Attmt 17A - BPA TA Manual_revised 04092026.pdf

U.S. Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Border Patrol Agent

Candidate Pre-employment Fitness Test

Test Administrator Manual — Version 9

Version 9.0

Updated 9 April 2026

Updated 4/9/8/72026

Background The primary mission of the U.S. Border Patrol Agent (BPA) position is to prevent terrorists and terrorists’ weapons, including weapons of mass destruction, from entering the United States. BPAs are specifically responsible for patrolling nearly 6,000 miles of the Mexican and Canadian international land borders and over 2,000 miles of coastal waters surrounding the Florida Peninsula and the island of Puerto Rico. BPAs work around the clock on assignments, in all types of terrain and weather conditions and in many isolated communities throughout the United States. This is a physically demanding position. The applicant screening process requires the candidate to demonstrate an ability to meet the rigorous physical demands of the BPA position and related training requirements by completing a Pre- Employment Fitness Test (PFT).

Purpose The BPA Pre-employment Fitness Test (PFT) consists of a battery of physical tests designed to predict a candidate’s ability to successfully meet the physical requirements of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy and to perform the essential duties of the position. Consistent and proper administration of the test battery is a critical step in the pre-employment process and a requirement of all Test Administrators (TAs).

This Test Administrator Manual provides the TA with the PFT administration protocol for the BPA PFT. The PFT administration must be followed in the order listed in this manual and with the prescribed rest times to ensure accurate, safe, and consistent administration of the PFT. It is imperative that all TAs review this document in full prior to administering the BPA PFT.

Pre-Test Protocol Prior to scheduling a PFT, the TA must read and understand the testing protocol outlined in this manual.

On the day of testing, the TA shall complete the following steps prior to administering the PFT:

Step One. Acquire and set up all equipment and needed documents to administer the PFT. This includes the following:

• A clipboard and pen.

• The Border Patrol Agent Pre-Employment Fitness Test (PFT) Score Sheet (Appendix A).

• Copies of the Health History Questionnaire and Medical Provider Statement (Appendix B).

• Copies of the Agent Candidate Waiver and Release of Liability (Appendix C).

• The Injury/Accident/Incident Report Form (Appendix D).

• The Border Patrol Agent Pre-employment Fitness Test Script (Appendix E).

• A 4” by 5” foam block.

• A foam mat for sit-ups.

• A smooth, flat surface that provides sufficient traction to prevent slips for the sit-ups and push-ups.

• One secure, non-slip 14-inch step, bench, or platform suitable for the Step Test.

• A stopwatch.

• A clicker / tally counter.

Step Two. Confirm the identification of the candidate being tested by verifying the candidate’s government-issued picture identification. Acceptable forms of identification include a passport, valid driver’s license, or other forms of government-issued identification. If the candidate does not present valid government-issued identification, DO NOT administer the PFT. Document the issues in the FITNESS TEST FAILURE section of the Border Patrol Agent Pre-employment Fitness Testing Score Sheet found in Appendix A and submit as required.

Step Three. Review the Candidate Health History Questionnaire (CHHQ) and Medical Providers

Statement, found in Appendix B. Proceed ONLY if the candidate answered “no” to all of the questions. If a candidate answered “yes” to one or more of the questions, DO NOT administer the PFT and inform the candidate that the CBP Hiring Center will contact them with further instructions. Document why the test was not administered in the FITNESS TEST FAILURE section of the Border Patrol Agent Pre-employment Fitness Testing Score Sheet found in Appendix A and submit as required.

Step Four. Complete the CANDIDATE INFORMATION SECTION on the Border Patrol Agent Pre-employment Fitness Testing Score Sheet found in Appendix A.

Step Five. Witness the candidate signing the Participant Waiver and Release of Liability, found in

Appendix C, and conduct the PFT.

Administration Requirements

1) Testing Room Set-Up:

• The PFT shall be conducted in an area with at least 20 feet by 20 feet of available space and a minimum ceiling height of eight (8) feet.

