermine the dignity and authority of law enforcement are required to be covered.

Other

Must write and pass the Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Test (APCAT) before submitting an application; a successful APCAT result is valid for five years from the date of the test.Pre-application APCAT Requirement: Effective January 2026, potential applicants must write and pass the APCAT before submitting an application. Results from any police agency within Alberta are accepted and are confirmed with the originating agency.

1. 1

   Pre-application Written Testing

   As per provincial guidelines, anyone interested in a policing career must write the Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Test (APCAT).

2. 2

   Apply Online

   Application packages are available online.

3. 3

   Application Review

   Once your application is received, it will be reviewed to ensure the information is complete. This review includes the CPS conducting your Enhanced Security Clearance. You will then be contacted regarding your next step.

4. 4

   Physical Testing

   A-PREP (Alberta Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police) is the police recruit selection physical abilities test used by all municipal police agencies in Alberta.

5. 5

   Disclosure Interview

   You will meet with a Recruiting officer and review in significant detail, your Personal Disclosure Form and personal history.

6. 6

   Panel Interview

   The Behavioural Descriptive Interview (BDI) is based on the philosophy that past behaviour is the best predictor of future behaviour. The interview is designed to assess your character as it relates to the chosen competencies.

7. 7

   Psychological Testing

   Psychological testing is intended to review your suitability as a police officer. These tests take several hours to complete and are not something you can study for.

8. 8

   The Polygraph

   A specially trained polygraphist will conduct this examination. Please note that we conduct a pre-employment polygraph, not a criminal interrogation.

9. 9

   Background Investigation

   Background investigators will conduct reference checks and interview various people from your life, including present and past employers and colleagues, friends, neighbors, etc. They will contact people you have identified in your application package and others you have not.

10. 10

    Pre-selection

    Your applicant package is reviewed in its entirety to determine suitability for the CPS and competitiveness against others in the applicant pool.

11. 11

    Selection

    The Recruiting officer will present your application to a board of Senior Officers and HR Professionals to determine suitability for hire. Offers of employment are dependent on many factors including your competitiveness against others in the pool.

12. 12

    Conditional Offer of Employment

    You will complete a pre-employment medical and those selected as most competitive will receive a conditional offer of employment.

13. 13

    Final Step to Employment

    Congratulations, CPS recruit training begins. This program is both mentally and physically challenging. The lessons learned here will give you the tools and skills necessary to start your career in policing. Please note that all recruits must meet a standard to graduate from training and complete their probationary period.

• Alberta Physical Abilities Readiness Evaluation for Police Officers (A-PREP)

  Required

  The Alberta Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police Officers (A-PREP) is the provincial standard used to determine the physical suitability of applicants. It consists of a pursuit restraint circuit that simulates a foot chase and an aerobic shuttle run, and applicants must pass both components on the same day to pass the A-PREP. Prior to completing the A-PREP all applicants must have a medical doctor complete an A-PREP Medical Clearance Form; the Medical Clearance Form is valid for six months from the date it was completed. The A-PREP can only be administered by or on behalf of one of the four agencies licensed to conduct testing - Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Regional Police Service and Medicine Hat Police Service - and the Calgary Police Service will accept the results of an A-PREP test conducted by any of those agencies. Testing done in another province is not recognized: each province has their own testing measures, and applicants to the Calgary Police Service are required to meet the Alberta standards (APCAT for written testing, A-PREP for physical testing). A-PREP test results are valid for six months. Applicants can register for another A-PREP test following their first failure; if an applicant fails on the second test there is a mandatory two month waiting period before the A-PREP can be attempted again, and a two month waiting period for each successive fail. Free A-PREP orientation sessions are offered to all applicants and attending one is strongly encouraged; during each A-PREP test session applicants are provided 10 minutes to refamiliarize themselves with the A-PREP equipment before the test starts. Preparation resources include the 6 Weeks to a Better Leger and Fit to Serve guides, and Run with a Recruiter sessions include portions of the A-PREP to help applicants assess their current fitness level. (Validity, retake, location and orientation details come from the A-PREP FAQ posts under https://join.calgarypolice.ca/tag/a-prep/ .)

$81,800 – $125,900a year

From Starting salary to After 4 years of completed service.

If I have been charged and convicted of a criminal code offence, can I still apply?

Yes, as long as a pardon for the offence has been granted. A copy of the pardon must be included when you submit your application package.

How long does the application process take?

