Jobs with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (“RCMP”) is a national police service that has been serving the public for more than 130 years. The RCMP employs over 27,000 men and women. Except for Ontario and Quebec, the Force is responsible for community policing services in communities across Canada.

Requirements for RCMP Officers

To apply for a position an RCMP cadet, candidates must have the following qualifications:

1. Canadian citizen 19 years of age or older
2. Current driver’s license
3. Fluent in English or French
4. Good character
5. High school diploma (or equivalent)
6. Physically fit
7. Willing to relocate to anywhere in Canada

In addition, applicants must be able to meet the Force’s health and medical standards for the position. New members are usually not posted to RCMP detachments in Ontario or Quebec.

The Selection Process for RCMP Officers

Prospective RCMP officers are asked to complete the RCMP Police Aptitude Test (RPAT). The scores on this written exam are used to determine which candidates will move to the next step in the process, which is to complete the documents in a selection package. The RCMP selection package contains the following types of forms:

1. Medical Forms
2. Personal Information
3. Pre-employment Polygraph Questionnaire
4. Results of a Vision Test (performed by an optometrist)

Candidates also need to pass a Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation (PARE) and attend a personal interview. The next step in the process is for the candidate to be administered a pre-employment polygraph test. The purpose of the test is to confirm that the information provided by the candidate during the selection process to date is accurate.

A detailed background check is part of the selection process for new RCMP officers. If you want to work for the Force, you need to be prepared to have the following parts of your life put under scrutiny:

1. Criminal Activities
2. Drug and Alcohol Use
3. Education
4. Personal Finances
5. Previous Employment

The Force will ask for character references and make inquiries around your neighborhood to find out more about what kind of you are. The RCMP wants to ensure that its officers are honest, responsible, compassionate individuals.

If you make it through to this point in the selection process, you will be asked to undergo a thorough medical, dental, and psychological exam. You must also arrange to have an eye test measuring color vision, depth perception, and field of vision. In addition, you must have completed the requirements for a First Aid Certificate before being hired.

Enrollment in RCMP Training Academy

Once you have made it through the extensive selection process to become an RCMP officer, you will attend the Training Academy for 24 weeks. Cadets are paid a set amount per week during this time, and the Force pays for the cost of traveling to the Training Academy. Room and board, the cost of a uniform, and course fees.

Civilian Careers with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Not all positions with Canada’s national police force are for officers. The RCMP also hires individuals for the following employment categories:

1. Air Services
2. Biology Services
3. Criminal Investigative Analysis
4. Firearms and Toolmark Identification
5. Laboratory Services – Trace Evidence
6. National Anti-Counterfeiting Bureau
7. Operational Communications Center
8. Strategic Services
9. Technical Operations
10. Technical Security Branch
11. Toxicology Services

How to Apply for a Job with the RCMP

If you are interested in being considered for a position as an RCMP officer, you can get more information about the process by visiting the Recruiting Section of the Force’s website. You can see current job openings for civilians with the RCMP on the Civilian Members page.