• Place the block, mat and all needed equipment in the testing area for the push-up/sit-ups.

• Ensure a secure, non-slip 14-inch step is available for the Step Test. The step must be stable, placed on a flat surface, and have adequate space around it for safe movement during the full five-minute test.

• Only clinical staff members and the candidate are allowed to be in the testing area.

2) Safety Parameters:

• For every PFT administered, an Emergency Responder shall be onsite and available in case of emergency during the PFT. The Emergency Responder shall possess current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications by recognized organizations such as the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross. The Emergency Responder shall ensure that the AED is maintained in accordance with manufacturer requirements and/or Federal law as applicable. The TA may serve as the Emergency Responder ONLY if they have the required certifications.

• If at any time during the testing the TA feels that the candidate is in danger of harming themselves, the TA shall discontinue administering the test and clearly indicate the reason for stopping the test in the FITNESS TEST FAILURE section of the Border Patrol Agent Pre-employment Fitness Testing Score Sheet (Appendix A). The TA shall also complete a PFT Injury/Accident/Incident Report Form (Appendix D) and submit it to the Program Manager immediately after the incident is resolved, but no more than twenty-four (24) hours after the incident occurs.

• The TA must remain in the same room, within unobstructed line of sight, and close enough to the candidate to provide immediate assistance during the Step Test. At no time may the TA leave the candidate unattended. The TA is responsible for continuously monitoring the candidate’s condition and cadence throughout the duration of the five-minute test.

3) PFT Score Sheet Procedure

The TA shall ensure that each section of the score sheet is completed.

• The information recorded in the Pre-Employment Fitness Test (PFT) Score Sheet shall be printed clearly and legibly.

• The CANDIDATE INFORMATION section shall be completed by the TA prior to administering the PFT. This includes recording the candidate’s Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial (MI), Gender (Male or Female), Social Security Number, Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY), Height (nearest inch), and Weight (nearest pound).

• The INDIVIDUAL TEST RESULTS section shall be completed by the TA while conducting the

PFT. This will include completing the score for the Sit-Up, Push-Up, and Step Test after each individual event.

• The CANDIDATE SIGNATURE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT section shall be completed by the candidate following the administration of the PFT and signed and dated by the Candidate the day of the assessment.

• The TEST ADMINISTRATOR INFORMATION section shall be completed by the TA after the

Candidate has completed the candidate signature portion of the score sheet. The TA will record the test date, test location (City/State), TA’s phone number, TA’s first and last name, and sign the document.

• The TEST SUMMARY section shall be completed by the TA. If the Candidate successfully completes and passes all three (3) fitness test components, the TA will check “YES” indicating that the Candidate passed. If the Candidates fails any of the three tests, the TA will check “NO” indicating a failed test. For any failed test, the TA must then indicate which of the three tests the candidate failed by checking either Sit-Up, Push-Up, or Step Test. All test failures must be recorded on the FITNESS TEST FAILURE section.

• The FITNESS TEST FAILURE section is completed by the TA when a candidate fails a test or when the test was not conducted for any reason. The TA will record the candidate’s Last Name, First Name, and Middle Initial (MI); Last four of the candidate’s Social Security Number; Date of Statement (i.e., Test Date); and Statement Regarding the Border Patrol Agent Fitness Test failure. The statement shall be thorough, legible, and accurately reflect the Candidate’s reason for failing or not taking the PFT.

Border Patrol Agent Pre-employment Fitness Test (BPA PFT)

Candidates are required to successfully complete all components of the PFT in the order listed below:

The Sit-Up Test is a timed test, requiring completion of twenty-five (25) proper form sit-ups in 60 seconds.

The Push-Up Test is a timed test, requiring completion of twenty (20) proper form push-ups in 60 seconds. The depth of the push-ups will be measured using a 4” or 5” foam block. Candidates 69 inches or taller will use a 5’’ foam block. Candidates shorter than 69’’ will use the 4-inch foam block.

