What passing mark is required on the VPD written entrance exam?

A passing mark of 60% is required for police officer applicants. This three-hour entrance exam sits on Saturdays and tests grammar, spelling, composition, comprehension, and mathematics at a Grade 12 level, plus a section on memory and short essay responses. It is handwritten, with no spell check or calculators, and errors in spelling and grammar will result in marks deducted from your score.

What POPAT time do I need to pass VPD physical testing?

Your physical testing will consist of the POPAT. A successful time for the POPAT is 00:04:15 and under.

Can I practise the POPAT before my physical test?

Once you have been notified that your application has been accepted into our process, you can contact the VPD's Fitness Coordinator to arrange practice sessions. Please email amanda.mcrae@vpd.ca. The VPD also publishes printable POPAT Training Program, Running Program, Mini-POPAT Cardio and Mini-POPAT exercise sheets.

Who pays for the medical examination during the VPD hiring process?

You will complete a medical exam by a physician contracted by the City of Vancouver. The cost of the medical exam is paid by the VPD.

What does a VPD police officer earn?

Probationary Constable - $93,690; 4th Class Constable (after one year) - $100,390; 3rd Class Constable (after two years) - $107,069; 2nd Class Constable (after three years) - $120,468; 1st Class Constable (after four years) - $133,847. Constables also become eligible for pay increments up to 115% of the 1st Class Constable wage through professional development.

Do I need post-secondary education to apply to the VPD as a police officer?

Yes. Basic qualifications require a Grade 12 diploma or equivalent, plus a minimum of 30 academic post-secondary credits or equivalent professional development credits. A degree or diploma in any field of study is a preferred qualification.

Do I have to attend an information session before applying to the VPD?

Prior to submitting your application, it is highly recommended that you attend an in-person information session. You will have the opportunity to hear directly from VPD recruiters and have your questions answered.

Is there a hiring incentive for experienced officers joining the VPD?

$10,000 incentive provided to experienced officers successfully hired. Terms and conditions apply. At the Vancouver Police Department, your years of prior service will be recognized when calculating your salary and annual leave entitlements.

How to apply to Vancouver Police Department

The Vancouver Police Department is a diverse organization that reflects the many communities, cultures, and lifestyles that make up our city. As one of Canada's largest municipal police agencies, the VPD is also recognized as a leader and innovator in Canadian policing.

Official Vancouver Police Department recruiting page

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

Who can apply

Eligibility requirements Vancouver Police Department publishes.

Age: minimum 19 years of age
Character and conduct: excellent character
Medical: physically fit and in excellent healthA medical exam by a physician contracted by the City of Vancouver is completed late in the process; Basic Function Movement testing assesses push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and flexibility.
Citizenship: Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
Criminal record: no criminal convictions, no adult criminal charges pending
Driver's licence: a valid BC class 5 driver's licence with no restrictions and a good driving record
Vision: meet the visual acuity standardsVisual acuity standards are published at https://vpd.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/visual-acuity-standards.pdf
First aid certification: valid current Standard/Intermediate First Aid (CPR "C" and AED) certification
Education: Grade 12 diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary credits: a minimum of 30 academic post-secondary credits or equivalent professional development credits
OtherPreferred: Preferred qualifications: a degree or diploma in any field of study; second language; volunteer experience

How to apply

The hiring steps Vancouver Police Department lists, in order.

