Recruiting Basics
Knowledge
Effective police officers need a strong foundation in knowledge of the law and modern community-based policing methods. You will learn CPS policy & procedure, municipal, provincial, federal laws and statutes including the Criminal Code of Canada and much, much more.
Physical Demands
It goes without saying that maintaining a high level of fitness is a must, given the physical nature of police work. Being physically fit allows you to best serve the community and your fellow officers.
Work Environment
CPS patrol officers work shiftwork. Depending on the rotation this may include 8, 10 or 12 hour shifts rotating between days and nights. Working shiftwork is an expectation of the job.
Salary and Benefits
The CPS has a competitive salary starting at $67,885 and rising to $104,439 after 5 years service. Benefits include Dental, extended Health services and a health spending account. Plus you will receive full pay and benefits during your training.
Requirements of a CPS Officer
We expect a great deal from the people we select to serve the citizens of Calgary as police officers. Our members must have a high degree of personal integrity, display sound judgment, intelligent decision making, maturity and common sense. We support a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace and expect our applicants to display these values.
The CPS has seven core values: Respect, Honesty, Compassion, Courage, Fairness, Accountability and Integrity. The importance of having these traits cannot be stressed enough – nor can they be taught. These are the foundations of what makes a good CPS officer.
Minimum Requirements
- Grade 12 diploma or equivalent.
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident status.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Class 5 Driver’s license (non GDL) with no more than five demerit points.
- Meet medical/health and fitness standards. Medical Self Assessment Tool.
- No unpardoned criminal convictions.
- No criminal charges pending before the courts.
- No criminal activity within the last three years both detected and undetected.
- One year clear of discharge date from a bankruptcy.
Please note that these requirements are a prerequisite and you must meet them to apply. Also, remember that having the minimum requirements allow you to apply, but does not necessary mean you will be successful in our competitive hiring process. Some candidates may meet the minimum requirements but are not competitive, suitable or meet the core values of our organization.
The competencies that we are looking for are:
- Adaptability/Decisiveness
- Initiative/Perseverance
- Interpersonal Skills
- Stress Management
- Valuing Service and Diversity
Respect
Consider another’s values, beliefs, thoughts and ideas.
We recognize that our behaviour in the community and at work is grounded in human dignity. Our consideration of others in the most routine and the most trying of times is what distinguishes our place in the community. When we give respect, we earn respect.
Honesty
Be truthful in our words and actions.
We understand honesty builds upon the respect we share with one another and the community. We are honest about the realities we face, the actions we take, and the outcomes we have.
Compassion
Show care and concern for the wellbeing of others.
We know care is given to all, regardless of circumstances. We realize that our actions towards someone, sometimes when they are experiencing their most tragic and vulnerable moments, can be life altering and they can give hope.
Courage
Face adversity and stand up for what is right.
We accept that it takes resolve to address the challenges we will face. We will always accept those as necessary steps that allow good to prevail.
Fairness
Give just and impartial treatment to others.
We acknowledge we all carry unique personal beliefs, values and attitudes. We always provide care and service that is void of judgment.
Accountability
Be fiercely responsible to the public and to each other for our actions.
We embrace the importance of answering to others, whether we work with them or for them. In doing so, we strive to always act in the best interest of our collective goals.
Integrity
Consistently practice our values and principles.
We know every decision and action must stand the test of whether it reflects our ethos and best serves our community – both internal and external. Our actions must always strive to uphold the trust we build.
Information Sessions

The Calgary Police Service hosts several events throughout the year to answer questions about the recruitment process, help potential applicants prepare for the mental and physical requirements of the process, and foster a community of people interested in a career in policing.
These events, also known as applicant resources, include information sessions, Run with a Recruiter (RWAR), the Pre-application Alberta Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police Officers (A-PREP) Orientation, the Alberta Police Cognitive Abilities Test (APCAT) workshop, Behavioural Descriptive Interview (BDI) Prep and other specialized sessions.
Please be sure to arrive on time for all in-person and virtual events. Due to logistics and our facility security requirements, we are unable to admit any late attendees once a session has started.
Cancellation Policy: We kindly ask for a minimum of 48 hours’ notice if you cannot attend a session you have RSVP’d for. Our events fill up quickly and cancelled spots will be filled accordingly through our waitlist.