The 14” Step Test measures cardiovascular endurance. The Candidate is required to step in cadence at a rate of 120 beats per minute for five (5) minutes using a 14-inch step.

Border Patrol Agent PFT Requirements Test Requirement Time / Trials

Sit-Ups 25 60 seconds Push-Ups 20 60 seconds

14” Step Test 120 beats per minute 5 minutes

Border Patrol Agent Pre-employment Fitness Test Protocol

The TA shall set up the testing area prior to the candidate’s arrival. TAs must read and understand the proper test criteria and administration in this manual before starting the assessment. The BPA PFT will be administered using the Pre-employment Fitness Test Administrator Script. The TA will follow the script for the duration of the testing and note and follow the rest periods provided in the script. Any deviation from the use of the script and the testing protocol will result in a retest of the candidate. The candidate must pass each test to move on to the next assessment. If a candidate does not meet the Border Patrol Agent PFT requirements for an event, they will not be allowed to attempt the next test.

Sit-Up Test Instructions to the TA:

1. The script will instruct the candidate to assume the supine starting or “down position” on his/her back with the arms crossed in front of the chest, hands touching the shoulders, with the shoulder blades touching the mat. The TA will hold the feet and ankles of the candidate during the test.

2. The candidate’s knees are bent with the feet flat on the floor and the heels 12 to 18 inches from the candidate’s buttocks.

3. After the TA says ‘Go’, the TA starts the stopwatch. The candidate is required to sit-up until the tips of the elbows touch at or above the mid-thigh (nearest to the knee). This is the ‘up’ position.

4. The candidate shall return to the down position with the shoulder blades touching the mat to complete a repetition.

5. A candidate may rest in the up position only. The time countdown will continue during any rest periods.

6. The TA shall count aloud all proper form sit-ups and inform the candidate immediately if they have displayed incorrect form. The TA will stop the test after 60 seconds.

7. The TA will instruct the candidate when to start and stop.

8. A sit-up will not count if:

• The buttocks are raised from the floor – OR –

• The hands lose contact with the shoulders or the arms become uncrossed – OR –

• If the candidate fails to touch elbows at or above the mid-thigh – OR –

• Shoulder blades do not touch the mat at the bottom of the repetition.

9. The sit-up test will stop:

• When the candidate completes 25 proper form sit-ups – OR –

• When 60 seconds have expired – OR –

• If the candidate voluntarily stops the test – OR –

• If the candidate pushes off the ground with hands or elbows – OR –

• If the candidate holds on to the legs in the up position – OR –

• If the candidate stays in the starting position (down) for two (2) seconds or more.

10. Record the number of proper form sit-ups completed on the score sheet and begin the three

(3:00) minute rest period.

Start

Elbows Touch Thigh/Knees

End

Push-up Test Instructions to the Test Administrator:

1. The TA should position themselves at a 45-degree angle to the candidate’s head, which will give them the clearest view of the push-up movement in its entirety.

2. Instruct the candidate to assume the starting or “up position” with elbows straight and hands spaced approximately shoulder width apart, with the fingers pointing forward and thumbs aligned with the crease of the shoulder. The body must be kept in a straight line (shoulders, hips and ankles in alignment) with feet no more than 12 inches apart.

3. Once the candidate is in the “up position,” place the foam block directly below the sternum/chest. Candidates 69 inches or taller will use a 5-inch foam block. Candidates shorter than 69 inches will use the 4-inch foam block. The TA will hold the foam block in position throughout the test.

4. After the TA says ‘Go’, the TA starts the stopwatch. The body must remain straight (shoulders, hips and ankles in alignment) throughout the entire range of motion of the push-up. The candidate will lower the body until the chest/sternum touches the foam block. The candidate shall press up, keeping the body in alignment, until the elbows are straight. This completes one proper form push-up.

