How long is RCMP cadet training and where does it take place?

You will be required to spend 26 weeks (described elsewhere on the site as 6 months) at the RCMP's training academy (Depot) in Regina, Saskatchewan. You must live at Depot while in training for the entire 26-week duration, and you will also be required to do evening and weekend training activities.

Is there a maximum age to apply to the RCMP?

No. You must be at least 18 years of age to apply. While you can apply and go through the selection process and basic training at 18, 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.

Do I need to be bilingual to apply?

No. 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.

Tattoos are permitted if they do not depict or incite hate, harassment, or discrimination against individuals on the basis of the grounds listed in the Canadian Human Rights Act, section 3.

Who pays for the vision and hearing examinations?

The costs for the vision and hearing exams are the responsibility of the applicant and will not be reimbursed. The results of these examinations will be valid for 2 years.

Who pays for the medical and psychological assessments?

You will need to see RCMP-designated physicians and psychologists for medical and psychological suitability assessments, and the RCMP will cover the cost of these basic assessments.

How long do I have to complete the RCMP Online Entrance Assessment?

You will have 14 days to complete the online assessment from the date you receive the link. The assessment should take approximately 55-70 minutes to complete and it is recommended that you complete it in one session.

What happens if I am unsuccessful on the RCMP Online Entrance Assessment?

If you are unsuccessful, you will be eligible to re-apply after a waiting period of 3 months.

What happens if my online application is screened out?

You may be screened out of the recruitment process as a result of the responses provided in your online application. If your application is screened out at this step, you must wait 6 months before re-applying.

When can I re-apply if I have applied to the RCMP before?

You may be eligible to re-apply once your deferral period has passed. This deferral period would have been provided in your concluding letter; if no date was provided, you can re-apply 3 months from the date your file was concluded. You must also meet the RCMP's qualifications and requirements and the vision and hearing standards, and have obtained the 2 required medical assessments. Failure to meet one of these conditions could result in being rejected and not permitted to re-apply for an additional period of 6 months.

Do I have to pass the Police Fitness Assessment before cadet training?

You will not be required to perform the Police Fitness Assessment prior to cadet training, but if you have an opportunity to perform it, you are encouraged to do so. At the RCMP Training Academy you will be required to pass the police fitness assessment periodically throughout training.

Will I have to relocate?

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.

What is the starting salary of an RCMP constable?

When you successfully complete the Cadet Training Program and have been offered employment, you will be hired as a Constable at an annual salary of $71,191. Usually, within 36 months of service, your annual salary will have increased to $115,330.

Do cadets get paid during training?

You will receive an allowance during your 26-week training. As of April 1, 2026, the cadet recruitment allowance is set at $1,000/week. The maximum cadet recruitment allowance payable is $26,000 for the 26-week training period, to be paid on a bi-weekly basis, i.e. $2,000 every two weeks. The RCMP also covers your room and board, uniform, training courses, insurance and travel to and from Depot.

How to apply to RCMP

Royal Canadian Mounted Police — Canada's federal police force providing frontline policing in all provinces and territories.

Official RCMP recruiting page

Last reviewed October 12, 2026. Requirements change without notice — the service's own page is the authority.

Who can apply

Eligibility requirements RCMP publishes.

