Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Test (APCAT)
Pre-application APCAT Requirement: Starting January 2026, potential applicants will be required to write and pass the APCAT before submitting an application.
To support this transition, we are currently soft launching the new process. From now until January 2026, potential applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the APCAT prior to applying, rather than waiting until stage three of the recruitment process.
Taking the APCAT early allows you to meet this upcoming requirement in advance and may help streamline the application experience.
The APCAT is a mandatory job-related written exam designed to assess critical thinking and reasoning skills essential for success in police recruit training and effective performance as a police officer in Alberta.
Rather than testing knowledge of specific subjects, the APCAT evaluates cognitive abilities such as judgment, observation, memory recall, written communication and problem analysis.
Exam Format:
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours
- Structure: 120 multiple-choice questions
- Passing score: Minimum of 70 per cent required to pass
Pre-Test Booklet:
At the start of the exam, candidates are given a pre-test study booklet containing information that must be memorized within a 30-minute period. This booklet is then collected and cannot be referenced during the remainder of the test. A portion of the exam is based directly on the content of this booklet.
Deferral Periods:
There is no limit to the number of times the APCAT can be attempted; however, mandatory wait periods apply between attempts:
- First failed attempt – applicant must wait one month before rewriting.
- Second failed attempt – applicant must wait three months before rewriting.
- Third and subsequent failed attempts – applicant must wait six months before rewriting.
Written testing deferrals are applicable to all municipal police agencies within the province of Alberta.
Registration
To register for an upcoming APCAT exam, complete Step 1: Pre-application Registration Form. Once your form is reviewed, you will receive a unique file number and instructions for Step 2: APCAT Exam Registration.
After your initial registration, you do not need to complete the Pre-application Registration Form again. Simply use the unique file number you were originally provided to register for a future exam date.
Study Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You must successfully complete the APCAT before submitting your application.
Results are typically issued day of; however, if results are delayed, they will be emailed to you.
You will be prompted to upload you r valid APCAT result sheet from an Alberta police agency. These results will be confirmed with the agency the test was taken with.
You may retake the APCAT after the applicable deferral period has passed:
- 1st fail – must wait one (1) month before rewriting.
- 2nd fail – must wait three (3) months before rewriting.
- 3rd and subsequent fails – must wait six (6) months before rewriting.
You will be required to submit a Pre-application Registration Form. Once your form is reviewed, you will receive a unique file number and instructions on booking an exam date.
After your initial registration, you do not need to complete the Pre-application Registration Form again. Simply use the unique file number you were originally provided to register for a future exam date.
The APCAT assesses essential cognitive skills and competencies required for success in the role. It ensures candidates meet baseline qualifications.
A successful APCAT result is valid for five (5) years from the date of the test.
We offer both in person and online testing options.
A minimum score of 84/120 is required.
The test takes approximately three (3) hours to complete.
Yes. We can accept results from any agency within Alberta. Submitted results will be confirmed with the originating police agency.
Review job requirements, gather necessary documents, maintain physical fitness, and start preparing for the behavioural descriptive interview (BDI).
If you live three (3) hours outside of Calgary, online testing will be offered. In person testing can be arranged if you are willing to travel.