The OACP Certificate is a mandatory credential required by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police for anyone seeking to become a police officer in Ontario, Canada. Introduced as part of the Constable Selection System (CSS), this certificate serves as the standardized pre-screening tool that police services across Ontario use to evaluate potential candidates.
Understanding the Three-Part Certificate Process
The certificate process consists of three distinct parts: Part A involves submitting documentation including medical examinations with audiologists and optometrists to verify hearing and vision standards, as well as completing a fitness log demonstrating commitment to physical wellness. Part B is the Sigma Survey for Police Officers (SSPO), a 74-question assessment completed in 35 minutes that evaluates general mental abilities, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, and police problem-solving skills. Part C is the Employment Screening Questionnaire (ESQ2), a personality assessment measuring behavioral tendencies in workplace contexts.
Certificate Cost and Validity Period
The OACP Certificate costs $250 CAD plus tax and is valid for one year from the date of issuance. As of January 2025, the testing transitioned to a new proctoring system facilitated by eProctor Canada, requiring live-online sessions with an invigilator. The majority of police services in Ontario require candidates to hold a valid OACP Certificate before they can proceed with their application.
