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Physical Ability Testing FAQs
Does POST require a physical ability test?
No, POST does not require agencies or academies to administer any physical ability test prior to hire. However, many agencies and academies administer their own physical ability test during the selection process. POST requires a physical ability test before academy graduation.
How can I get information on physical ability tests that agencies or academies may require?
You can contact law enforcement agencies for information on their specific physical performance requirements.
What are the academy physical conditioning requirements?
Students must complete a 36-session physical conditioning program. The conditioning program consists of aerobic, strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility conditioning. Usually, jogging is the mode of aerobic conditioning. Calisthenics circuit training or weight circuit training is most commonly used for strength and muscular endurance conditioning. Static stretching is the usual mode of flexibility conditioning.
How should I prepare myself for the academy physical conditioning program?
Students who are engaged in a vigorous lifetime fitness program generally do not have any problems with the POST-required academy physical conditioning program and Work Sample Test Battery Test. It is almost impossible, though, for sedentary individuals to complete the program without problems. For best results, your exercise program should already match the descriptions below.
- Aerobic conditioning, 3-5 days per week, 20-60 minutes each day, continuous jogging on most days each week
- Muscular strength/endurance, 2-3 days per week, one set of 8-10 exercises including upper body, core, and legs, 8-20 repetitions per set
- Flexibility, static stretching, at least 2-3 days per week, preferably 5-7 days, 8-12 stretches each day, hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds and repeat each 2-4 times
- Continuous participation at the above-described levels for the last six months without injury
If your exercise program does not meet these specifications, then you should consider taking a body conditioning, weight training, or jogging class as needed.
What is the physical ability test required for academy graduation?
Students must take and pass the POST Work Sample Test Battery after completing the physical conditioning program, but before academy graduation. Academies may have a substitute test, or they may have additional tests that students must pass before graduation. The Work Sample Test Battery includes these five events:
- OBSTACLE COURSE
Run a 99-yard obstacle course consisting of several sharp turns, a number of curb-height obstacles, and a 34-inch high obstacle that must be vaulted - BODY DRAG
Lift and drag a 165-pound lifelike dummy 32-feet - CHAIN LINK FENCE
Run 5 yards to a 6-foot chain link fence, climb over fence, continue running another 25 yards - SOLID FENCE CLIMB
Run 5 yards to a 6 foot solid fence, climb over fence, continue running another 25 yards - 500-YARD RUN
Run 500 yards
Each of the five events is timed. Student performance times are converted to points and summed. Students must accumulate a total score of 384 points to pass.