Inside the OACP Certificate

Inside the OACP Certificate:

Top 5 Questions Answered

By Chelsea Gomes, Administrative Services Manager, TNT Justice Consultants

The OACP Certificate Administration Team regularly engages with potential candidates through email, phone calls, and recruitment events across the province. Through all of these interactions, the same core questions continue to surface.

For recruiters and hiring teams, being prepared to confidently and consistently answer these questions presents an opportunity to provide clarity and guidance throughout the process. Below are the top five questions most frequently asked by potential candidates, along with guidance to help your team respond effectively.

1. What is the process to obtain the OACP Certificate?

This is often the first and most important question applicants ask.

Candidates can start by purchasing the OACP Certificate package through the official OACP Certificate Testing website. Once completed they will receive a detailed email package outlining next steps, including required forms. These forms must be completed before moving forward.

After submitting their forms, candidates will receive confirmation and instructions to schedule their appointment through eProctor Canada to write their two assessments. Candidates have a six-month window from the date of purchase to complete the certificate process.

It’s important to note that these assessments are designed to be accessible and have no pass/fail component. Once completed, the results are processed, and the certificate of completion is typically issued within 10 business days. The certificate is valid for one year from the date of issuance.

Once they have received their certificate, it can be submitted alongside their application, including the fitness and medical package, directly to the police service(s) they are applying to.

2. What are the certificate timelines?

Questions around timing are common, particularly from applicants trying to plan around application deadline or upcoming recruitment cycles.

The OACP Certificate process is designed as a flexible, online platform that can operate on the candidate’s own timeline. How quickly candidates complete each step will determine how soon they will receive their certificate.

There are a few key waiting times candidates should be aware of:

After paying the Certificate fee, candidates can expect to receive the email package within 1 business day.

After submitting the required forms, they will receive an email confirmation with next steps on booking their appointment within 1 business day.

Bookings are first come first served. During our peak periods, appointment availability may be limited and can delay timelines if appointments are not secured in advance.

Once the assessments are completed and processed, certificates are generally issued within 7 to 10 business days.

Current detailed timelines can be found by contacting the support team at support@oacpcertificate.ca.

3. How do they complete the fitness logs and journal?

Candidates are required to complete the Fitness Log over the course of 14 days including rest days. During this period, they are required to track their physical activity such as running, strength training, stress management, and other exercise, as well as their sleep schedule.

For each day they exercise, candidates are also required to fill in the Daily Fitness Journal where they will need to be detailed. Recording specifics such as repetitions, sets, and weights (if applicable) helps provide a clear picture of the candidate’s fitness level.

The completed fitness log and journals are to be submitted directly to the police service(s) as part of the application. The fitness log is valid for one month from the date it is completed, so timing should be considered carefully.

4. How can they prepare for the assessments?

Part B and C are completed together in a single 90-minute sitting. Part B Sigma Survey for Police Officers (SSPO) is divided into two sections: Section A consists of 44 questions which measure spelling, vocabulary, punctuation, and grammar. Section B consists of 30 questions and is based on police problem-solving. While there is a mathematical component, is it limited to basic operations and foundational algebra and geometry.

Candidates are given 35 minutes to complete 74 multiple choice questions in Part B. it is advised to avoid blind guessing as there is a penalty for incorrect answers. Questions can be skipped and return to it if there is time remaining.

Part C Personality Research Form – Revised for Policing (PRF-R) is a personality-based assessment consisting of over 300 multiple choice questions. It is not something candidates can study for, rather they are expected to answer honestly based on how they think they would behave in different scenarios.

While candidates may look for additional study materials, only the materials provided within the email package or on the OACP Certificate website are officially supported and that third-party preparation guides are not endorsed.

5. Where do candidates complete the Medical Examination Package?

Candidates are responsible for completing the Medical Examination Package with qualified specialists within Canada. Vision testing must be completed by an eye care specialist while hearing tests must be completed by an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist. A family doctor is not permitted to complete this package.

Any costs are the responsibility of the applicant. Once completed, the medical package is valid for two years from the date it is signed and is to be submitted directly to the police service(s) as part of the application process.

Any technical questions can be directed to our support team.

Here to Support You

These five questions represent the most common areas where candidates seek clarity. By providing consistent messaging recruiters can help reduce confusion, set clear expectations, and help support candidates though each stage of the process.

Every applicant is different and there will always be questions unique to their individual circumstances. The OACP Certificate Administration Team is staffed by experienced professionals who are able to guide candidates through this important early step when preparing to answer the call. We are here to support both applicants and services. Recruiters are encouraged to reach out with specific questions not covered by those outlined above.

Additional resources are available to support your team through the official OACP Certificate Testing website. Whether within your service or out at events, we provide printable materials and process infographics to assist your service’s recruitment efforts.

Chelsea Gomes is an administrative services manager at TNT Justice Consultants with over seven years of administrative experience in office operations. In addition to her Executive assistant duties at TNT, Chelsea specializes in document and video design. Prior to TNT, Chelsea spent three years as a Finance Manager and Finance Assistant for Ontario’s largest specialty auto loan company. She has also worked administrative positions within Construction, Information Technology and Automotive industries. Chelsea has obtained a diploma in Office Administration – Executive with high honors and a certificate in Inclusive Leadership Practices with honors.

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