To cancel, please email cpsrecruiting@calgarypolice.ca or reply to your registration confirmation email.
Waitlist sign up here.
Please Note:
We are currently encountering technical difficulties with our RSVP form, causing the form to appear to have not been submitted once submit is selected. Please only click the submit button once. You will receive a confirmation email by 4 p.m. the following day, Tuesday through Friday. If you do not receive a confirmation email within this time period, please email recruiting@calgarypolice.ca to confirm that your RSVP was received.
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Run with a Recruiter
Calgary Police Service Headquarters - Westwinds 5111 47 St NE, Calgary, Alberta, CanadaJoin us for a workout with CPS recruiting officers to learn more and ask questions about a career with CPS. […]
Virtual Information Session
Logon for a chat with one of our CPS Recruiting Officers, to ask questions about a career with CPS. Maybe […]
Run with a Recruiter – Physical Training Session
Calgary Police Service Headquarters - Westwinds 5111 47 St NE, Calgary, Alberta, CanadaJoin us for a workout with CPS physical training instructors from our Fitness Unit. Instructors will conduct exercises focusing on […]
Run with a Recruiter – District 5 @ CPS Headquarters
Calgary Police Service Headquarters - Westwinds 5111 47 St NE, Calgary, Alberta, CanadaJoin us for a workout with CPS recruiting officers and officers from District 5 at CPS Headquarters to learn more […]

The Process
The application process is a detailed and extremely time-consuming process to engage in – but it is designed to help us identify the very best applicants to become Calgary Police Service officers. It may take anywhere from three to six months to complete from beginning to end. As such, you must be mentally and physically ready to complete each step of the process before you apply.
FAQs
Wondering about the recruiting process? Here are some frequently asked questions.
Will applicants be able to practice the A-PREP before attempting the test?
A-PREP orientation sessions will be offered to applicants upon successful completion of the written exams. Applicants should also review the Fit to Serve information they will be…
Where can I do the A-PREP?
The A-PREP test can only be administered by or on behalf of one of the four agencies licensed to conduct testing. The four licensed agencies are the: Calgary Police Service…
What is A-PREP?
The Alberta Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police (A-PREP) is a physical skills and ability test. The CPS uses this tool for fitness screening of police constable applicants in…
What information services are available to people who want to join CPS as a sworn member?
The CPS offers information sessions, one-on-one meetings, large group lectures, career fairs and other events to assist applicants in their pursuit of a policing career.
What if I have used drugs in the past, can I still apply?
All applicants must be a minimum of three years clear of any detected or undetected criminal activity. This includes past drug use. Our selection process is very thorough and…
Is there a cut-off date to apply? When does the next recruit class start?
The CPS is always hiring. Successful applicants are considered for placement in future recruit classes and will be advised when their recruit class begins when they receive their…
If I have been charged and convicted of a criminal code offence, can I still apply?
Yes, as long as a pardon for the offence has been granted. It can take up to two years to receive a pardon. A copy of the pardon must be included when you submit your application…
If I fail the A-PREP can I re-do the test?
Yes. Applicants can register to re-do the A-PREP test immediately. If an applicant fails on the second test there is a two month waiting period before A-PREP can be attempted…
I don't live in Calgary, is there a different application process for out of town applicants?
Out of town applicants are required to come to Calgary. Once your application is received, a recruiting officer will contact you to make arrangements for you to come to Calgary at…
How long does the application process take?
The time required to complete all stages of the selection process varies. It is also affected by your availability to attend scheduled appointments. You must be successful at each…
How do I ensure I am a competitive applicant?
A competitive applicant will display a strong balance between education, life experience, work experience and a demonstrated commitment towards community involvement.
How can I prepare for the written testing?
You may wish to consult an external study guide, web resources or a tutor. You also may want to attend an English as a Second Language course before registering for testing, if…
Can the Recruiting Unit arrange a ride-along with a police officer for me?
Applicants currently in the process can discuss this opportunity with their recruiting officer.
Can I apply to the Calgary Police Service if I have been deferred from another police agencies application process?
Yes, the Calgary Police Service makes all hiring decision based on our own selection process.
Contact CPS Recruiting
EMAIL RECRUITING
Before emailing, please read through the site for information or check out our FAQ section.