The time required to complete all stages of the selection process varies. It is also affected by your availability to attend scheduled appointments. You must be successful at each stage of the process in order to proceed to the next stage.

Is there a cut-off date to apply? When does the next recruit class start?

The CPS is continually accepting applications. Successful applicants are considered for placement in future recruit classes and will be advised when their recruit class begins when they receive their conditional offer of employment.

Should I apply if I am not 3 years clear of detected or undetected criminal activity?

No. Your application will be rejected and you will be deferred. Three years clear of criminal activity is the minimum distance from these activities to be considered for a career in policing.

How do I ensure I am a competitive applicant?

A competitive applicant will display a strong balance between education, life experience, work experience and a demonstrated commitment towards community involvement.

What if I have used drugs in the past, can I still apply?

All applicants must be a minimum of three years clear of any detected or undetected criminal activity. This includes past drug use. Our selection process is very thorough and includes several in-depth interviews, a polygraph examination and a background security investigation. It does not include a drug test. However, one of the criteria we evaluate candidates on is life experience. If you disclose any illegal activity, we will discuss it with you and determine whether it will preclude you from becoming a police officer with the Calgary Police Service. Complete disclosure throughout the recruiting process is crucial to a successful application. If you used it after legalization, it would not affect your eligibility but you will be assessed on the reason for the usage and the frequency.

Can I submit RCMP vision and hearing forms with my application?

We cannot accept the RCMP vision and hearing forms as all municipal police agencies in Alberta follow provincial standards for these tests and the criteria differs from that of the RCMP. You will need to have your vision and hearing tested again using our standards and forms.

I don't live in Calgary, is there a different application process for out of town applicants?

Out of town applicants are required to come to Calgary for portions of testing. Once your application is received, a Recruiting Officer will work with you to coordinate testing. Please note: You are responsible for all costs associated with your travel to and from Calgary. In most cases, applicants need to travel to Calgary more than once and/or be available for several days in a row.

What is an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?

If you received your education outside of Canada, it must be assessed by a designated organization for verification of educational qualification. There are currently five designated organizations that will issue qualified applicants with an assessment certificate stating that you have met the minimum educational requirements equivalent.

Can I apply to the Calgary Police Service if I have been deferred from another police agencies application process?

Yes, the Calgary Police Service makes all hiring decision based on our own selection process. However, you may be asked to provide details on previous deferrals from other agencies.

Can the Recruiting Unit arrange a ride-along with a police officer for me?

Applicants currently in the process can discuss this opportunity with their recruiting officer.

I'm a serving member of the Canadian Armed Forces Regular Force - can I apply?

Yes, you can apply. Applicants from the Canadian Armed Forces find policing to be a natural transition to a new career path. Much of the training, discipline, and mental fortitude that you've developed during your time in the military will be of value to you as a Police Officer. Once you are through our full process, at that time you will be asked to start your release of your employment contract with the Canadian Armed Forces, or your transfer to the Reserves.

I'm a serving member of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves - can I still apply?

Yes, you can apply. Training and skills developed in the Army transfer well into police work. Discipline, agility, intelligence, and mental resilience are key components in becoming a Police Officer.

I don't have all my family's information – how do I complete the Security Clearance form?

Provide us with as much information as you can about your father/mother/sibling, such as their date of birth and last known address. If you are unsure, please indicate that you are unsure, and include a separate page explaining the situation and that you have not had contact with him/her in several years.

What if I do not meet the Visual Acuity Standards on the application?

If any portion of the vision standards examination is not met, you will be asked to provide a letter from an optometrist or ophthalmologist stating you are a good candidate for corrective surgery. In this letter, the optometrist or ophthalmologist must confirm that you are eligible for one of the allowable corrective procedures and state your potential to meet the standard following the corrective surgery. Please ensure the letter is signed and dated by the eye care professional. The allowable corrective procedures are Corneal Refractive Surgery, Pseudophakic Intra-Ocular Lenses, or Phakic Intra-Ocular Lens Implants (only certain designs are allowed). The surgery does not need to be completed prior to your application; as part of a conditional offer of employment, the vision standard, including appropriate healing time and medical clearance, must be met before you can be placed in a recruit training class.

I submitted my application on-line but haven't been contacted by anyone – how long will it take?

The Calgary Police Service is currently facing a very high volume of applications and each application is processed individually, often causing a delay in time from when the application is submitted to when the applicant is contacted by a File Manager. Thank you for your patience.