1
Come to an Information Session
Prior to submitting your application, it is highly recommended that you attend an in-person information session. You will have the opportunity to hear directly from VPD recruiters and have your questions answered.
2
Complete an Application
Complete and submit your application package and an integrity and lifestyle questionnaire.
3
Write the Test
This three-hour entrance exam sits on Saturdays. A passing mark of 60% is required for police officer applicants. You will be tested on grammar, spelling, composition, comprehension, and mathematics at a Grade 12 level. The exam also includes a section on memory and short essay responses, and will be handwritten, with no spell check or calculators. Errors in spelling and grammar will result in marks deducted from your score.
4
Do the Physical Testing
Your physical testing will consist of the POPAT. A successful time for the POPAT is 00:04:15 and under.
5
Have an Interview
Two Recruiting detectives will interview you and review your integrity and lifestyle questionnaire and personal history. They assesses your integrity, problem-solving abilities, respect for diversity, community service orientation, self-initiative, and acceptance of responsibility.
6
Complete the Psychological Assessment
Following a successful interview, a psychological assessment will be conducted. This includes a written psychological assessment and a one-on-one interview with a registered psychologist.
7
Take a Polygraph Exam
If you have been honest and forthcoming throughout the application process, you should have no concerns about the polygraph stage.
8
Have a Second Interview
If you are successful, you will have an interview with a Recruiting sergeant, who will determine if you move forward to a final medical examination and background investigation. You'll review your file and provide a personal autobiography as well as a list of both employment and character references.
9
Background Investigation
A thorough background investigation by a detective from the Recruiting Unit will include interviews with your family, long-time friends, present and past employers and colleagues, neighbours, and landlords.
10
Have a Medical Examination
You will complete a medical exam by a physician contracted by the City of Vancouver. Hearing standards are assessed at this stage. Basic Function Movement testing will be done which assesses fitness, such as push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and flexibility. The cost of the medical exam is paid by the VPD.

Fitness test

The fitness test Vancouver Police Department uses, and its pass mark.

Police Officer Physical Abilities Test (POPAT)
Required
Your physical testing will consist of the POPAT. A successful time for the POPAT is 00:04:15 and under. Once you have been notified that your application has been accepted into our process, you can contact the VPD's Fitness Coordinator to arrange practice sessions (amanda.mcrae@vpd.ca). POPAT, running and Mini-POPAT training programs are published as printable PDFs.

Salary

The pay range Vancouver Police Department publishes.

$93,690 – $133,847a year

From Probationary Constable to 1st Class Constable.

Questions people ask about Vancouver Police Department

What passing mark is required on the VPD written entrance exam?: A passing mark of 60% is required for police officer applicants. This three-hour entrance exam sits on Saturdays and tests grammar, spelling, composition, comprehension, and mathematics at a Grade 12 level, plus a section on memory and short essay responses. It is handwritten, with no spell check or calculators, and errors in spelling and grammar will result in marks deducted from your score.
What POPAT time do I need to pass VPD physical testing?: Your physical testing will consist of the POPAT. A successful time for the POPAT is 00:04:15 and under.
Can I practise the POPAT before my physical test?: Once you have been notified that your application has been accepted into our process, you can contact the VPD's Fitness Coordinator to arrange practice sessions. Please email amanda.mcrae@vpd.ca. The VPD also publishes printable POPAT Training Program, Running Program, Mini-POPAT Cardio and Mini-POPAT exercise sheets.
Who pays for the medical examination during the VPD hiring process?: You will complete a medical exam by a physician contracted by the City of Vancouver. The cost of the medical exam is paid by the VPD.
What does a VPD police officer earn?: Probationary Constable - $93,690; 4th Class Constable (after one year) - $100,390; 3rd Class Constable (after two years) - $107,069; 2nd Class Constable (after three years) - $120,468; 1st Class Constable (after four years) - $133,847. Constables also become eligible for pay increments up to 115% of the 1st Class Constable wage through professional development.
Do I need post-secondary education to apply to the VPD as a police officer?: Yes. Basic qualifications require a Grade 12 diploma or equivalent, plus a minimum of 30 academic post-secondary credits or equivalent professional development credits. A degree or diploma in any field of study is a preferred qualification.
Do I have to attend an information session before applying to the VPD?: Prior to submitting your application, it is highly recommended that you attend an in-person information session. You will have the opportunity to hear directly from VPD recruiters and have your questions answered.
Is there a hiring incentive for experienced officers joining the VPD?: $10,000 incentive provided to experienced officers successfully hired. Terms and conditions apply. At the Vancouver Police Department, your years of prior service will be recognized when calculating your salary and annual leave entitlements.

Police services nearby

All police services in British Columbia

Who can apply

How to apply

Come to an Information Session

Complete an Application

Write the Test

Do the Physical Testing

Have an Interview

Complete the Psychological Assessment

Take a Polygraph Exam

Have a Second Interview

Background Investigation

Have a Medical Examination

Fitness test

Police Officer Physical Abilities Test (POPAT)

Salary

Questions people ask about Vancouver Police Department

Police services nearby