Want to Start Your Career in Policing?
The Ontario Association Chiefs of Police (OACP) is here to help you take your first step toward becoming a police officer in Ontario. For more information, visit OACP Certificate.
OACP Certificate Frequently Asked Questions
| How do I prepare and properly complete the fitness log for Police Services? |
| The OACP Certificate website “Constable Selection and Forms” tab on the OACP website www.oacp.ca describes in detail on how to prepare for the fitness log. There are several attachments along with several examples on how to complete the fitness log which assists all applicants in following the most up to date steps on how to improve their overall fitness. The fitness log is a minimum of two weeks. However, the overarching theme of completing a fitness log is to encourage applicants to remain accountable for their lifestyle choices through proper fitness routines, attaining adequate rest, hydration and overall good health. While the fitness logs are an initial step in preparing and committing to become a police constable, it is noteworthy to mention that police services maintain the sole discretion to test applicants on their physical abilities at some point within their own hiring practices. For further information on these tests, when they take place and the specifications surrounding the tests, we encourage applicants to contact police services directly. |
| When does the OACP Certificate expire? |
| The OACP Certificate expires twelve (12) months after the certificate has been issued. However, due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, all certificates that were issued from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 will receive a letter of extension of six (6) months. For example, if the OACP certificate was issued on January 27th, 2020 the certificate would expire on July 27th, 2021. |
| How long does it take to receive an OACP Certificate after completing the tests? |
| A certificate will be issued via email within 4-5 business days, following the completion of the online tests. |
| I just received my OACP Certificate, what are my next steps? |
| Once an OACP Certificate has been issued, please ensure the fitness log and the medical documentation are completed. Once all of the applicable documentation is compiled, an applicant may apply to a police service of their choice and complete the application process with all relevant documentation. |
| Can I redo the online tests or go back and change an answer? |
| The online tests are specifically designed to test applicants on their ability to comprehend complex ideas, plan and assess situations in a timely manner. Additionally, police services view these tests with the same integrity in comparison to academic institution. However, if there is a specific accommodation, or issue which arises while taking these tests, the OACP Support Team will address these issues on a case by case basis. |
| What if I do not receive the link from Proctor Free? |
| The link will be emailed to you within 24 hours. Please be sure to check the spam or junk inbox as it may be redirected to another folder. If you still do not receive the link, please contact the OACP Support Team.i |
| Why do I not receive my tests results? |
| Test results are only provided to the Police Services as Services have sole discretion to make a determination whether to hire an applicant or not. |
| Do the Fitness Logs replace the PREP? |
| No, the fitness logs do not replace the PREP. Rather, the concept of the fitness logs is to encourage applicants to maintain and sustain a healthy lifestyle while preparing for their career as a Police Constable/Special Constable. The overarching theme is to make sure that applicants are accountable for their health and wellness and produce consistent documentation that in time will develop into disciplined habits. Also, it is important to note that at some point in the hiring process, applicants may be required to pass a PREP test by a police service or a physical variation of this type of testing once the internal hiring process commences. Also, if applicants are successful in being hired, they will be required to pass a PREP test at the Ontario Police College. |
| Who do I contact if I encounter a technical issue? |
| If you encounter a technical issue, you may contact any of the three organizations that support the OACP certificate process. For example, applicants may contact SIGMA Assessments, Proctor Free, and the OACP Support Team depending on the issue at hand.ii |
| How do I know if the skills/talents/education/experience I attain are needed in the Police Service? |
| We encourage all applicants to contact the recruitment department within the police service(s) of their choice and have a conversation with a recruiter. Local Police Services may be seeking multiple language speakers, or applicants who attain specific skill sets (such as working with victims of trauma, children, substance abuse) and are actively seeking this experience. It is always worthwhile to ask these questions and to assess your own suitability within these organizations. Nothing ventured, nothing gained! |
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i Proctor Free is an online company which offers a proctoring solution for educational institutions and businesses. By implementing a proctoring solution, one continues to ensure the integrity and quality of a brand (test) that is considered to be user friendly and cost effective. Proctoring can be defined as online supervision while taking a test, which includes a screening process and identification.
ii OACP Support Team: #647-699-8660, SIGMA Assessments: 1-800-265-1285, Proctor Free: 1-855-759-6569