Does having tattoos negatively impact me as a candidate for the role of a Police Officer?

In short, no. Tattoos are accepted at the Service however members are expected to project a professional and unbiased image at all times when representing CPS. Members are encouraged to limit the placement of tattoos to areas that can easily be covered with the approved CPS uniform. Any tattoos deemed to be offensive, present an unprofessional appearance, or undermine the dignity and authority of law enforcement are required to be covered.

I received a deferral, what are my next steps?

Applicants may be deferred in the initial stages after a review for content, completeness, minimum requirements and competitiveness with other applicants. Deferrals can also take place at any stage of the recruiting process. A deferral period will be applied and depend on the severity, frequency and recency of any identified concerns or competitiveness. If deferred, there may be a number of reasons your application is not being considered. It is the applicant's responsibility to review the requirements and assess your application. The self-assessment questionnaire and preferred qualifications section may help with this self-reflection of your submission and assist you in identifying areas for improvement. Lastly, if you have disclosed involvement in criminal activity or behaviour inconsistent with our core values, this may preclude your application from being considered. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we will not contact every applicant who applies with us, only those that will be moving forward in the recruiting process. If you wish to discuss how you may be more competitive, consider attending an information session. After serving a deferral period, you may still not be successful again if you are not displaying a higher level of competitiveness. Take the time to make self-improvements prior to applying again. If you have received a lifetime deferral / disqualification you may provide a written appeal as detailed in the notification letter. All other deferrals cannot be appealed.

Due to Covid-19, I have been directed by my chain of command not to volunteer, to limit my potential exposure to Covid-19. Will this affect my application?

The Calgary Police Service recognizes that your lack of recent volunteer experience is as a result of following this direction from the Canadian Armed Forces, and this will be taken into consideration when you apply. Including volunteer experience in your application that is less recent will be more acceptable with your particular circumstances. When volunteering is once again permitted, you are encouraged to seek opportunities to do so.

What are the medical requirements for recruit officers?

A medical self assessment tool (PDF) can be used to learn more information on the medical requirements for recruits. If you have additional or specific questions, please reach out to the CPS recruiting email.

How do DEO applicants apply and what is the process

By completing a full online application package on APATS and have all required valid documents. Experienced officers must complete each stage of the process.

What are our Cannabis Use Guidelines?

The CPS Substance Use Policy has been amended to remove the prohibition on cannabis use by sworn members. While there is no restriction on a member's cannabis use while off duty all CPS officers are responsible for ensuring that they are fit for duty and understanding how any substance may impact their workplace safety. Given the unpredictable nature of the effect of the use of cannabis, abstinence is certainly the recommended choice if you are unsure of how it will impact your workplace safety along with the safety of others.

What are our Seizure Guidelines?

If an applicant has a seizure disorder diagnosis and is receiving medication treatment for it, our Occupational Health Nurse will need to confirm diagnosis/medication to ensure there is no concern on fitness for duty. You will need to be seizure free for 5 years and checked by our Occupational Health Nurse to be fit for duty. After a single, unprovoked seizure, before diagnosis: ineligible for police constable positions until seizure free for 12 months. After a diagnosis of epilepsy: eligible after 5 years of being seizure free. After surgery to prevent epileptic seizures: eligible after 5 years of being seizure free.

Will I have to travel to Calgary for testing?

Yes. However, some of the initial components of the process may be completed online.

I have Peace Officer status in Canada, am I eligible for the DEO Program with CPS?

You must be employed by an accredited Police Service or Agency in Canada. While it may make you a competitive candidate, we currently do not accept time served with the Military Police, Corrections, Transit Officers, Bylaw Officers, Sheriffs, Highway Patrol, CBSA, or Railway Officers into the DEO Program.

How long does the process take?

The hiring and immigration processes are separate. A CPS offer of employment may be issued in as little as five months. Immigration processing times vary and may take longer.

How do I apply for a civilian position?

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a civilian with the Calgary Police Service, you can search for job openings through the City of Calgary's website.

What qualifies an experienced officer to apply for the DEO program?

All minimum requirements, including: must have a minimum of 2 years of policing experience (including training) with an accredited Canadian Police Service / Agency; must be currently employed by an accredited police service, in Canada; must be in good standing with your current police agency; must be free and clear of any ongoing internal investigations or disciplines; the final decision regarding a candidate's eligibility for the DEO program will be determined by the Recruiting Unit.

How can I prepare for the written testing?

