How to Apply

Main content

Introduction
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Download Application Forms

Introduction

The Canadian Forces offer over 100 full and part time job opportunities, open to both men and women. Our selection procedures help to ensure that those who are selected are suited for both the military and the occupation to which they are assigned. You may apply and undergo applicant processing in the official language (French or English) of your choice.

HOW TO JOIN THE CANADIAN FORCES:

Step 1: Submit your application

Step 2: Undergo a reliability screening

Step 3: Successfully complete the Canadian Forces Aptitude Test

Step 4: Successfully complete a medical examination

Step 5: Successfully complete an interview with a military career counsellor

Step 6: Pass the Physical Fitness Test

Step 7: Selection, job offer and enrolment

(Steps 2 to 6 inclusive may occur in a different order)

To be eligible to apply to the Canadian Forces, you must meet the following three minimum requirements:

Be a Canadian Citizen
Be 17 years of age (with parental or guardian consent) or older, except:
- Regular Officer Training Plan – Junior applicants, who must be 16 years of age or older
Meet the minimum education requirements for your desired military occupation:
- Grade 10 or Secondaire IV in Quebec, and additional educational prerequisites as specified by the occupation

Step 1

STEP 1

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

There are three ways to apply to the Canadian Forces:

1. IN PERSON
Complete the appropriate application forms and take them along with your personal documents to the nearest recruitment centre. There your application will be reviewed, and you will receive assistance to make a well informed decision regarding a potential career in the Canadian Forces.

2. BY MAIL
Complete the appropriate application forms, then mail photocopies of both the forms and your personal documents to the nearest recruitment centre. Once your application has been received and reviewed, you will be contacted by a recruiter regarding the next steps in the process.

3. ONLINE EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION

To streamline the data collection process and to reduce the amount of time it takes to review your application, you can apply online.
You will receive an email from one of our online recruiters at the Canadian Forces National Recruiting Contact Centre (CFNRCC) providing you with detailed information regarding the requirement to provide additional forms and documents to support your application. The CFNRCC and the online recruiter will be your points of contact and guide you through the application process.
All online employment applications are managed by the CFNRCC until applicant files are complete and ready to be considered for processing. For now, keep all the original forms and documents with you and submit copies of them to the CFNRCC. Do not submit or bring your forms and documents elsewhere.
Once received by the CFNRCC, your complete file will be reviewed and, based on a number of factors, including current recruiting priorities and available occupations, a decision will be made on whether it will be processed or not.

Should you require assistance, you can contact your online recruiter as follows:

Telephone/Fax
i) 705-476-1179 or Toll free: 1-866-966-8718
iii) Fax: 1-705-497-9534

Mail
Canadian Forces National Recruiting Contact Centre
1164 Devonshire Avenue
North Bay, Ontario Canada
P1B 6X6
Attention: eRecruiting

Note: Primary Reserve applicants should contact the Reserve unit they wish to join.

PERSONAL DOCUMENTS

In addition to the application forms, all applicants must submit the following personal documents:

Birth certificate or proof of Canadian citizenship
Photo identification (i.e. provincial drivers’ license, student identification, etc.)
Academic transcripts (high school, college, and university)

Upon enrolment, you will be required to show:

Your SIN card
Any dependant birth certificates (as applicable)

Do not send original forms or documents by mail; please send photocopies with your application and retain the originals. Bring the originals with you for verification when you attend your first meeting at a recruitment centre.

OCCUPATION AND ENTRY PLAN-SPECIFIC FORMS AND DOCUMENTS

Depending on the occupation choice and/or entry plan you have selected, there may be a requirement to submit additional forms and/or documents. Please confirm with a recruiter as to whether or not these conditions apply to your application.

Step 2

STEP 2

UNDERGO A RELIABILITY SCREENING

The Department of National Defence (DND) is responsible for conducting the reliability screening of the members and prospective members of the Canadian Forces. In order for DND to achieve its goals and to retain the confidence of Canada’s citizens and allies, each member must meet the standards of reliability and security.

From the start of training, military personnel have access to sensitive information and assets; therefore all applicants to the Canadian Forces must undergo a reliability screening. Once you have successfully completed the screening process, you will be granted the Reliability Status, which is a requirement to enrol in either the Regular Force or the Primary Reserve.

PROTECTION OF THE INDIVIDUAL

Personal information of applicants and present employees is sensitive information. This information, together with the identity of the sources, is protected in accordance with the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. Personal data, relevant education, professional qualifications, and employment data of all applicants to the Canadian Forces will be verified.

