If you want to become a railway police officer in Canada, there is a laundry list of items you need to consider. Know you will first have to meet minimum qualifications standards. To join, you have to be at least 18 years old, be either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and at least be a high-school graduate. If you have ever been arrested, it is unlikely you will be able to become a railway police officer in Canada.

Have a clean "record." To become a railway police officer with either the Canadian National (CN) or Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) police, qualifications requirements are pretty strict. You cannot have a police record because they will want you to eventually get a "Top Secret--Level III" security clearance. People with police records will not be able to qualify for any law-enforcement positions anywhere in Canada.

Be combat-trained. Although it is not a condition of employment, most Canadian railway police officers have combat military training. In some areas of Canada, you must also be certified in "Use of Force" and the use of lethal and nonlethal weapons, as well.

Know criminal law and court procedure. The court system in Canada works a bit differently than it does in the United States. In Canada, the federal government, not a legislative branch, is in charge of criminal procedures, while smaller territories or provinces determine civil court procedure.

Be educated in the Canadian transportation system. The inner workings of the Canadian transportation system can be very complex. A potential railway police applicant must be familiar with the country's numerous infrastructure regulations, transit security procedures and environmental or other relevant safety acts, for example.

Complete a series of tests. You must complete and pass several physical, psychiatric and general aptitude tests to become a railway police officer in Canada. Applicants must also complete a 60-hour recruit orientation training workshop.