You may wish to consult an external study guide, web resources or a tutor. You also may want to attend an English as a Second Language course before registering for testing, if you are concerned about your level of proficiency in spoken and written English.

What information services are available to people who want to join CPS as a sworn member?

The CPS offers information sessions, large group lectures, career fairs and other events to assist applicants in their pursuit of a policing career.

I've completed testing in a province other than Alberta - is it recognized?

Each province has their own testing measures, and you will be required to meet the Alberta standards if you are applying to the Calgary Police Service. Our written testing consists of the Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Test (APCAT) and our physical testing is the Alberta Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police (A-PREP).

How can I prepare myself for the recruit training program?

The Recruit Training Program is a challenging program requiring planning, resiliency and adaptability. You must maintain a high level of physical fitness when entering the recruit training and give consideration to how you will balance proper nutrition, sleep, training schedules and expectations outside of the workplace. Recruits can better prepare themselves for the driver training program by ensuring they have experience driving, backing up and parking a variety of vehicles such as: different size automobilies, vans and trucks. All other direction on preparing for classes will be provided after you receive a letter of offer.

Can I remain in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves while pursuing a fulltime career as a police officer?

Yes, CPS is proudly a member of the Glowing Hearts Initiative – Canadian Forces Liaison Council. Police officers who are also reservists typically take part in part-time unit training during their non-scheduled working hours and communicate their availability for reserve training with their chain of command. CPS Armed Forces Leave policy is also available to support reservist training and deployment, and members with 18 months continuous service are eligible to apply.

Can I apply without taking and passing the APCAT?

No. You must successfully complete the APCAT before submitting your application.

I haven't found the answer to my question, what do I do now?

If you are confident that your question has not been answered by any section of our website, feel free to drop us an email at cpsrecruiting@calgarypolice.ca. Note that the email mailbox is not monitored on a daily basis, so please be patient.

When will I receive my APCAT results?

Results are typically issued day of; however, if results are delayed, they will be emailed to you.

How do I indicate that I've passed the APCAT when applying?

You will be prompted to upload your valid APCAT result sheet from an Alberta police agency. These results will be confirmed with the agency the test was taken with.

How soon can I apply to work in a specialty unit if I'm successful?

Calgary Police Service is hiring front-line patrol officers. If you are successful throughout the recruiting process and are offered conditional employment as a police officer with the Calgary Police Service, you would be required to fulfill a minimum of 5-7 years or longer as a patrol officer, before being able to apply to specialize in other areas.

I didn't pass the APCAT. When can I retake it?

There is no limit to the number of times the APCAT can be attempted; however, mandatory wait periods apply between attempts: first failed attempt, wait one month before rewriting; second failed attempt, wait three months; third failed attempt, wait six months; fourth and subsequent failed attempts, wait 12 months before rewriting.

How do I register for an upcoming APCAT test?

You will be required to submit a Pre-application Registration Form. Once your form is reviewed, you will receive a unique file number and instructions on booking an exam date. After your initial registration, you do not need to complete the Pre-application Registration Form again. Simply use the unique file number you were originally provided to register for a future exam date.

Why is written testing required before applying?

The APCAT assesses essential cognitive skills and competencies required for success in the role. It ensures candidates meet baseline qualifications.

How long is a passed APCAT valid?

A successful APCAT result is valid for five years from the date of the test.

Is the APCAT administered in person or online?

We offer both in person and online testing options.

What score is required to pass the APCAT?

A minimum score of 84/120 is required.

How long does the APCAT take to complete?

The test takes approximately three hours to complete.

I took the APCAT with another police agency can I submit that result?

Yes. We can accept results from any agency within Alberta. Submitted results will be confirmed with the originating police agency.

What can I do to prepare for the recruitment process while waiting to pass the APCAT?

Review job requirements, gather necessary documents, maintain physical fitness, and start preparing for the behavioural descriptive interview (BDI).

I don't live in Calgary. How can I take the APCAT?

If you live three hours outside of Calgary, online testing will be offered. In person testing can be arranged if you are willing to travel.

What is A-PREP?

The Alberta Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police (A-PREP) is a physical skills and ability test. The A-PREP is the provincial standard for fitness screening of police constable applicants in Alberta. The two components of the A-PREP are a pursuit restraint circuit and a shuttle run. Applicants will have to pass both components, on the same day, to pass the A-PREP.

Will applicants be able to practice the A-PREP before attempting the test?