RELIABILITY SCREENING

The Reliability Screening is a method of confirming that an individual can be reliable and trustworthy in the performance of their job and in the protection of DND’s assets, interests and personnel. All applicants will be provided with and be required to fully and accurately complete the Personnel Screening, Consent and Authorization Form (TBS/SCT 330-23E). The consent and information provided will enable DND to conduct all background checks, including the Criminal Record Name Check and Credit Check.

CRIMINAL RECORD NAME CHECK

A Criminal Record Name Check will be conducted, as part of the standard Reliability Screening process. A declaration will be obtained as to whether an individual has been convicted of a criminal offence, for which a pardon has not been granted. If fingerprints are required to be submitted, Recruiting Centres will arrange for fingerprinting to be completed at DND’s expense. The Criminal Record Name Check is only valid for one year.

CREDIT CHECK

If you have any outstanding debts, please come prepared to discuss any plans you have to repay these debts. Significant financial problems could slow your enrolment process down or could make you ineligible for employment in the Canadian Forces.

PERSONAL AND EMPLOYMENT REFERENCE CHECKS

You must provide five references from people who are not relatives. These people must have known you for the last five years (or since you were 16, whichever comes first).

FOREIGN IMPLICATIONS AND SECURITY CLEARANCE PRE-ASSESSMENT PROCESS

The Pre-Enrolment Security Clearance Pre-Assessment Questionnaire determines if you need a Security Clearance Pre-Assessment. If so, you must complete the Security Clearance Form External link

(TBS/SCT 330-60E).

You must be prepared to produce adequate and verifiable information for up to ten years immediately prior to your application. This information will be sent for confirmation that there are no security objections to your application.

A Security Clearance Pre-Assessment will be required under the following circumstances:

You lived outside of Canada for any period of time within the past ten years which, if totalled, amounts to more than 180 days;
You travelled, worked or studied outside of Canada within the past ten years which, if totalled, amounts to more than 180 days; and
You have immediate relatives who are not currently residing in Canada. Immediate relatives include a child (18 years and older with whom you or your spouse/partner have a parental relationship), parent, spouse, sibling (half or step), or in-laws (including step-parents).

A Security Clearance Pre-Assessment, if required, may be lengthy to complete, depending on the types of checks to be conducted, the number of countries which must be contacted and the willingness and/or ability of some countries to provide the information required.

QUESTIONS?

Please speak with a recruiting team member if you have any questions regarding reliability and security screening requirements in the Canadian Forces.

Step 3

STEP 3

SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE CANADIAN FORCES APTITUDE TEST

The Canadian Forces Aptitude Test (CFAT) is used to select applicants for employment in the Canadian Forces and to help determine specific military occupations for which you are best suited. You will complete either the Canadian Forces Aptitude Test by hand or in its electronic version (eCFAT). It is important that you prepare for this test as there is no automatic provision to allow a rewrite – you must pass this test in order to continue the process.

THE CANADIAN FORCES APTITUDE TEST IS A MULTIPLE-CHOICE TEST THAT ASSESSES YOUR ABILITIES IN THREE DISTINCT AREAS:

Verbal Skills (15 questions, maximum time allowed for completion: 5 minutes)
Spatial Ability (15 questions, maximum time allowed for completion: 10 minutes)
Problem Solving (30 questions, maximum time allowed for completion: 30 minutes)

With each multiple-choice question, you will have four answers to choose from. Only one answer is correct.

PREPARING FOR THE CFAT

As the test is an important component of the Canadian Forces selection system, it is essential that you are in good mental and physical health when you write the test. The following tips are offered to assist in preparing for it:

Ensure you are well rested.
If you are ill or not feeling well, reschedule your test.
If you are on medication that may weaken your performance, reschedule your test.
If you require corrective eye wear (i.e. glasses), remember to bring them.
Allow yourself sufficient time to reach the testing location.

TEST-TAKING STRATEGIES

The following strategies are offered to assist you in writing the Canadian Forces Aptitude Test:

Make sure you are comfortable prior to beginning the test by removing excess clothing (for example, jackets, sweaters, etc.) Restrictive clothing can contribute to nervousness or anxiety. Also, removal of clothing during the test session will waste valuable time and could disrupt others.
Ensure the test you are about to write is in the Official Language of your choice (i.e. French or English). If the test is not in the Official Language of your choice, immediately raise your hand and advise the test administrator and you will be provided with the appropriate test.
Listen to all instructions carefully. If you have any questions prior to testing or if you do not entirely understand the instructions, ASK!
Read all questions completely and carefully before marking your answer.
As the Canadian Forces Aptitude Test is a timed test, don’t spend too much time on any one question. If you are stuck or not sure of an answer, eliminate the options or choices you feel are not correct, make your best guess at the answer or move on to another question. If you spend too much time on any one question it will limit your overall time and ability to complete the test. If time is available you can always go back to review your answers.
You will not be penalized for incorrect answers. So, it is in your best interest to guess at an answer for questions that you don’t know, rather than leave a blank space on the answer sheet.
Periodically check to ensure that the question you are answering corresponds with the appropriate line on the test answer sheet. For example, if you completed question 12, ensure that you correctly fill out number 12 on your answer sheet. Errors of this type are counted as wrong answers.