5. You may rest in the up position, but time continues during the rest. A hip pike or sag is permitted during rest as long as the hands and feet do not move. However, the candidate MUST return to the “up” position and be in proper alignment prior to beginning the next repetition.

6. Count proper form push-ups aloud as each is completed and inform the candidate immediately if any push-ups are performed improperly. The TA will stop the test after 60 seconds.

7. Repetitions will not be counted if:

• The sternum/chest does not touch the foam block.

• The shoulders, hips (flat back), knees, and ankles are not in straight alignment during the attempted repetition.

• The candidate does not return to the correct starting position with arms fully extended.

8. The push-up test shall be stopped:

• When the candidate completes 20 proper form push-ups – OR –

• When one minute has expired – OR –

• If the candidate voluntarily stops the test – OR –

• If the candidate’s knees touch the ground – OR –

• The candidate rests on the pad or mat– OR –

• The candidate removes hands or feet from the ground.

9. At the end of one minute, the TA will instruct the candidate to stop. Record the number of proper form push-ups completed on the score sheet and begin the three (3) minute rest period.

Start

Touch the Block

End

14” Step Test Instructions to the Test Administrator:

1. Provide the candidate a brief opportunity to practice stepping in cadence using the “up, up, down, down” pattern.

2. Instruct the candidate to begin by stepping up with the lead foot followed by the lag foot (up, up), then stepping down in the same sequence (down, down). Inform the candidate that they may switch their lead foot at any time, but must not stop or break cadence.

3. Use the designated audio track to control cadence (120 beats per minute) and test duration (5 minutes).

4. Clearly inform the candidate that they are required to step in sync with the audio throughout the entire test.

5. The Step Test will be stopped if:

• The candidate fails to maintain cadence for three (3) consecutive sequences (for example, misses six straight steps in a row – up, up, down, down x3) – OR –

• Fails to maintain cadence for six (6) total sequences throughout the 5 minutes (for example, breaks rhythm in six different spots throughout the 5 minutes – not necessarily in a row) – OR –

• Uses hands or arms to assist by pushing on the legs – OR –

• Voluntarily stops the test.

6. If the candidate does not complete the full 5 minutes in cadence, record the time stopped and the reason for test termination in the appropriate section of the score sheet and complete the Fitness Test Failure Statement.

APPENDICES

Appendix A

Border Patrol Agent Pre-Employment Fitness Test (PFT) Score Sheet

(Please Print)

CANDIDATE INFORMATION

Last Name First M.I. Gender � M � F

Social Security Number

Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY)

Age Height (inches) Weight (pounds)

INDIVIDUAL TEST RESULTS

Sit-Up Test

The candidate completed twenty-five (25) or more sit-ups in 60 seconds or less: � Yes � No Number of sit-ups completed: ____

Push-Up Test

The candidate completed twenty (20) proper form push-ups in 60 seconds or less: � Yes � No Number of push-ups completed: ____

14” Step Test

Candidate completed the full 5 – minute Step Test in cadence at 120 beats per minute: � Yes � No

If No, record the time stopped: minutes seconds

CANDIDATE SIGNATURE

I ACKNOWLEDGE THE TEST SUMMARY ABOVE

NAME DATE ___

TEST ADMINISTRATOR INFORMATION

Test Date Test Site Location (City/State) Print Name Signature

Phone Number (xxx-xxx-xxxx)

TEST SUMMARY

Candidate successfully completed and passed all three (3) fitness test components � Yes � No** Candidate failed to complete the following test(s) � Sit-Up Test � Push-Up Test � 14” Step Test Candidate did not take the fitness test due to: � Medical Screening Issue � No Show � Other **If “No,” document the reason on the Fitness Test Failure section on the reverse side.

