How to Become a Police Officer in Canada

The courses offered by the Canadian Police College are for police officers currently employed by a police service. Usually, students who attend our courses possess ten or more years of experience as a police officer.

How to register for a course

Contact your local police service, provincial police service (in Ontario and Quebec only) or national police service (the RCMP) about their requirements and recruitment programs.

• Recruits are selected through a process of personal interviews, psychological tests, physical examinations, educational achievements and background investigations.
• To become a police officer in Canada you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada (requirements vary depending on the police service).
• The RCMP and each provincial, municipal and local police services do their own recruiting. Please contact your local police department about their recruitment drives or visit their web site for more information.
• Contact your local university or community college about getting more information on what education will prepare you for a career as a police officer.

Here are some links to help you find out how to become a police officer in your province and learn about provincial hiring standards.

RCMP recruiting

Atlantic provinces
Atlantic Police Academy

British Columbia
Justice Institute of British Columbia

Newfoundland and Labrador:
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary

Ontario
Ontario Provincial Police

Québec:
École nationale de police du Québec
Sûreté du Québec

Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Police College