PRACTICE TEST

A practice test has been developed to help you prepare for the Canadian Forces Aptitude Test. The questions in the actual CFAT will look like those in this practice test.

SUMMARY

The strategies and Canadian Forces Aptitude Test (Practice Version) are provided both to help you become familiar with the CFAT and to reduce any test nervousness or anxiety you may be experiencing.

You are strongly encouraged to complete the CFAT Practice Version, in addition to refreshing your Grade 10 level problem-solving skills: fractions, decimals and long division by hand. No calculators are permitted.

Step 4

STEP 4

SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE A MEDICAL EXAMINATION

As part of the selection process, all applicants to the Canadian Forces must undergo a thorough medical examination to determine their medical suitability for military training and service life. All medical information will be treated confidentially by qualified medical staff. The medical procedure is broken into three distinct parts: health questionnaire, physical examination by a qualified medical professional and medical file review.

PART I: HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE

You will first be required to complete a questionnaire on your medical history. This questionnaire covers such things as past and current illnesses, and any prescribed medication that you may use or have used, including type of medication and dosage. You should be prepared to answer these types of questions when you arrive for your medical. Following this, your height and weight will be measured and your visual acuteness, colour perception and hearing will be evaluated. A urine sample will also be required during this stage.

If you wear soft contact lenses, ensure that you have removed them for a period of 24 hours prior to your unaided visual test. Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) contact lenses must be removed at least 72 hours prior to your examination. Also ensure that you bring your glasses to the examination. Please bring a copy of your prescription.
No unnecessary noise exposure for 48 hours prior to your hearing testing.
No smoking or caffeine the morning of your medical.

PART II: PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

Qualified and licensed personnel, who are either military medical staff or civilian doctors contracted by the military to conduct medical exams, will carry out this physical examination. Examination of genitals will not be conducted, and you will be wearing your undergarments at all times during this medical. Please bring a pair of shorts to wear during your physical examination. Women can also wear a t-shirt. Alternatively, you will be provided with a disposable gown and disposable shorts. No needles will be administered at this stage of the medical procedure.

PART III: MEDICAL FILE REVIEW

Your medical record will be reviewed at the Recruiting Medical Office. This normally takes two to three weeks to complete depending on the amount of material to be reviewed, and the complexity of the medical information.

Following this review, a description of limitations (if any) will be noted and you will be assigned an appropriate and approved medical category. Applicants will not be medically disqualified on the basis of a diagnosis or disease, but only because of medical limitations affecting employment.

Unless circumstances would require a medical re-examination (e.g. illness, accident, medical treatment, file re-opening), Part I shall remain valid for 12 months and Part II, for 24 months.

ADDITIONAL EXAMINATIONS

Following the physical examination, you may be required to submit additional medical reports from your family physician or specialist. In these cases you will be given a form containing the necessary instructions and questions to be addressed by the appropriate physician. Any costs associated with providing these reports are your responsibility, as it is your obligation to prove that you are medically fit for enrolment and military training. You should make every effort to ensure that any required additional reports are provided to our medical staff as quickly as possible, as any delay will slow down the processing of your application and could result in missed employment and training opportunities.

CHAPERONE

At your request, a third party will be provided and present at all times during the examination.

Step 5

STEP 5

SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE AN INTERVIEW WITH A MILITARY CAREER COUNSELLOR

Once the results from your previous evaluations have been received and finalized, you will be booked for an interview with a Military Career Counsellor. The purpose of the interview is to determine your suitability for enrolment into the Canadian Forces, your level of competitiveness and your ability to complete training in your chosen occupation(s).

It is essential that you arrive prepared to conduct your interview. As part of your interview preparation, you are highly encouraged to research all of the available information on the occupations that you're considering. You should come prepared to discuss your education history, work experience and involvement in activities. In addition, you should be prepared to answer these common questions: Where and for how long are the basic and occupational training? What is the role of your chosen occupation(s)? Where might you serve? What appeals to you about the occupation(s) and what is unappealing about it?

