Education · 1 of 5
The path
You cannot apply from civilian life. You join the Canadian Armed Forces first, in any job.
- 1
Meet the basics to join
Age 17 or older
At least 17 (a parent must consent if you are under 18), a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and at least Grade 10.
- 2
Join and do basic training
Months
Enrol in the Regular Force or the Reserve Force and finish basic training.
- 3
Become fully trained in your first job
Varies by job
The special operations command only takes members who have finished training in their current military job.
- 4
Apply and pass the fitness test
Months
Send a notice of intent and the recruiting forms, meet the medical standard, then pass a fitness selection test. Fail it and you stop there.
- 5
Selection, then special operations training
Not published
A structured assessment under intense physical and mental stress, then the unit's own courses. Course lengths are not published.