Citizenship: Canadian citizen or permanent resident of CanadaRCMP police officers who are permanent residents may be limited in obtaining certain positions that require a top secret security clearance or certain types of travel documents.
Residency: Individuals with permanent resident status must have resided (been physically present) in Canada for 3 (1,095 days) out of the last 5 years as a permanent resident.The application process is conducted in Canada only. A Canadian citizen living abroad who meets all of the requirements will have to travel to Canada at their own expense for some portions of the process.
Age: Be at least 18 years of age to applyWhile 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.
Language: Be proficient in English and/or FrenchYou 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.
Driver's licence: Possess a valid, unrestricted Canadian driver's licenceFor the purposes of RCMP recruiting, an unrestricted driver's licence 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. Applicants in remote and rural areas may apply if they do not have a non-restricted driver's licence, but they must obtain one prior to attending the cadet training program.
Education: Possess a Canadian secondary school (high school) diploma or equivalentEducation obtained outside Canada requires an equivalency assessment through an organization listed by the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC). Applicants who did not complete secondary school must obtain an equivalency assessment, for example by taking a Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) test or equivalent. Applicants without Canadian secondary education or an equivalency may still apply if they have completed a university degree from a recognized Canadian university or a diploma from a recognized Canadian college.
Vision: Corrected vision (with glasses or contacts): visual acuity must be at least 6/6 (20/20) in one eye and 6/9 (20/30) in the other. Uncorrected vision: visual acuity must be at least 6/18 (20/60) in each eye, or 6/12 (20/40) in one eye and at least 6/30 (20/100) in the other eye. Both standards must be met.Field of vision must be at least 150 degrees continuous along the horizontal meridian and 20 degrees continuous above and below fixation with both eyes open. Colour vision is considered normal if at least 17 of 21 Ishihara plates are correctly identified; applicants who pass the Farnsworth D-15 test are also assessed as meeting the minimum colour-vision standard. Applicants must be free from ocular diseases impairing visual performance. Waiting periods after surgery: LASIK 30 days, PRK 90 days, implanted corrective lenses with anterior chamber lens 6 months, posterior chamber lens 12 months. The examination must be completed by a Canadian optometrist/ophthalmologist on form RCMP 2180 and is valid for 2 years. The vision examination is no longer required at the start of the application process; it must be completed prior to reaching the Medical stage.
Hearing: Hearing loss no greater than 30 decibels in the better ear in the 500 to 3000 hertz range; and hearing loss no greater than 30 decibels in the worst ear in the range of 500-2900 hertz and no more than 50 decibels in the worst ear at 3000 hertz.The frequencies that must be tested by an audiologist are 500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 6,000 and 8,000 Hz. You cannot use a hearing aid during the examination. The examination is recorded on form RCMP 6509 and is valid for 2 years. The hearing examination is no longer required at the start of the application process; it must be completed prior to reaching the Medical stage.
Medical: Meet the health and psychological standards as assessed by RCMP Health ServicesIncludes a full medical assessment, laboratory test(s) and psychological examinations. The minimum medical and psychological suitability standards align with the requirements of operational policing and cover four critical tasks: operational driving, use of firearms and other intervention equipment, physical confrontation and use of force, and operational decision-making. Applicants must declare all current and past medical and psychological conditions; failure to declare a complete history may be considered a breach of integrity.
Criminal record: Must not have any matters pending or before a criminal court, and must not have been convicted of a criminal offence for which a pardon/record suspension has not been received.
Clear period: Must not have participated in any criminal behaviour or activity within at least one year of the date of application, whether you were arrested and/or charged or not.Applicants must also not participate in any criminal behaviour or activity, in Canada or abroad, during the application process.
Character and conduct: Must not have participated in any serious criminal behaviour or activity, whether arrested and/or charged or not, and must not have been dishonourably discharged or dismissed, including released for misconduct, from another police, military, or law enforcement organization.Applicants must not cheat on any portion of the RCMP application process. In evaluating past actions the RCMP considers how serious the behaviour was, how often it occurred, the circumstances, intent, remorse, how much time has passed, the applicant's age at the time and behaviour since.
Drug use: Illicit drug use (including non-medical prescription/steroids use) is listed among the criminal behaviours and activities the RCMP assesses.
Credit and financial record: Must not have any pending and/or current personal bankruptcies or consumer proposals.
Tattoos: Tattoos are permitted if they do not depict or incite hate, harassment, or discrimination against individuals on the basis of the grounds listed in the Canadian Human Rights Act, section 3.Discreet personal effects may be worn 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.
First aid certification: A valid standard first aid certificate, which must be valid for the duration of your Cadet Training Program.This certificate will be requested closer to the end of the recruiting process and is not submitted in the selection package. The certification needs to be valid at the time of Depot enrollment.
CPR certification: Level C CPR for infant, child and adult, included in the standard first aid certificate and valid for the duration of your Cadet Training Program.