Investing some time to consider these factors will greatly help you in preparing for your interview. Remember that the selection process can be highly competitive and you want to do well at every stage of your selection, in order to improve your chances of being chosen for the occupation(s) you are most interested in.

Please contact your nearest Recruiting Centre or use the online resources to start your research. Although the print fact sheets and videos are a solid start, you are encouraged to talk with our highly knowledgeable recruiters about your options. Our recruiting team is specifically trained to provide you with information on career opportunities in the Canadian Forces. Ask them any questions that you may have. They will be honest with you and will be the first to advise you of both the advantages and disadvantages of joining the Canadian Forces.

You are encouraged to arrive for interviews 10 to 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time in order to relax and prepare yourself.

Step 6

STEP 6

PASS THE PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST

Regardless of your occupation in the Canadian Forces, you must successfully complete an annual physical fitness test. You should begin preparation now to achieve as high a level as possible before arriving at basic training. Do not put it off. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to meet or surpass the objectives in the evaluation. You are highly encouraged to complete the “Self-Assessment of Physical Fitness/Pre-Enrolment Physical Fitness Evaluation” that is found in the Physical Fitness Guide.

If you apply to the Regular Force, you will be assessed by the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School during the first week of training, in order to ensure that you have an acceptable level of physical fitness prior to continuing basic training. The Recruiting Centre will not conduct this test.

If you apply to the Primary Reserve Force, you must achieve a minimum fitness standard prior to enrolment in the Canadian Forces. The Canadian Forces Primary Reserve Applicant Physical Fitness Evaluation will be administered by trained professional evaluators during the application process.

All Reserve applicants must complete the Canadian Forces Primary Reserve Applicant Physical Fitness Test Consent for Test Form before conducting the test as follows:

Adult (Age of Majority) applicants will complete the applicable form immediately prior to the fitness test, in the presence of the Test Administrator.
Youth (not of the Age of Majority) will be provided the applicable form as part of the Application Package and must properly complete the form. This form, with Parent or Guardian signature, must be provided to the Test Administrator before the applicant is permitted to take the test.

Step 7

STEP 7

SELECTION, JOB OFFER AND ENROLMENT

Finally, the Recruiting Centre will carefully examine your employment application to ensure that all requirements are met for your entry plan and occupational choice. The Canadian Forces is committed to achieving timely selections and offers, in order to choose the best person for each available job. If you are selected for a Regular Force entry plan, you will receive a job offer that will enable you to enrol in the Canadian Forces.

If you are applying for the Primary Reserve Force, your file will be sent to your applicable Reserve Unit for selection, based on available positions. You will be contacted by that Reserve Unit regarding selection results and enrolment offer.

REGULAR FORCE APPLICANTS

If you are selected, you will receive a job offer that will allow you to enrol in the Canadian Forces. Even if you have been found suitable for enrolment, you may have a waiting period before you are hired. Do not quit your studies or present occupation until you have received a job offer and firm dates for training. Additional work experience or education will only serve to benefit your career. If you receive an offer of employment, you must decide to either “accept” or “refuse” usually within 10 calendar days. As part of the offer process, you will be provided with an enrolment date and course start date.

Your enrolment into the Canadian Forces will usually occur between 5 and 30 days prior to your published course start date. Upon offer acceptance you will be mailed several documents, including Joining Instructions that provide all the details about the finalization of administration, travel arrangements and the course itself. File managers will book travel, assist you to complete the remaining paperwork and respond to your questions. On the day of enrolment, you will complete the final documents and be officially enrolled into the Canadian Forces. You are encouraged to invite your family and friends to participate in this momentous formal ceremony, as they too will become part of the Canadian Forces family.

PRIMARY RESERVE APPLICANTS

Upon completion of the application process, your file will be carefully examined at the Recruiting Centre and then forwarded to the applicable Primary Reserve Unit. The Reserve Unit will then select applicants for available positions on a “first-come, best-served” competitive basis. Not everyone who applies for a job with the Reserves will receive one. If you are selected, you will receive an enrolment offer from the Reserve Unit. Even if you have been found suitable for enrolment, you may have a waiting period before you are hired. Once you accept an offer you will be given an enrolment date and the projected course start date. On the day of enrolment, you will complete the final documents and be officially enrolled into the Canadian Forces by your new Reserve Unit. You are encouraged to invite your family and friends to participate in this momentous formal ceremony, as they too will become part of the Canadian Forces family.

Download Application Forms

To apply to the Canadian Forces you must complete the following application forms. For submission details, see Step 1 of the Application Process.

Canadian Forces Employment Application

Personal Data Verification Consent

Personnel Screening, Consent and Authorization Form

Pre-Enrolment Security Clearance Pre-Assessment