Physical Fitness Test (PT's)

As with any other test, the Physical Fitness Assessment also requires some preparation in advance if you want to make sure that you will pass successfully. Below we have provided information on what you can expect in the fitness portion of the hiring process.

 

This information is intended to provide you with a guideline for how to best approach and prepare for the Physical Fitness Test.

We want you to succeed!

 

PES has learned from sponsoring departments, that the pass rate for the fitness test is around 40%. Sadly, that percentage has been steadily declining every year since 2010.

 

If you are serious about a career in law enforcement, you need to be serious about being in shape. There's absolutely no excuse for failing this exam! To better help you stay on your game, we've provided details on the physical fitness test that can help you come out on top.

 

Firstly, fitness tests can vary, however quite often agencies use:

 

• The Copper Institute of fitness standards, or

• Fitness standards defined by the testing agency, or

• Both and/or a combination thereof.

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Both of these fitness tests are specifically designed to measure the physical fitness performance of the candidate. These standards take into account the gender and age of the candidate, and determine how many repetitions of each exercise a male or female needs to perform or how quickly to cover each activity in order to pass the test.

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You will receive detailed instruction prior to beginning the fitness test on what is allowed and what is a disqualifier. For some activities, you may be allowed a second or a third attempt, while others activities must be passed the first time. The test is timed and there will be a timed cut-off score.

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Secondly, there are components of the fitness ability test. Again, each non-Civil Service police department has the right to decide how many and which components to include in its fitness-based PAT.

 

The most common ones, however, include:

• Push-ups

• Sit-ups

• Bench-press

• Additional strength assessment –trigger pull, arm ergo-meter, sit/reach extensions

• 75-yard dash

• 1.5-mile run

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In order to pass the test, the candidate needs to perform each activity according to a given standard. There is usually a scale that shows the expected results depending on age and gender. Respectively, there is a score table that shows how many scores you receive depending on your performance. The candidates must fulfill each activity otherwise they are disqualified. In some cases, there is a certain amount of points that need to be reached in order for the candidate to be successful but in general it is a pass/fail test.

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Did you know? The average passing rate for the fitness test is 40%! That means 60% fail. Don't be part of the 60%. Passing the written exam is only one step of the hiring process, but with a little preparation, you can be ready and physically fit! We recommend testing yourself on the exercises provided. If you find yourself underachieving in a certain exercise, there's still time to train for success. To get started, download a sample of what you can expect from the fitness assessment.

 

Best of luck. PES is routing for you!