Appendix A

FITNESS TEST FAILURE

Candidate Name (Last, First, MI) Social Security Number (Last 4)

Date of Statement (same as test date)

Statement Regarding the Border Patrol Agent Fitness Test Failure (please write legibly and describe all details clearly as to why the candidate failed or did not take the PFT)

Sworn Statement:

I do so declare under penalty of law this is an accurate and truthful documentation of the circumstances of the CBP Pre-employment Fitness Test battery administered to the candidate named above.

Test Administrator Signature Date Telephone Number

Appendix B

Pre-employment Fitness Test Candidate Health History Questionnaire & Medical Provider Statement

You have been tentatively selected for one of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s physically demanding law enforcement occupations. You must successfully complete the Pre-employment Fitness Test (PFT) in order to have continued consideration for this position. The PFT requirements are attached for your review.

Instructions: You must complete the following health screening questionnaire and bring it with you to your PFT appointment. You will not be allowed to participate in the PFT without this signed form. The answers provided will be reviewed to determine your eligibility to participate in the PFT. Please read carefully and respond to each question below.

Yes No

□ □ 1. Has your medical provider told you that you have a heart problem or other condition that limits your activity?

□ □ 2. In the last 6 months, have you had palpitations (fluttering sensations of the heart), pain, tightness or pressure in your chest while at rest or when you do physical activity/work/exercise?

□ □ 3. Have you ever become lightheaded or dizzy, passed out, or nearly passed out during or after exercise?

□ □ 4. Do you have a bone or joint problem that is made worse by performing physical activity/exercise or could become worse by participating in the PFT?

□ □ 5. Do you take any prescribed or over the counter medications that may preclude or affect your ability to take the PFT?

□ □ 6. Do you know of any other reason (medical/physical problem, condition, or impairment) that may preclude or affect your ability to take the PFT?

If you answered “yes” to any questions above, take the PFT Screening & Medical Provider Statement forms to your medical provider for their approval prior to your fitness test appointment. Your medical provider will need to review your health history, PFT screening responses, and the PFT requirements to determine your ability to participate in the PFT. If you answered “no”, be prepared to participate in the PFT after scheduling your appointment.

By signing below, I acknowledge that the information provided above is accurate.

Candidate’s Printed Name Candidate’s Signature Date

Position Applicant ID

Appendix B

Dear Provider, Please review the Fitness Test Requirements for the appropriate position below and certify whether the candidate is cleared or not cleared to participate.

Candidate’s Name (print): ___________________________ Date: ______________

Position: __________________________________________ Applicant ID: ________________

Pre-Employment Fitness Test Requirements Border Patrol Agent • Sit-ups: 25 repetitions in 60 seconds

• Push-ups: 20 repetitions in 60 seconds

• 14” Step Test: Continuous stepping on a 14-inch step at a cadence of 120 steps per minute for 5 minutes Customs and Border Protection Officer • Sit-ups: 20 repetitions in 60 seconds

• Push-ups: 12 repetitions in 60 seconds

• 12” Step Test: Continuous stepping on a 12-inch step at a cadence of 120 steps per minute for 5 minutes Air & Marine Positions (AEA, AIA, MIA) • Sit-ups: 20 repetitions in 60 seconds

• Push-ups: 12 repetitions in 60 seconds

• 12” Step Test: Continuous stepping on a 12-inch step at a cadence of 120 steps per minute for 5 minutes

Provider Certification I have reviewed the candidate’s health history questionnaire responses and the fitness test requirements and give the following opinion:

CLEARED TO SAFELY PARTICIPATE IN THE PFT

NOT CLEARED TO SAFELY PARTICIPATE IN THE PFT

Medical Provider’s Printed Name/Specialty: Medical Provider’s Signature:

Office Address: Telephone Number:

Date: Fax Number:

If your medical provider determines that you cannot safely participate in the required fitness test, please email the PFT Screening and the Medical Provider Statement form to CBPHiringMedFitAppt@cbp.dhs.gov.

