Training

RCMP police training: Depot Division in Regina and the physical test

The 26 weeks of the Cadet Training Program in Regina, life in a troop, the allowance and the events of the RCMP physical test.

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October 10, 2026 · Lire en français

Training

The future Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) police officer takes their training at the RCMP Academy, Depot Division, in Regina, Saskatchewan. The Cadet Training Program lasts 26 full-time weeks there. Before entering, the applicant takes a three-part physical test, required since September 15, 2026. This text applies to women and men police officers alike. The application steps are described in our article on RCMP recruitment.

The Cadet Training Program

The "Programme de formation des cadets" page, modified on August 24, 2026, describes a 6-month basic program, or 26 weeks. The cadet is assigned to a troop of 32 members. The troop eats, moves and lives together.

The language of training

The RCMP writes that training is given "in both official languages" and calls the program bilingual. Its pages say nothing more about French-language troops.

Program components

The "Aperçu du Programme de formation des cadets" page, modified on August 17, 2026, presents the following components.

The Incident Management Intervention Model
Applied police sciences, the largest part of the program
Police defensive tactics
Police physical conditioning
Firearms training, with the service pistol, the shotgun and the patrol carbine
Police vehicle operations
Drill and deportment

Accommodation and the allowance

The cadet lives with their troop in an Academy dormitory. They have an individual sleeping space, separated by a curtain. Spouses, friends and family do not have access to the accommodation.

The RCMP pays a recruitment allowance of $1,000 a week. Its "Salaire et avantages sociaux" page, modified on August 20, 2026, sets the maximum at $26,000 for the 26 weeks. The RCMP pays for meals, accommodation and transportation to the Academy, then to the first posting. It does not pay for trips home during training.

A cadet whose training contract is terminated for failing to respect the RCMP's core values, or who leaves the RCMP during the two-year probation period, repays all the amounts received.

Assessment and falling behind in training

The cadet is assessed throughout the program through written, oral and practical tests. To succeed, they must reach a "professional" level of performance in all competencies.

The RCMP writes that a cadet who falls behind may be reassigned to an earlier stage of training, with another troop. Their training then goes beyond 26 weeks.

The RCMP physical test

The test has an official name: Police Officer Physical Abilities Test, or POPAT (in French, TCPP). The RCMP page, modified on September 15, 2026, describes two versions.

The field version, during recruitment

People who apply on or after September 15, 2026 must pass the field version to move on to the next step. It is a pass or fail assessment. The candidate must meet the standard for each of the three events, with at least five minutes of recovery between each.

Event	What the RCMP asks	Standard
Foot pursuit	Run 500 metres	2 minutes 30 seconds or less
Emergency assistance	Lift a 20.5 kg sandbag 15 times, then repeat three times a 50-metre run and a carry of two bags over 50 metres	3 minutes 45 seconds or less
Physical control	Throw a 4.5 kg exercise ball, seated with your back to the wall	2.6 metres minimum

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police, "Test de condition physique pour les policiers" page, up to date as of September 15, 2026.

The cadet version, at the Academy

At Depot Division, the cadet takes another version, called the bona fide occupational requirement version. It has four events: foot pursuit, physical control, emergency assistance and the priority task. The priority task is completed in 90 seconds.

The cadet takes this test periodically during training. At the final assessment, they wear the uniform and a load equivalent to their equipment. Passing this version is a condition for passing the program.

After Regina: the Field Coaching Program

A cadet who completes the program may receive a job offer. They obtain peace officer status and continue with the six-month Field Coaching Program, at the rank of constable. This training takes place in a detachment. The RCMP specifies that most cadets are posted to General Duty, in a province or territory where it provides community policing.

For the path to Quebec police forces, see how to become a police officer and training at the ENPQ.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is RCMP training given?

Training is given at the RCMP Academy, Depot Division, in Regina, Saskatchewan. The Field Coaching Program that follows takes place in a detachment.

What is an RCMP cadet's salary?

The cadet receives not a salary but a recruitment allowance of $1,000 a week, up to $26,000 for the 26 weeks. The constable's salary appears in our article on RCMP recruitment.

What are the physical tests to get into the police?

At the RCMP, the Police Officer Physical Abilities Test comes in two versions. The three-event field version is taken during recruitment. The four-event bona fide occupational requirement version is taken at the RCMP Academy. Quebec police forces require a different test, the one at the ENPQ.

What physical test is required to get into the police?

To apply to the RCMP since September 15, 2026, it is the POPAT, field version. You must run 500 metres in 2 minutes 30 seconds or less, finish the emergency assistance event in 3 minutes 45 seconds or less and throw a 4.5 kg ball at least 2.6 metres.

Is RCMP training given in French?

Yes. The RCMP writes that the Cadet Training Program is offered in both official languages. It calls the program bilingual.

What is the minimum age to take part in the cadet program?

The RCMP's "Basic requirements" page, modified on August 27, 2026, requires you to be at least 18 at the time of applying. The Cadet Training Program trains future police officers. It is not a youth program.