Post-recruitment training and development

On this page

• Distance learning facilitated training
• In-residence training
• On-the-job development
• Personal decision: Postings

Distance learning facilitated training

The distance learning facilitated training phase is the first phase of the OITP administered via the internet. You will need consistent access to a computer with an internet connection.

This learning phase is 4 weeks (an average of 5 hours a day). It is made up of a mix of self-learning and instructor-led video sessions using quizzes, activities, collaborative discussions, forum postings and various assignments.

You will learn about:

• the agency, its mandate, mission and vision
• programs and services offered by the CBSA
• CBSA's work culture
  • including values and ethics as well as diversity and race relations in the workplace
• primary inspection processes
  • immigration
  • food, plant and animals
  • customs
  • other government departments

In-residence training

The second phase of the OITP is the in-residence training at Canada Border Services College in Rigaud, Quebec. In-residence training is 14 weeks, from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm, with some training on evenings, weekends and statutory holidays, as required.

Officer trainees will learn the following:

• primary inspection process
• secondary inspection process
  • immigration
  • food, plant, animals
  • customs
• policies, procedures, and legislation that the agency administers and their application
• seizure, detention, personal search and arrest
• how to determine the admissibility of persons and goods
• defensive tactics
• duty firearms

Allowance

During the training, you receive a weekly allowance plus accommodations and meals. We will cover the cost of one round trip from your home residence to the Canada Border Services College.

If you are currently a public servant and are invited to attend training at our college, refer to your collective agreement and talk to your manager about the appropriate leave option.

On-the-job development

After successful completion of the OITP in-residence training, trainees begin the Officer Induction Development Program (OIDP), a 12 to 18 month on-the-job development phase, as a CBSA officer trainee (FB-02). Trainees will complete the program at their port of entry, which is determined through the Duty Placement Process.

This performance and competency-based program provides a clear developmental path which involves performing on-the-job functions, competency development, learning, coaching and constructive feedback. Upon successful completion of the OIDP you will be appointed as a border services officer (FB-03).

Personal decision: Postings

Postings can be located anywhere across Canada. Remember the personal decision you made when you first applied to become a border services officer.