Medical Provider Statement

Appendix C

Border Patrol Agent Candidate Waiver and Release of Liability

I, (print full legal name), as a candidate for a physically demanding position with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), certify and declare that I am currently engaged in a regular physical exercise program and can complete CBP’s Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Pre-Employment Fitness Test without harm to myself. I understand that the BPA PFT consists of three tests: (1) 25 sit-ups in 60 seconds; (2) 20 proper form push-ups in 60 seconds;

and (3) a step test in which I must continuously step in cadence at 120 beats per minute for 5 minutes on a 14-inch step. I further understand that the purpose of the PFT is to measure my general level of physical fitness and my present ability to safely and successfully complete Border Patrol Agent basic training. I understand that I must successfully pass each component of the PFT for further employment consideration.

List any health or physical problems that could, in any way, cause danger to you during physical exercise or elevate the risk factors associated with physical exertion.

(Use back if additional space is required.)

I acknowledge that there are risks inherent with any physical activity and understand that it is my responsibility to notify testing personnel of any known pre-existing conditions that might, in any way, adversely affect my ability or safety during the PFT. Furthermore, I understand that it is my responsibility to monitor my individual physical performance during the physical activities and testing and to immediately stop and notify the Test Administrators administering the testing should any unusual or adverse reactions be experienced.

Understanding the risks inherent with the physical activities that are part of the PFT and in consideration of being permitted to participate in the above-identified events comprising the PFT, I hereby assume for myself and my guardians, heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns all risks, whether currently known or unknown, associated with and arising out of my participation or execution of the events comprising the PFT. Further, I hereby release, waive, discharge, and relinquish any causes of action, which may arise for myself and my estate, and agree that under no circumstances will I or my guardians, heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns prosecute or present any claim for personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death against the U.S. Government, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the test administration facilities, or any of the officers, agents, or employees thereof for any causes of action, whether the same shall arise by the negligence of any of said persons or otherwise.

By my signature, I acknowledge that I have read the foregoing certification, waiver, and release in its entirety; that I understand fully the contents thereof; that I have been completely advised of the potential dangers incident to engaging in the PFT; and that I am fully aware of the legal consequences of signing this instrument.

Candidate’s Signature Date

Witness’ Signature Date

Appendix D

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

PRE-EMPLOYMENT FITNESS TEST (PFT)

INJURY/ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORT FORM

Testing Discontinued Reasons:

Candidate injured themselves during testing.

Other, incident detailed below.

Date of Incident: ________________________ Time: ____________AM/PM

Name of candidate: _______________________

Male_______ Female______

Testing Location: _______________________________________________________________________

Test Administrator’s Name(s): ______________________________________________________________

Indicate specific test being administered at the time of incident: ________________________________

Type of injury/accident/incident: ___________________________________________________

Details of incident:

Details of immediate care provided to the candidate:

Name of physician/hospital: ______________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________________

Signature of Candidate _______________________________ Date: _________

Signature of Test Administrator: ________________________ Date: _________

Provide electronically to Program Manager and submit to CBP within 24 hours of the incident.

Appendix E

Border Patrol Agent Pre-Employment Fitness Test Script

Pre-Test

"You are about to take the Border Patrol Physical Fitness Test, which will assess your overall fitness. The results of this test will give you and the U.S. Border Patrol an indication of your state of fitness and will determine next steps in the hiring process. You must pass each test in order to progress to the next test. Listen closely to the test instructions and do the best you can to pass each of the events.”

Sit-Up Test

“This test is the sit-up, a measure of core fitness. This test is important to measure abdominal strength to support the core during lifting, load carriage and defensive tactics among other job tasks in a tactical environment.”

“To begin the sit-up test, you will lie on your back with the knees bent so the feet are flat and approximately 12 to 18 inches from the buttocks. The feet can be together or apart, but the feet must remain in contact with the ground. The hands are placed on the shoulders with the arms crossed in front of the chest. The hands MUST stay in contact with the shoulders for the entirety of the test.”