Free A-PREP orientation sessions are offered to all applicants. Attending an A-PREP Orientation session is strongly encouraged for all applicants prior to attempting the A-PREP. Orientation sessions will provide applicants with an opportunity to use all the A-PREP equipment, including the ability to run the shuttle run. Applicants will receive feedback and coaching from CPS fitness unit staff during these sessions. During each A-PREP test session applicants will be provided 10 minutes to refamiliarize themselves with the A-PREP equipment before the test starts.

Where can I do the A-PREP?

The A-PREP test can only be administered by or on behalf of one of the four agencies licensed to conduct testing. The four licensed agencies are the Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Regional Police Service and Medicine Hat Police Service. The Calgary Police Service will accept the results of an A-PREP test conducted by any of the above agencies.

How long is my A-PREP score valid for?

A-PREP test results are valid for six months.

If I fail the A-PREP can I re-do the test?

Yes. Applicants can register for another A-PREP test following their first failure. If an applicant fails on the second test there is a mandatory two month waiting period before the A-PREP can be attempted again and two month waiting period for each successive fail.

What are the physical expectations during recruit training?

Recruits are expected to be in good physical condition upon entering recruit training. They will have regular classes, varying in duration, encompassing defensive tactics, firearms operation and physical fitness. Recruits are tested in a variety of fitness components including the Leger 20m Shuttle Run, pull ups, push ups and scored conditioning circuits.

Can I transfer my military pension?

The Calgary Police Service pension is with Special Forces Pension Plan (SFPP). SFPP does not have a transfer agreement with the Canadian Armed Forces pension, therefore your pension cannot be transferred over. However, you do have the option to buy back pension with SFPP. For more details on buying back your pension, please contact SFPP directly at 1-877-809-7377 or visit their website https://www.sfpp.ca/.

Can I transfer my pension?

There likely will not be an option to directly transfer your pension, however you can purchase pensionable years with the CPS using your current pension payout. To consider this, please discuss a Locked In Retirement Account (LIRA) at your financial institution before you submit your resignation with your current employer. Once employed with CPS contact the Special Forces Pension Plan (www.sfpp.com) to discuss the LIRA and pension.

What are the benefits of the DEO Program for experienced members who qualify?

Reduced training time. If there is not a DEO Class approved and you enter the full recruit training you can provide mentorship to your class-mates and acclimatize yourself to the CPS procedures and local legislation; you would still be recognized for your years of completed service through your salary and vacation. A wage commensurate with your completed years of service with an accredited Canadian Police Agency / Service (we include the 6 months that you spent in training), up to a max of 5 years being a First Class Constable with CPS.

What is the DEO incentive?

As of Spring 2026, all incoming DEOs will be eligible to receive a $10,000 hiring incentive upon being sworn in.

Who is eligible for a DEO hiring incentive?

DEOs are eligible. An applicant must have served a minimum of two years with an approved Canadian police agency, including the completion of basic training. Additionally, the applicant must not have been away from a sworn police officer position for more than two continuous years.

When will the new DEO hiring incentive be launched?

Spring of 2026 and onward unless otherwise stated. The Calgary Police Service (CPS) reserves the right to amend or suspend this program at any time.

I just became a DEO in 2025, am I eligible for the hiring incentive?

No. The hiring incentive is only eligible for new DEO's starting in the Spring of 2026, there is not a grandfather clause in place for this new initiative. The CPS reserves the right to amend or suspend this program at any time.

How does a DEO apply for the hiring incentive?

The DEO will apply via the CPS Recruiting online portal. Once an application has been submitted, the DEO recruit will email cpsrecruiting@calgarypolice.ca, to be registered in the referral program.

When will the DEO get their $10,000?

On the date the DEO applicants are sworn in, the Recruiting Unit Coordinators will engage Finance with a memo outlining the CPS sworn member who will be receiving the hiring incentive of $10,000.

What happens if the DEO leaves CPS?

If the DEO recruit leaves the service within two (2) years of being hired, the hiring incentive will be required to be paid back.

Will my prior years of service be recognized for pay and vacation?

Possibly. The CPS may recognize up to a maximum of four years of prior policing experience (first class constable rank, depending on an applicant's verified work history). Vacation entitlements are governed by City of Calgary policy.

Will the CPS cover the application, testing or relocation costs?

No. All costs associated with the application, testing, travel, immigration and relocation are the responsibility of the International Experienced Officer applicant.

All police services in Alberta