Deputy sheriffs provide court security and move people in custody. The BC Sheriff Service pays you through recruit training at JIBC.
| Detail | Source | |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements · Minimum age | 19+ | source |
| Requirements · Citizenship | Canadian citizen or PR | source |
| Requirements · Education | Grade 12 or equivalent | source |
| Requirements · Licence | Unrestricted Class 4 (or 1/2); may apply with Class 3/5 plus Class 4 learner's; max 9 demerits | source |
| Renewal | not published No licence or CE cycle published | source |
| Who hires | BC Sheriff Service, Court Services Branch | source |
| Hiring tests | POPAT or PARE, documented pass time 4:15 | source |
| Hiring tests | Competency interview with written component; reference check; enhanced security screening; medical | source |
| Hiring tests | English proficiency: Duolingo, CELPIP General, CAEL or IELTS Academic, result valid 2 years; applicant pays (amount not published by BCSS; set by the test provider) | source |
| Hiring tests | SOFAST fitness test on day 1 of SRT, mandatory; fee covered by BCSS. POPAT/PARE at applicant's cost | source |
| Where training happens | JIBC, New Westminster | source |
| Cost to you | No training cost; paid during training; living allowance outside Lower Mainland; 2-year return-of-service agreement or pro-rated repayment | source |
| Starting pay | $54,684.22/yr ($29.9434/h) recruit, BCGEU Grid 10 Step 1 (Jul 1, 2026); $80,660.47-$91,885.30 after SRT | source |
| How to apply | Official page | source |
| Name and city | Program / status | Cost | Notes | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justice Institute of British Columbia New Westminster | Sheriff Recruit Training Sheriff Academy | 0 source | Sources differ on length: 14 weeks (BC gov) vs 16 weeks (JIBC); blocks add to up to 17 | Official page |
An unrestricted Class 4 (or Class 1 or 2). You can apply with a Class 3 or 5 plus a Class 4 learner’s. No more than 9 demerits.
JIBC lists 16 weeks: 1 week online plus a courthouse visit, 12 weeks at JIBC, and up to 4 weeks in the field. A BC government page refers to a 14-week SRT, so expect 14 to 16 weeks.
$54,684.22 a year ($29.9434/hour) as a recruit (BCGEU Grid 10 Step 1, July 1, 2026), then $80,660.47 to $91,885.30 after training.
No. You are paid during training and get a living allowance if you are from outside the Lower Mainland. You sign a 2-year return-of-service agreement or repay a pro-rated amount.
An English proficiency test (you pay for it), POPAT or PARE at 4:15, and a competency interview with a written part, plus references, security screening and a medical.
This page relies on the official pages below. Rules, fees and processes change, so check the authority before you apply or spend money.
Links checked November 1, 2026. Found an error or a broken link? Report it.