RCMP Recruiting/RPAT

[ace13]

Hi everyone,
I want to start by saying this is an awesome site with alot of great information.  I have one concern that I would like some advice on.  I am attempting to apply to the RCMP.  I have to attend the information session at the end of this month.  I've been on the waitlist for that for two months now.  Anyway, I've heard that the RCMP hiring process has slowed down and troops are being cut across the country.  To get to the point of my question, I want to score my very best in the RPAT because I heard that if you didn't have a really high score (approximately above 4/5) there would be no way that you would make the cut-off mark.  Are there any hints, clues or advice that anyone can offer me?  Thanks for reading or posting replies.

[[e-mail]]

Hi Ace,
With the RCMP it is a lot of waiting and not knowing whats going on. The RPAT scores need to be high. It does vary from division on what the cut off mark is. They do discriminate on gender even though they don't admit it. A white male will have to score higher than a woman and a minority. That said, be prepared to score around the 4 mark if you are a white male. Now I know of a minority who scored a 3.8 who is in his early twentys and made the cutoff. I also know of a white male mid thrity's scored a 4.2 and didnt make it. Myself I scored a 3.5 for a white male mid thritys doesn't cut the mustard. I guess being out of school a while hurt, plus it was my first police exam. Since then I scored a lot better at other police departments. On the other flip side, I know of a female mid thrity's who scored 3.5 and is leaving for depot in January. So if you are a white male you will need at least 3.8 . 4 and higher would be better. They have slowed down on the hiring recently, so I dont know what type of applicates they are looking for. A while back it was more mature people and espically women. No offence to anyone. There are rumors of the government releasing more funds for recruiting since the Sept 11 icident.
Study the rpat from the rcmp web site, the real one is harder, so be prepared. Since I cannot say what is on the test, use the web site as best as you can. Study your memory,math grammar,vocabulary and try and do the sort of puzzles that are on the web site. Then be prepared for around a three month wait to get your results from the test back . Good luck on the test, but don't limit yourself to just the RCMP, there are a lot of other fine police departments out there.
Glenn 8)

[ace13]

Thanks Glenn.    I guess what I am hearing is pretty much on target with what you are saying.  I, being a woman, may have some advantage to this recruitment process as long as I score high on the test.  With regards to the rumors about additional funding, is this in addition to the $9 million for staffing issued in October?  Thanks again for the advice, I will definitely prepare as much as I can!

[Glenn]

Ace,
Well you do have an edge being female. I did learn something new today, yes after 34 years I'm still learning. Anyway, met a guy who wrote for the rcmp the same time I did, recieved a 3.6 and got a application package in. Note that he is of a minority, and being 10 years younger than I.
So study hard, the vocab is...well mmmmmmm...put it this way, I swear that they made up some of those words. Never seen them, or heard them, or even pronounce some of them. But if you are younger and maybe fresh out of college or university, probably will help. I may not be the smartest book in the libary, but I am street smart and know how to deal with people. I have alot of life experience that I thought would go a long way, but maybe I am fooling myself. I am half way through in my police sceinces course and part way in a criminal justice course.But I am coming to realize that they do like that piece of paper  hanging on your wall, and of a young age. Other officers tell me they need more people like myself with a good head on their shoulders and life experience of a mature person. But today I was told by a police department, after passing the written and physical tests. And saying at first I was a good candidate, that they dont hire people of my maturity without prior policing experience. I wish they just sent me a letter instead of having an interview where I took a day off of work, to come down and say that. Sure he was impressed with my clean background but they had all my documents, resume, test results, and application, send me a letter saying that I'm too old.
Maybe I am too old, at 34 I feel I am a excellent candidate.
Anyway, I had problems logging in yesterday, so if you want to drop me an e-mail, feel free to do so.
Glenn 8)

['Guest']

I too am in the process of applying to the force, though m a little further along than you.  I just wanted to tell you to study vocab and practice memorizing stuff in a short time period.  That and be prepared to wait a long time.  I wrote the RPAT 20 months ago, and am just now waiting for a call to training (done the interview etc).  They're still "actively recruiting" according to a memo issued here in 'E' Div...not sure where you are.  A large chunk of the $$ from the Federal Govt. is going towards recruiting and training, so keep your hopes up.  And don't think that just cause you don't get a package within 3 months of writing that you didn't pass...I wrote in May and got a package in late October...with a 4.7, so don't get discouraged.  Above all, persistence is the name of the game with the Force.
Good luck... and don't stress too much

['Guest']