How to apply

The hiring steps RCMP lists, in order.

1
Before You Apply
Before submitting your RCMP application, ensure you meet all eligibility requirements and understand the realities of a policing career. The RCMP hiring process involves multiple stages, strict deadlines, medical and psychological assessments, interviews, and extensive background screening. While timelines vary, the process can take up to a year or more to complete. Being organized and prepared before applying will help you respond quickly when documents, testing, interviews, or additional information are required. Requirements include Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status (permanent residents must have been physically present in Canada for 3 of the last 5 years), a valid unrestricted Canadian driver's licence, a Canadian secondary school diploma or equivalent, proficiency in English and/or French, meeting vision and hearing standards, demonstrating good character and integrity, and being willing to carry a firearm, relocate anywhere in Canada, and work shift schedules including weekends and holidays.
2
Submit Online Application
All applicants must apply online through GC Jobs (the Government of Canada jobs portal). Search for "Police Officer - Federal Policing" under the "Jobs open to the public" tab. Ensure all information is accurate and complete, as details provided in your application may be reviewed and verified throughout the recruiting process. If your application is screened out at this stage, you must wait 6 months before re-applying.
3
Career Presentation & Entrance Assessment
Once screened into the recruiting process, you will receive a link to a mandatory RCMP Career Presentation. The presentation provides an overview of the recruiting process, Depot Division, and RCMP core values. After watching the presentation, you will receive access to the RCMP Online Entrance Assessment, a 55–70 minute evaluation of personality, behaviour, and cognitive ability across six sections.
4
Submit Required Forms & Documents
This is one of the most time-sensitive stages of the RCMP recruiting process. Once requested, you will have 2 business days to submit your required forms and supporting documents through the secure online portal. You will also be required to complete the online Security Screening Application through GCKey within 14 days. Incomplete or illegible forms will not be accepted. Complete each form on a computer, print and sign it where required, then upload your completed package through the secure online portal using the instructions provided by the RCMP.
5
Suitability Interview
This stage evaluates whether you possess the core competencies, values, and personal qualities required to become an RCMP police officer. The suitability interview includes an Attribute Evaluation Interview and a Regular Member Applicant Questionnaire (RMAQ) interview. Expect behavioural questions that assess your past experiences, along with detailed discussions about your Applicant Questionnaire. Honesty, integrity, and consistency are critical throughout this stage.
6
Medical & Psychological Assessments
This stage consists of two parts: the Psychological Suitability Screening (PSS) followed by the Medical Screening Process (MSP). You must successfully complete the psychological assessment before proceeding to the medical assessment. These evaluations determine whether you meet the medical and psychological requirements to safely perform the duties of an RCMP police officer. Throughout this stage, be honest and complete when disclosing your medical and psychological history, medications, supplements, and any health changes.
7
Field Investigation & Security Clearance
This is the final stage of the RCMP recruiting process. The RCMP conducts a comprehensive background investigation covering your activities over the past 10 years to assess your reliability and suitability for policing. The investigation may include your employment history, education, references, finances, online activity, and time spent outside Canada. If you successfully complete this stage, you'll receive your security clearance and be eligible for an offer to attend the RCMP Cadet Training Program.
8
Obtain First Aid & CPR Certification
Obtain a valid Standard First Aid certificate that includes Level C CPR (infant, child, and adult). Although this requirement is typically requested near the end of the recruiting process, your certification must be valid at the time of enrollment. Plan ahead, as courses often fill quickly.
9
Prepare for Depot
Congratulations! After successfully completing the RCMP recruiting process and receiving an offer of employment, you'll begin training at RCMP Depot in Regina, Saskatchewan. Depot is a 26-week residential training program designed to prepare recruits for a career as an RCMP police officer through classroom instruction, practical exercises, physical conditioning, scenario-based learning, and hands-on police training. Upon graduation, you'll begin your career as an RCMP Regular Member and continue your development through field coaching at your first posting.
10
Pack for Depot
Congratulations! Your journey to RCMP Depot is almost complete. Use this checklist alongside the official RCMP packing list to ensure you've gathered your essential documents, clothing, personal items, and equipment before departing for training. Preparing early will help make your transition to Depot as smooth as possible.

