Selection Process

Individuals who meet our recruitment standards may be invited to undergo a comprehensive, multi-stage selection process. This selection process will determine a candidates's suitability for the VPD's police officer training program.

Written Exam (not required for B.C. exempt officer applicants)
Physical Test (not required for B.C. exempt officer applicants)
Intake Interview
Polygraph Examination
Psychological Testing
Assessment Centre (not required for exempt officer applicants)
Sergeant's Interview
Medical Exam
Background Investigation
The Selection Decision

Written Exam

The exam is based on grade 12 level English grammar, spelling, composition, comprehension and mathematics. It also includes a section on memory and short essay responses. A minimum mark of 60% is required to pass. You will have three hours to complete the exam.

Sample Written Exam (PDF)

Only exempt officer applicants from outside of B.C. are required to write the written exam.

Physical Test

As an applicant, you will need to run 2.4 kilometres (1.5 miles) in under 12 minutes and then complete the Police Officer's Physical Abilities Test (POPAT) in under four minutes and 15 seconds. A hand strength test and a weight carry test are also conducted.

Practice sessions are available for the POPAT. Contact the VPD Fitness Coodinator, Becky Swan, at 604-717-3387 for dates and times.

Physical testing of exempt officers will be at the discretion of the Recruiting sergeant.

Intake Interview

This stage entails a review of your personal disclosure questionnaire and personal history, with a focus on integrity, problem-solving abilities, respect for diversity, community service orientation, self-initiative and acceptance of responsibility. This detailed interview will include questions on your understanding of policing and why you have chosen policing as a career.

Polygraph Examination

This is an employment interview conducted by a Sergeant who is trained and certified in the use of a polygraph instrument.

Psychological Testing

Applicants must complete a written psychological exam to be evaluated by a registered police psychologist.

Assessment Centre

Here you will participate in role-playing exercises that relate to the job of police constable. Police officers trained as assessors will record and assess your behaviour and skills.

The Assessment Centre is not required for exempt officer applicants.

Sergeant's Interview

The recruiting Sergeant will review your file and then interview you to evaluate your suitability to policing.

Medical Exam

An exam will be conducted by a medical doctor contracted by the City of Vancouver. You will need to have a medical questionnaire completed by your own physician prior to the exam. A visual acuity test is also performed. All fees for medical exams are covered by the applicant.

Background Investigation

At this stage, a recruiting unit investigator conducts interviews with references to determine if your personal history, traits and characteristics are suitable for a career in policing. People contacted for these interviews will include your present and past employers and colleagues, family members, long-time friends, neighbours and landlords.

The investigator reviewing your file will recommend selection, deferral or your removal from the process in their final report.

The Selection Decision

Once you successfully complete all stages of the selection process and are approved for hire, you will be sworn in as a police recruit, at which point salary and benefits will begin. You will then undergo our police officer training program.