OPME - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is OPME?

The Officer Professional Military Education (OPME) programme is a non academic programme offered by the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) Division of Continuing Studies (DCS), which is intended to acquaint the junior officer with a common body of knowledge related to the military profession.

How do I enrol in the OPME Programme?

All prospective OPME students need to enrol in the OPME programme before they apply for a course. Enrolment is a ‘one-time only process’, in which you enrol on-line through the DWAN. If you do not have DWAN access, an Enrolment form may be obtained from the OPME DL Programme Rep. Once your enrolment application is processed an OPME student number (P#) will be assigned via an automated e-mail when you log in on-line or if you do not have DWAN to the e-mail address you provide on the enrolment form.

When do I get a password?

Your password is created by you, the student, when you apply on-line for the OPME programme. If you do not have DWAN access you will not need a password. You can apply for courses through the DL Programme Rep. Please refer to the OPME website for contact information.

What do I do if I forget my password?

Go to the OPME Portal, accessible from this website, but you must use the DWAN to retrieve your password.

How do I apply for a course if I don't have DWAN access?

To apply for a course it will depend on which delivery format you select - Distance Learning (DL), On-site or Residential. Students without DWAN access may use the OPME DL Application (without DWAN access) form which is available on this website under Forms and Tables. Should you prefer to take an On-site course or participate in a Residential programme you will find the applicable forms under Forms and Tables also.

Do I need access to the DWAN to take OPME courses?

You need access to the DWAN to apply on-line for Distance Learning (DL) courses, but you do not need access to the DWAN to take the classes. Once you have been registered in a course(s) the DL Programme Representative will arrange for you to be registered in DNDLearn, a system that can be accessed from any regular Internet connection. It is through DNDLearn that you will take the on-line course, obtain some course material, contact and be contacted by your instructor and where applicable, have class discussions.

How do I apply for a course(s)?

Students can apply for a maximum of two OPME courses, per session. The delivery format you choose will determine the application method used. Please refer to the section on Course Delivery Formats and Descriptions to give you an understanding of the delivery formats available and the application procedure.

When can I apply for a course?

Once you have determined the delivery format, DL, On-site or Residential, preferred, you may apply for a course during the Registration period. Please refer to Important Academic Dates for both application and course dates.

How will I know if I've been successfully registered in a course?

As long as your e-mail address is correct you will receive an automated e-mail once you've been registered. Please note that OCdts, NCMs and Naval Reserve officers will remain in the cue, in chronological order, then, it is during the week after registration that vacancies are identified and personnel in the cue are assigned to the requested course(s). If the course(s) are full, you will receive an automated e-mail denying your application. Your patience is appreciated.

I'm trying to enrol or register on a DWAN computer, but I keep getting a blank screen, or a security error. What do I do?

This is most likely caused by the browser settings on your particular DWAN machine. To fix your machine, contact your DWAN administrator. You can attempt to access the portal from another DWAN computer. If you are still experiencing difficulty contact DCS-Support@rmc.ca or 271-6333 (CSN).

How do I know if the OPME Section has received my OPME Course Application or Withdrawal form that I faxed in?

First, ensure you use the most current forms that are located on the OPME website – the version is shown at the bottom left hand corner of the forms – month and year (10.2008). By using a current form this will ensure that the fax number to be used is accurate. Second, by keeping the receipt from your fax machine it will tell you whether or not the transmission was successful. Due to the high volume of correspondence processed daily by the OPME Section we are unable to confirm receipt of faxes. Therefore, retain your copy of the form and the fax receipt until your Student account, accessed through the OPME Portal, reflects the most recent change(s).

How do I withdraw from a course or request a break in studies?

As per CMP instruction 0806 para 8.1, to withdraw without penalty from an OPME course, you must notify RMC/DCS of your intention. CMP Policy requires RMC/DCS to notify your CO if you abandon your course without proper documentation. If you wish to register for the course in the future, you will require a letter of support from your CO to CDA/SO DP2. In order to withdraw, complete and submit by fax the Course Withdrawal / Break in Studies form.

How do I pay for OPME courses?

OPME courses are offered free of charge to all members of the Canadian Forces who have not yet attained OPME-complete status. If you desire to retake an OPME University level course to improve your mark or receive a mark where a ‘credit’ was assigned, you may do so through the DCS Undergraduate programme, register and pay the applicable tuition.

How do I obtain my course package?

OPME students will receive textbooks (on loan) and related course material at no charge. On completion of the course only textbook(s) must be returned to RMC Bookstores using the return envelope included in the course package. Please ensure you include your name, OPME Student Number (P#) and return address on the envelope so that our records can be updated to reflect the return of the textbook(s). Otherwise, you may be liable for the restocking fees if we are unable to track the returned item.

How do I submit assignments?

Instructions on submitting assignments are located under Course Administration.

How do I register for exams?

There is no longer a requirement to register for OPME exams. You may take your online modular exams for DCE/F001 and DCE/F002 anytime within the term in which you are registered.

How do I obtain my marks?

You can access individual module marks through the OPME Portal. Upon completion of a course(s) you may request a Student Summary Sheet which will list the grades you have obtained. If you require assistance with marks or student summaries, contact dcsassignments@rmc.ca.

What courses do I have to take to fulfill my requirements to complete the OPME programme?

If you have successfully completed a part of the OPDP or ODP-2 programme. If you have not previously completed a course in the OPDP or ODP-2 programme, you must take the following six courses.

How can I benefit from previous military training / experience and academic courses?

Certain previous experience can be counted towards some modules of the OPME programme. The Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Section of DCS will review university and college transcripts, as well as certain military training that may be considered for military equivalencies in the OPME programme. Refer to the PLAR section for information on making a submission.

When and how will I know that I have completed the OPME Programme?

Once your final mark is registered in the HRMS database your MPRR will be updated and reflect the date when your records were actually updated as your ‘completion date’. The completion date is an automated entry and thus, cannot be changed. Within about six weeks from your ‘completion date’ your unit will receive your personalized OPME certificate, for presentation? Report any discrepancies, on your OPME certificate, to dcsassignments@rmc.ca.

I plan to go on maternity / parental leave and I would like to take OPME courses. Can I register for courses during my LWOP?

Although you may still apply to take courses you are advised to consult the office of Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) before doing so, in the event that there are regulations about taking courses while also receiving benefits.

I want to take an On-site OPME course in my first official language, but there are no courses being offered in my area.

All OPME courses are offered in both official languages and are always available by Distance Learning (DL). On-site courses are offered when and where there is sufficient student demand and when suitable instructors can be found. Requests for specific On-Site or Residential offerings should be directed to the appropriate environment RMC OPME Programme Representative at 1-800-721-3901 or contact your local BPSO or Unit Commander.

How do I transfer an OPME credit to an Undergraduate programme?

Complete the Request for Transfer Credit form and submit it for processing. In addition, contact a DCS UG Programme Rep for assistance.

What happens if I do not complete an OPME course in the semester in which I am currently registered?

A student will be deemed abandoned, on their student record, if an OPME course is not completed and they have not withdrawn from the course. When the student reapplies to take the course, in which they are deemed abandoned, they will be refused because the ‘system’ blocks future applications until the student officially submits a Course Withdrawal / Request for Break in Studies form.

Will I get a certificate when I complete the OPME programme?

Yes, an OPME complete certificate will be sent to each student who has completed the programme requirements. On receipt, if there are any discrepancies noted, inform dcsassignments@rmc.ca of the details.