“To attain the proper UP position in the sit-up, contract the abdominal muscles and lift the head in line with the upper body off the floor to the point where the elbows touch at or above the midpoint of the thigh. Return to the starting position with the shoulder blades touching the mat to complete one proper form sit-up. I will hold your feet or ankles throughout the entire test and count aloud each properly performed sit-up until you reach twenty-five repetitions or time has elapsed.”

"You may only rest in the UP position but the time will continue. A sit-up will not count if: your buttocks come off the mat; your elbows do not touch at or above the midpoint of your thighs;

your shoulder blades do not touch the mat on the way down; or your hands lose contact with your shoulders."

"The sit-up test will be stopped if: you complete twenty-five proper form sit-ups; 60 seconds have expired; you use your hands to push or pull yourself up from the down position; you hold on to your legs in the up position; you remain in the down position for two seconds or more; or you voluntarily stop the test."

“The standard for the sit-up test is 25 sit-ups in 60 seconds.”

“Are there any questions?”

“GET SET”

“READY, GO” [Start timer and count repetition number or inform if repetition didn’t count]

[After 60 seconds] “TIME”

Push-Up Test

"The push-up event measures the muscular endurance and strength of the upper body and is an indicator of your ability to lift, push, and engage in law enforcement tasks such as controlling a resistive subject.”

“On the command “GET SET”, assume UP position by placing your hands on the surface, approximately shoulder width apart with the thumbs aligned with the crease of the shoulders, with fingers facing forward. When viewed from the side, the back, buttocks, and legs must be in a generally straight line from the head to the heels. The feet may be together or up to twelve

(12) inches apart. I will place and hold a foam block under the center of your chest during the test.”

“When I say “READY, GO”, lower your body to the DOWN position by bending the elbows until the center of your chest contacts the foam block surface. Your knees must remain locked out and may not make contact with the floor at any time and your body must maintain a generally straight line through your shoulders, hips, knees and ankles. Your chest may not rest on the foam block or ground. A repetition is counted each time you reach the UP position by fully extending your arms. I will let you know if a repetition does not count.”

“You may rest in the UP position only, but time continues. You may pike or sag your hips as long as your hands and feet do not move off the ground. When in the UP position, you may slide your hands to adjust your position, but you may not lift them off the ground — for example, to shake them out. You MUST return to the UP position prior to beginning the next repetition.”

“A push-up will not count if any of the following occur: if you do not lock out the elbows to full extension/straight at the top of the repetition; your chest does not touch the push-up block; you do not maintain a generally straight line through the shoulders, hips, knees and ankles; or you do not return to the UP position prior to starting each repetition.”

“The push-up test will be stopped when any of the following occur: you perform twenty proper push-ups; when one minute has expired; your knees touch the ground; your hands or feet leave the ground; you rest on the pad, or if you voluntarily stop the test.”

“The standard for this event is 20 repetitions in 60 seconds.”

“Are there any questions?”

“GET SET”

“READY, GO” [Start timer and count repetition number or inform if repetition didn’t count]

[After 60 seconds] “TIME”

14” Step Test

“The step test measures cardiovascular endurance, or your ability to sustain physical effort during physically demanding tasks. This type of endurance is essential for law enforcement duties such as prolonged standing, foot pursuits, and response readiness.

You will be required to step up and down on a 14-inch step using the pattern up up down down. You may switch your lead foot at any time, but you must stay in rhythm with the audio cadence.

The cadence is set to 120 beats per minute and continues for five minutes. One sequence equals one full cycle of up, up, down, down (four steps). You are expected to stay in rhythm with the beat for the entire test. The test will be stopped if you miss three consecutive sequences in a row (for example, off rhythm for six straight steps – UP UP DOWN DOWN repeated three times), or six total sequences at any point during the five minutes.

The test will be terminated if you push off your legs with your hands, lean on the step or use any form of external support, miss three consecutive sequences, or miss six total sequences during the five-minute test. It will also be stopped if you voluntarily quit or report feeling dizzy, unwell, or unable to continue.