Salary

The pay range RCMP publishes.

$71,191 – $115,350a year

From Constable Step 1 to Constable Step 5, as of 2024.

Questions people ask about RCMP

How long is RCMP cadet training and where does it take place?: You will be required to spend 26 weeks (described elsewhere on the site as 6 months) at the RCMP's training academy (Depot) in Regina, Saskatchewan. You must live at Depot while in training for the entire 26-week duration, and you will also be required to do evening and weekend training activities.
Is there a maximum age to apply to the RCMP?: No. You must be at least 18 years of age to apply. While you can apply and go through the selection process and basic training at 18, 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.
Do I need to be bilingual to apply?: No. 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.
Are tattoos allowed?: Tattoos are permitted if they do not depict or incite hate, harassment, or discrimination against individuals on the basis of the grounds listed in the Canadian Human Rights Act, section 3.
Who pays for the vision and hearing examinations?: The costs for the vision and hearing exams are the responsibility of the applicant and will not be reimbursed. The results of these examinations will be valid for 2 years.
Who pays for the medical and psychological assessments?: You will need to see RCMP-designated physicians and psychologists for medical and psychological suitability assessments, and the RCMP will cover the cost of these basic assessments.
How long do I have to complete the RCMP Online Entrance Assessment?: You will have 14 days to complete the online assessment from the date you receive the link. The assessment should take approximately 55-70 minutes to complete and it is recommended that you complete it in one session.
What happens if I am unsuccessful on the RCMP Online Entrance Assessment?: If you are unsuccessful, you will be eligible to re-apply after a waiting period of 3 months.
What happens if my online application is screened out?: You may be screened out of the recruitment process as a result of the responses provided in your online application. If your application is screened out at this step, you must wait 6 months before re-applying.
When can I re-apply if I have applied to the RCMP before?: You may be eligible to re-apply once your deferral period has passed. This deferral period would have been provided in your concluding letter; if no date was provided, you can re-apply 3 months from the date your file was concluded. You must also meet the RCMP's qualifications and requirements and the vision and hearing standards, and have obtained the 2 required medical assessments. Failure to meet one of these conditions could result in being rejected and not permitted to re-apply for an additional period of 6 months.
Do I have to pass the Police Fitness Assessment before cadet training?: You will not be required to perform the Police Fitness Assessment prior to cadet training, but if you have an opportunity to perform it, you are encouraged to do so. At the RCMP Training Academy you will be required to pass the police fitness assessment periodically throughout training.
Will I have to relocate?: 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.
What is the starting salary of an RCMP constable?: When you successfully complete the Cadet Training Program and have been offered employment, you will be hired as a Constable at an annual salary of $71,191. Usually, within 36 months of service, your annual salary will have increased to $115,330.
Do cadets get paid during training?: You will receive an allowance during your 26-week training. As of April 1, 2026, the cadet recruitment allowance is set at $1,000/week. The maximum cadet recruitment allowance payable is $26,000 for the 26-week training period, to be paid on a bi-weekly basis, i.e. $2,000 every two weeks. The RCMP also covers your room and board, uniform, training courses, insurance and travel to and from Depot.

Who can apply

How to apply

Before You Apply

Submit Online Application

Career Presentation & Entrance Assessment

Submit Required Forms & Documents

Suitability Interview

Medical & Psychological Assessments

Field Investigation & Security Clearance

Obtain First Aid & CPR Certification

Prepare for Depot

Pack for Depot

Salary

Questions people ask about RCMP

Police services nearby