The OACP Certificate is an official credential issued by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police that validates a candidate's readiness to proceed through the police hiring process. It represents successful completion of the Constable Selection System (CSS), the standardized pre-screening process used by police services throughout Ontario.
Purpose and Three-Part Process
The certificate serves multiple purposes in the police recruitment process. First, it provides police services with objective, standardized data about candidates' cognitive abilities, written communication skills, and personality traits. Second, it streamlines the hiring process by allowing candidates to complete testing once and share results with multiple police services. Third, it ensures all candidates are evaluated using consistent, validated assessment tools.
To obtain the OACP Certificate, candidates must complete three parts: Part A involves document submission including medical examinations by audiologists and optometrists verifying hearing and vision standards. Part B is the Sigma Survey for Police Officers (SSPO), testing language skills and police problem-solving. Part C is the Employment Screening Questionnaire (ESQ2), assessing personality and workplace behaviors.
Cost, Validity, and Score Reporting
The certificate costs $250 CAD plus tax and remains valid for one year from issuance. Candidates cannot retake the examination until 10 months after receiving their certificate. Police services receive candidates' scores directly from the OACP Certificate provider; candidates are not told their specific scores.
