Q&A for How to Become a Canadian Police Officer

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

Do I need to get a college diploma or just a high school diploma?

Community Answer

You only need a high school diploma, but having a collage diploma will give you a better chance at getting picked.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 12 Helpful 60
Question

Do I have to speak French to be a police officer?

Community Answer

No, but knowing both English and French will set you apart from the competition.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 18 Helpful 49
Question

What is the age requirement to become a Canadian police officer?

Community Answer

You must be at least 18 years old in most areas. However, some areas may require you to be 19 years old.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 19 Helpful 35
Question

How long does it take to obtain Canadian citizenship?

Community Answer

It takes 3 years to obtain Canadian Citizenship for Landed Immigrants.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 11 Helpful 30
Question

Do I have to become a cadet to become a police officer?

Community Answer

Yes. The Cadet Program is part of the training to handle weapons, physical and mental needs.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 13 Helpful 33
Question

Do I have to be a citizen of Canada to join the RCMP?

Community Answer

Permanent residents of Canada are now eligible to apply, provided they have lived in Canada for the last 10 years.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 15 Helpful 36
Question

Does a permanent resident have eligibility criteria to apply for citizenship in Canada?

Community Answer

Permanent residents can apply for citizenship after completion of 3 years of duration.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 23
Question

If I am a citizen of Ukraine, can I apply to be a police office in Canada?

Community Answer

Yes, you can, as long as you have Canadian citizenship.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 18 Helpful 30
Question

Is a high school diploma or GED required to become an officer?

Community Answer

Yes, a high school diploma or equivalency is required. You can apply if you have proof of enrollment in high school at the moment, as long as you will complete it before the commencement of the police academy.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 17
Question

How do I become a Canadian cop if I'm from another country?

Community Answer

You'd do it the same way, you just need to have Canadian citizenship, or to join the RCMP, you have to be a permanent resident having lived in Canada for at least 10 years.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 18 Helpful 25
Question

How much is the starting salary?

Community Answer

40k-60k as a cadet. Depends on the city, though. Toronto Police cadets get around 58k, whereas Edmonton Police cadets get 60K.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 7
Question

What high school courses are required to join the police?

Community Answer

There are no specific high school courses needed, just a high school diploma. However, if you plan to attend college for a better chance at becoming a police officer, anything related to criminology or law enforcement will help.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4
Question

Is it necessary to be citizen?

Community Answer

You must be a legal citizen in order to be a cop in Canada.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4
Question

What happens if I don't know how to swim?

Community Answer

You will most likely be required to swim. If you can't swim, then swimming classes; it only takes a week to learn the basics that you need.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4
Question

Would I be eligible if I've lived elsewhere for the past four years, but I'm a permanent resident of Canada?

Community Answer

As long as you are permanent resident of Canada, yes, you are eligible.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1
Question

Do I need to have a GED in order to become a Canadian officer?

Community Answer

If you do not have your high school diploma, then you will need your GED if you wish to become a police officer.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
Question

What are the educational requirements for me, an Indian girl, to become a Canadian cop?

Community Answer

The minimum is a high school diploma. If you have any degrees from India, you would have to do credential assessment.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
Question

How do I work as a cop in Canada if I'm already a cop in another country?

Community Answer

You will need to have Canadian citizenship, or to join the RCMP, you have to be a permanent resident having lived in Canada for at least 10 years.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Do I need a Grade 11 certificate to become a Canadian police officer?

Community Answer

You must have a high school diploma or its equivalent to join the Canadian police forces.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Is there a height requirement for a female to become a Canadian police officer?

Community Answer

You must be able to meet the physical requirements in all stages of training and qualification. Height is not necessarily specified, but it could make passing more difficult if your height affects the ability to train.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Can someone from India join the police force?

Community Answer

Yes, so long as you have permanent resident status and have lived in Canada for at least 10 years, or become a citizen.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

What is the maximum age allowed for me to become a police officer in Alberta?

Community Answer

There is not a maximum age, so long as you can meet all of the mental and physical requirements.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
Question

Do I have to join the RCMP to become a homicide detective? How do I prove I'm capable of speaking French when becoming a Canadian police officer?

Community Answer

No, there are homicide detectives in most of the police services across Canada. Join the force that best suits you and your location. As for speaking French, you'll need to take classes to prove you can.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

What courses should I take in college if I want to become a Canadian police officer in the future?

Community Answer

Criminal law and criminology would undoubtedly suit your intended career path. Philosophy and ethics can't hurt either.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Is it mentally tough to be a Canadian police officer?

Community Answer

It's mentally tough to be a police officer in any country. You might see a lot of bad stuff, but that's just part of the job. You will be properly trained to handle the things you encounter on the job.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
Question

What kind of college/uni degree?

Spaceship

Community Answer

Becoming a police officer in Canada is really competitive and it is harder to get in without a college or university degree. Take courses in forensics and criminal investigation.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

How do I get to a higher rank when becoming a Canadian police officer?

Spaceship

Community Answer

The best way to advance in rank when working as a police officer is to obey your superiors, help your fellow officers and perform your job well.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Until what age can you join police force in Canada?

Spaceship

Community Answer

The minimum age to become a police officer in Canada is 19. There is no upper age limit to becoming an officer.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1