Become RCMP: Complete Guide to Joining Canada’s National Police Force
To become RCMP, you need Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, be 18+ years old, have a high school diploma, meet strict physical and medical standards, and complete a rigorous 8-12 month application process followed by 26 weeks of intensive training at Depot in Regina, Saskatchewan.
If you are already a serving police officer at a municipal service, the path is different. See the guide on transferring from a GTA municipal police service to the RCMP for what the Experienced Police Officer (EPO) stream involves.
The RCMP process is staged — delays usually come from document gaps, medical backlog, or security screening, not from a single “failed” step. Track each stage and fix blockers before they compound.
Core Requirements to Become RCMP
Every RCMP applicant must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with at least 1,095 days (3 years) of Canadian residency in the last 5 years
- Be at least 18 years old (no upper age limit)
- Hold a Canadian high school diploma or accepted equivalent
- Have a valid, unrestricted Canadian driver’s licence
- Be proficient in English or French
- Meet RCMP vision, hearing, physical, and health standards
- Be willing to relocate anywhere in Canada
- Have no criminal convictions without pardons
For the full eligibility breakdown, see what are the requirements to get into the RCMP. For what disqualifies applicants, see what disqualifies you from the RCMP.
The 9-Stage Application Process
The RCMP application has nine stages. For a complete step-by-step breakdown, see the full guide to how to join the RCMP. Key stages include:
- Online application through GC Jobs
- Career presentation
- Online Entrance Assessment
- Document submission
- Suitability interview
- Psychological and medical assessments
- Field investigation and security clearance
- Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA)
- 26 weeks at Depot
What Happens If You Are Deferred?
Not every setback is permanent. Many applicants receive an RCMP application deferral — a temporary pause that gives you time to address a specific issue. Medical deferrals, failed assessments, and suitability interview outcomes are the most common causes. Use the waiting period constructively and reapply once you have addressed the issue.
Physical Preparation
You must pass the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) before enrolling at Depot. The RCMP publishes an official four-level conditioning program to help applicants prepare. Start training well before the fitness test stage. Before your first session, read how to use the RCMP training program to understand the notation, RPE scale, and set/rep structure.
Where You’ll Work After Graduating
The RCMP assigns your first posting based on organizational needs across 15 divisions and 700+ detachments. You are expected to be willing to relocate anywhere in Canada. For a full breakdown of the division structure and how postings are assigned, see where do RCMP officers work in Canada.
What to Expect at Depot
Depot is 26 weeks of residential training at the RCMP Academy in Regina. As of April 1, 2026, cadets receive $1,000 per week during training — up from the previous $525. Accommodation, meals, uniforms, and travel to Depot are all covered. Depot also provides comprehensive mental health and wellness support for cadets throughout training. Once you graduate, your salary shifts to the full constable pay grid starting at $71,191.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become RCMP? Most applicants take 12-18 months from first application to Depot graduation. See how long the RCMP hiring process takes.
How hard is it to get into the RCMP? See the full analysis at how hard is it to get into the RCMP.
Can permanent residents become RCMP? Yes. See the RCMP permanent resident eligibility guide.
What is the rejection rate for RCMP applicants? See what is the rejection rate for RCMP applicants.
Every RCMP applicant must:.
The RCMP application has nine stages.
Not every setback is permanent.
You must pass the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) before enrolling at Depot.
Sources:
Regular member recruitment | Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Regular member hiring process | Royal Canadian Mounted Police
This article reflects current RCMP policy based on official government documentation. Eligibility and suitability decisions are assessed on a case-by-case basis during the application process.
