Cadet training

It all starts here

When you are accepted as a cadet with the RCMP, you will be assigned to a troop of 32 cadets. You will then begin an extensive 26-week training program at Depot, the RCMP Academy in Regina, Saskatchewan. Once you successfully complete the Cadet Training Program (CTP), you will be offered employment with the RCMP and given peace officer status.

Cadet training is offered in English and in a bilingual format (English and French). A typical day lasts from 6 am until 4:30 pm, and there are also program-related duties after hours. While 26 weeks away from one's family and friends can be a challenge, there are support services in place, and it will not be long before Depot starts to feel like home.

View the requirements to apply to become a cadet

Depot: A second home

Cadets live at Depot in individual rooms. Being an RCMP police officer demands a high level of self-discipline and RCMP police officers must always maintain control of their actions. To help recruits acquire this skill, a paramilitary environment exists. This model is an effective way to learn how to deal positively with uncomfortable situations and to reinforce teamwork.

The RCMP accommodates cultural and religious considerations for different headwear and grooming, and provides multi-faith and Indigenous heritage rooms. Meals are served in a cafeteria and can accommodate many restrictions. Depot becomes a second home to the proud men and women who maintain the safety of our communities and country. The bonds formed here will stay with you all your lives.

Upon successful completion of the Cadet Training Program, generally you will be hired as an RCMP police officer. Your training will continue throughout your first posting, where you will be coached and mentored by experienced police officers as part of a six-month Field Coaching Program. During this time, you will perform everyday police duties under the supervision of your Field Coach.

Frequently asked questions

• Is there a fee for training?

  • There is no fee. In fact, you will receive an allowance during your 26-week training. The current cadet recruitment allowance is $525/week. The RCMP also covers your room and board, uniform, training courses, insurance and travel to and from Depot. In exchange, the RCMP requires your commitment to remain an RCMP police officer for a period of two years following hire. If you resign or are terminated during training, or in the two years following training, the RCMP may require repayment of any allowance received.

• What will you learn?

  • As a cadet, you will collect information, solve problems in consultation with partners, and continuously monitor and improve your own work practices. You will complete assignments and training activities alone and in groups.

    The learning environment is highly interactive and includes scenarios, case studies, role plays, lectures, panel discussions, presentations and community interaction.

    Your training consists of 820 hours, including:

    1. Applied Police Sciences (432 hours)
    2. Firearms (104 hours)
    3. Police Defensive Tactics (94 hours)
    4. Police Driving (67 hours)
    5. Fitness (45 hours)
    6. Drill and Deportment (37 hours)
    7. Detachment visits, exams, other (41 hours)

    Learn more about the Cadet Training Program

• Is training physically and academically demanding?

  • Overall, training is both physically and academically demanding, although each individual handles the demands differently.

    Both men and women can achieve the physical requirements of the program with proper training and dedication. You are expected to arrive at Depot in good shape, able to run 5km continuously, demonstrate muscular strength and endurance, perform 3 aerobic or 2 resistance workouts per week, and progress towards running 10 to 20km per week. Training is designed to prepare you for police work; therefore, it is meant to push you to your maximum. Sports and recreation facilities are available at Depot for you to enhance your skills.

    The days are long and you will be expected to do extra work in the evenings for both the physical and academic components. The learning environment is highly interactive and includes scenarios, case studies, role plays, lectures, panel discussions, presentations and community interaction. You will complete assignments and training activities alone and in groups.

    After successfully completing the Program, you may be offered employment as an RCMP police officer with full pay as well as health and other benefits. Once employed, you must then complete a six-month Field Coaching Program at selected training detachments where you are involved in everyday police duties under the supervision of a Field Coach.

• How physically fit should I be before participating in the Cadet Training Program?

  • Applicants are expected to enter cadet training with a good level of physical fitness. The training program is not designed for cadets to "get in shape", but rather to allow you to enhance your fitness knowledge and abilities. You want to arrive at Depot in good physical condition so that you do not risk injuring yourself or being terminated from the Cadet Training Program. Being physically fit will help make the training easier for you.

    Cadets will be required to successfully complete the PARE within the first two weeks at Depot. Cadets must complete the first two stations in 5 minutes and 30 seconds or less. If you fail on the first try, you have to take it again within three days. If you fail the re-test, you will be sent home. At the conclusion of the Cadet Training Program, cadets must complete the first two stations in 4 minutes or less. Failure to meet PARE times may lead to termination from the Cadet Training Program.

• Can I bring my family with me?

  • It is your choice and at your expense as to whether your family moves to Regina while you are training but they are not allowed to live on the campus.

    You will be required to do evening and weekend activities, which will not leave much free time to spend with your family. You will be able to communicate with your family by phone and/or e-mail every day.

    Cadets go through many emotions while living at Depot. Balancing Depot and family life can be difficult, as cadets often feel that they are not in a position to fully support their spouse or parents who are often left behind to deal with family emergencies.

    Cadets are not alone and have access to several support services, which will assist them in managing their stress level.

• Where will I get posted after training? Do I have a choice?

  • Serving communities across Canada

    The RCMP is a national organization with diverse career opportunities like no other police service. Applicants may be asked to relocate anywhere within Canada where there is need of your services. We appreciate the strong ties to your communities and for this reason, every effort will be made to accommodate placing applicants in their preferred province for their first post following graduation as well as working with you on your long-term career path. Operational needs, your interest and experience will also help to determine the exact location of a posting.

    The number of times a police officer will be relocated varies depending on the police officer's role, promotional interests, human resourcing needs and available opportunities. The RCMP serves communities across the country and by being mobile, our police officers gain a variety of experience while developing their career and ensuring to meeting the operational needs of the organization.

• How long before I can get into a specialized unit?

  • You will normally begin your career by being posted to general duty assignments.

    Those who meet the competency profile (i.e., skills, experience) for a particular position may be considered for a specialized unit to meet organizational needs.

Date modified:

2023-01-26