How to Join the Canadian Military

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 29, 2019 References

Joining the Canadian military is a big commitment that takes a bit of work but can pay off in the long run. To successfully join you need to meet the basic requirements, go through the application process, and then complete basic testing and training. Testing and training includes an aptitude test and a military qualification course. This process is generally the same whether you want to join the army, navy, or air force and you will specialize after joining.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Meeting the Basic Requirements

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Be a Canadian citizen. In order to join the Canadian military you need to be a citizen. Being born in Canada is enough to make you a citizen. You can also be a citizen if one or more of your parents are citizens, even if you weren't born in Canada, or if you were adopted by a Canadian citizen. Also, you can become a citizen by going through a naturalization process.^{[1]
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- If you want to join the Canadian military but you are not a citizen, you will need to get your citizenship first.
- Proving you are a citizen requires having a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Your SIN is typically assigned at birth or during naturalization. If you don’t have one or you don't know your number, you can apply for it through the government.^{[2]
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2
Be at least 18 years old or be 17 and have parental permission to enlist. The military requires that you are 18 to enlist on your own. If you are 17, you can enlist if your parents give consent, however you need to fulfill all of the other requirements, such as school completion.^{[3]
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- If you are 16, you can enlist in an officer-training program or reserve unit with parental permission.
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Complete your schooling up to at least the 10th grade. All jobs in the military require at least a 10th grade education. In Quebec the 10th grade is typically called école secondaire.^{[4]
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- However, specialized jobs may require more advanced schooling. For instance, officer jobs require a college degree.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Applying to Enlist

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Decide between part-time and full-time enrollment. Before filling out your application you need to decide if you want the military to be your full time employment. If you want to continue with another job or stay in school, you can choose to enroll part time through the reserves.
- If you want to enroll full time, you will need to commit to at least 3 years of service. Part-time enrollment does not have this requirement.^{[5]
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2
Create an online account and fill out the application. Go to the Canadian military website and create a secure account. Then fill out the application, which will require you to say what position you would like in the military, in addition to providing your legal name, address, and proof that you meet the basic requirements for enrollment.^{[6]
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- You will also need to provide an email address that the military can use to continue correspondence with you.
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Send in supporting documentation. Once your application has been received and preliminarily reviewed by the military, you will be sent a request for your documentation materials. You will need to send a copy of your birth certificate, government-issued ID, school transcripts, and any trade qualifications you have that are relevant to your work in the military.^{[7]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Completing the Required Testing and Training

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Take an aptitude test. Once you have filled out and submitted your application, a military recruiter will contact you and schedule you to come in for a test. This aptitude test is designed to identify what your strengths are so that the military can give you an appropriate placement. The test will last 45 minutes and you will need to answer 60 verbal, spatial, and problem-solving questions during that time.^{[8]
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- It’s a good idea to practice for the test before you take it. There are official practice tests that you can take to get used to what the test will be like.
2
Pass a medical examination. If you want to join the Canadian armed forces, you will need to have an examination that begins with you filling out an extensive medical history. After that, you will need to pass an eye test, color test, and hearing test performed by a doctor.^{[9]
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- There may be more advanced examinations as you move through the process of specializing in the military. For example, just because you pass the eye sight exam for joining the military doesn’t mean that you will pass the eye sight exam to become a pilot in the air force.^{[10]
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Go to an interview. Once your health has been cleared, you will need to talk to a military career counselor about your career goals in the military. Before the interview, research the jobs you are interested in and prepare some questions about them, if you have any.^{[11]
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- Also ask any other questions you have, such as when might you do your qualification course and where are you likely to serve for different jobs.
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Pass a security screening. Before being accepted the information you provided on your application and in your interview will be reviewed for authenticity. The recruiter will investigate your history with a background check that includes:^{[12]
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- Personal information
- Education qualifications
- Professional credentials
- Criminal record
- Credit history
- Employment history
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Complete your basic military qualification course. The final step to joining the Canadian military is completing a 14-week training program that includes education and physical challenges. The education includes a variety of topics, including the basics of military life and physical skills that are used in combat. This training program will occur at the leadership and recruit center in Quebec.^{[13]
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- It doesn’t matter whether you are planning on joining the army, navy, or air force, all basic military qualification courses happen at the same training center.
- Not all potential recruits pass the basic military qualification course. If you do not pass, you cannot join the Canadian military.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I join the military with a criminal record?

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Community Answer

Most likely not. The army often does not accept anyone with a criminal record. If you want to join the army try to get your criminal record cleared or request a waiver from a recruiter to make an exception. Chances are you won’t get into the army.
Question

Do you need a driver's license to join the military?

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Community Answer

Yes, you will need to bring your driver's license or any government ID and a social security card when you enlist in any branch of the army.
Question

If I have a minor hearing problem, will I be able to join?

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Community Answer

No you will likely be disqualified from joining if you have any hearing problems. If try to join with hearing problems don’t be surprised if the recruiter says you cannot join beyond civilian desk work.