If at any point you feel unwell or need to stop, notify me immediately. I will be monitoring your condition and cadence closely throughout the entire test.

You will have a short opportunity to practice before we begin. Once you’re ready, I will start the cadence recording. I will monitor the test and give instructions throughout.

Do you have any questions?”

“GET SET”

“READY, GO” [Start timer and count repetition number or inform if repetition didn’t count]

[After 5 minutes] “TIME”

[Stop the audio and instruct the candidate to step down safely]

Appendix F

Step Test Facility and Safety Requirements

The Step Test shall be conducted in a secure and unobstructed space with a flat, non-slip surface and at least 20 square feet of clearance around the step platform. The area must be quiet enough to hear the test administrator’s instructions and the recording, and free of distractions, with no outside personnel or observers present.

The Test Administrator (TA) must remain in the same room, within unobstructed line of sight, and close enough to the candidate to provide immediate assistance in the event of an emergency. The TA is responsible for closely monitoring the candidate’s condition and cadence throughout the duration of the test.

Under no circumstances should the TA leave the testing area or become inattentive during the Step Test.

(See also Administration Requirements, Section 2.)

Final Note:

Falsely affirming that a candidate passed any portion of the Pre-Employment Fitness Test (PFT), whether through neglect, inattention, or deliberate misrepresentation, undermines the integrity of the testing process. Candidates who arrive at the academy below the expected fitness standard due to low quality test administration place themselves and others at risk.

Appendix G

Push-Up and Sit-Up Visual Guide

Proper Push-Ups

Start from the UP position. Body in a generally straight line from shoulders through hips and knees to the ankles with elbows fully extended.

Test administrator is at a 45-degree angle to the candidate’s head and places foam block underneath chest/sternum. Candidates shorter than 69” will use the 4” foam block. Those 69” and taller will use the 5” foam block.

DOWN position. Lower the body to the ground while maintaining a generally straight torso.

Touch the block with the center of the chest while keeping the knees off the ground.

Press off the block while maintaining a generally straight torso. Repetition is counted when the candidate returns to the UP position with elbows fully extended.

Improper Push-ups

Knees touch the ground- THE TEST IS OVER

Candidate rests more than 2 seconds on the pad- THE TEST IS OVER

Feet or hands break contact with the ground - THE TEST IS OVER

Candidate may rest with a hip pike (shown above) or sag but must return to the proper up position with the body in a generally straight line before attempting the next repetition. If they do not return to the UP position before starting the push-up - THE REPETITION DOES NOT COUNT

Body is not in a generally straight line from shoulders through hips and knees to the ankles while lowering or raising of the body; or hips are sagging or piked while performing the repetition- THE REPETITION DOES NOT COUNT

Elbows do not fully extend at the top of the push-up before going down again- THE REPETITION

DOES NOT COUNT

Chest does not touch the block before pressing back up - THE REPETITION DOES NOT COUNT

Proper Sit-ups

Start in the DOWN position with hands across chest and hands touching shoulders. TA will be holding the candidate’s ankles/feet.

Candidate crunches forward.

Tips of elbows must touch the mid-thigh or higher.

Candidate returns to the down position and repetition is counted when shoulder blades touch the ground.

Improper Sit-Ups

Candidate uses arms to push off the ground - THE TEST IS OVER

Candidate rests more than 2 seconds on the ground- THE TEST IS OVER

Candidate uses arms to pull on their legs or holds themselves in the ‘up’ position - THE TEST IS OVER

Hips come off the ground - THE REPETITION DOES NOT COUNT

Hands come off shoulders- THE REPETITION DOES NOT COUNT

Shoulder blades do not make contact with ground before coming back up - THE REPETITION

DOES NOT COUNT

Elbows do not touch at or above mid-thigh – THE REPETITION DOES NOT COUNT