I too am in the process of applying to the force, though m a little further along than you.  I just wanted to tell you to study vocab and practice memorizing stuff in a short time period.  That and be prepared to wait a long time.  I wrote the RPAT 20 months ago, and am just now waiting for a call to training (done the interview etc).  They're still "actively recruiting" according to a memo issued here in 'E' Div...not sure where you are.  A large chunk of the $$ from the Federal Govt. is going towards recruiting and training, so keep your hopes up.  And don't think that just cause you don't get a package within 3 months of writing that you didn't pass...I wrote in May and got a package in late October...with a 4.7, so don't get discouraged.  Above all, persistence is the name of the game with the Force.
Good luck... and don't stress too much

[[e-mail]]

As someone who took the RPAT and scored relatively well on it (almost through the background check!).  I would suggest having a look at "John Douglas' Guide to the Police Officer Exams".  I studied from this book and found it to be quite helpful.  I'm sure that there are other Police Exam study guides that would also be helpful.

Further advice is to review your basic math.  Make sure that you know how to add/subtract/multiply/divide on paper without a calculator.

SAT study guides can also provide good advice on techniques and strategies for taking multiple choice tests.

Good Luck

[Glenn]

Ace
Hopefully this has helped you, I believ that the cut off mark varies from division to division. Lately alot of recruits have been placed in BC. Rumor has it, I volunteer at the local rcmp, that BC is close in being caught up. So other provinces will be getting the new blood. Try not to stress over it to much, your young. From what I have learned is that a high number were writing the rpat for their second and thrid times. So if I am still around I will rewrite in June of 2002, unless my upcoming interview with Calgary goes well.
Older guys like me sometimes need a little more refreshing on the grammar areas. Since I have been logging, commerical fishing, autobody repair, dock yards, and the dreaded carsalesman, which people view as just above the criminal element.Ha ha ha.
I should be finished my 2 year credited police science course this spring, hopefully that peice of paper will help. I know what I have to offer a police department, I know how to handle and deal with people. I have wittnessed suicides, murders, accidents, domestic violence throughout my life which no school or books could ever teach. Murders as in wittnessed the effect on both sides of it. Persons who I know been murdered and know persons who committed murder and how this effected both parties. I have been the last person the individual saw alive before killing himself, kind of rattles you, always thinking what could I have done different. I know cops have seen more than I have, but I believe I have excellant life experiences that would be of benifit.
Anyway I am rumbling along here, so dont get to stressed over it, and good luck.
You can e-mail me for more advice.
Glenn 8)

[ace13]

Thanks alot,

I'll keep all this information in mind  ;D

[GlennS]

Glenn said:

But today I was told by a police department, after passing the written and physical tests. And saying at first I was a good candidate, that they dont hire people of my maturity without prior policing experience.

Glenn 8)

Glenn,

Which police force told you that??

GlennS

['Guest']

Just hang in there everyone.  I am currently in training been at Depot for 2 months and it is a lot of fun (if you want it to be).  Don't count on anything you here, there are so many rumours here and out there, I don't think anybody knows what's going on.  The last thing I heard was there is 3 more troops coming in January and then nothing until the new fiscal year which is April.  Just hang tight.  As for the RPAT, follow the other's advice study the RCMP guide and do what they say.  It will all work out from there.  GOOD LUCK to all and don't lose hope! ;D ;D

[ace13]

Thanks SAVVY  ;D ;D

It is good to hear positive information.  If you could say what the most positive and negative aspects of depot are, what would they be?  Good luck

Ace13

['Guest']

The most positive and negative things at Depot?  That is a good question.  Definitely it all depends on your own attitude, but to give you my answer.  The most positive thing is my troopmates (we have the tightest and craziest troop on base).  The most negative is the mess food, it is in one minute and out the next.  Those our my answers, but probably the biggest thing in Depot is how your troop gets along with each other.  If you don't like each other then it will be a long 22 weeks.  I got lucky, our troop rocks and I'm having a blast.  When you get here just remember not to sweat things, just do your best and pratice; everyone wants you to and will do anything to get you to pass.

[ace13]

Savvy,

I have anther question for you . . . how long were you waiting to get the call to go to depot, from the time you wrote the RPAT?    <br>
Good luck to you!

Ace13

['Guest']

I was really lucky in this aspect, I only waited a year.  It all depends on the timing, I applied just as they were finishing the massive recruiting of cadets.  It has slowed down so the waiting time is a lot longer now.  I know it is tough to out your life on hold for so long, but it is worth it in the end.