Exhibit_15A_ACSO_Physical_Abilities_Test_Admin_Manual .pdf

EXHIBIT 15A

ACSO Physical Abilities Test Administrator’s Manual

Armed Contract Security Officers Test Administrator’s

Manual Physical Abilities Testing October 2025

Physical Ability Standard

This Manual provides detailed instructions for administering submaximal stamina test for Protective Security

Officers (PSOs). Physical ability standards for PSOs are based on an extensive job analysis and are designed to ensure that candidates will be able to perform assigned tasks.

Aerobic Capacity Test Administration

To ensure a candidate possesses adequate aerobic power (stamina), a standardized aerobic capacity test is administered. The aerobic test is a submaximal effort. Maximum oxygen consumption is estimated, rather than measured. The required standard is 9 METs or VO2max of 31.5 ml/kg/min.

A licensed physician or hiring agency may use any of the three methods listed below for administering this test:

1. Step Test: Heart rate is monitored while the candidate steps up and down from a bench 10 or 11 inches high and large enough such that a candidate can safely step up and down without risk for six minutes.

Stepping rate ranges from 18 to 24 ascents per minute. Heart rate, step rate, and bench height are used to compute the candidate's maximum aerobic power in mL/kg/min (American College of Sports

Medicine, 1980; Astrand and Rodahl, 1986).

2. Stepmill Test: Heart rate is monitored while the candidate steps on a moving treadmill with two stepping rates of 18 and 24 ascents per minute. The workload increases after the first three minutes. Heart rate, step rate, and workload are used to compute the candidate's maximum aerobic power in mL/kg/min (American

College of Sports Medicine, 1980; Astrand and Rodahl, 1986).

3. Treadmill Test: Heart rate is monitored while the candidate walks/jogs on a motorized treadmill at a known speed and inclination. The workload is increased after the first three minutes by increasing the inclination of the treadmill. Heart rate and treadmill speed and inclination are used to compute the candidate's maximum aerobic power in mL/kg/min (American College of Sports Medicine, 1980; Astrand and Rodahl, 1986).

Required Equipment:

o Step bench, Stepmill, or Treadmill o Step Bench must be 10 or 11 inches high, at least 36 inches wide, and at least 24 inches deep.

o Stepmill must be designed for commercial use with treads at least 20 inches wide by 60 inches long with a tread height of eight (8) inches.

o Treadmill must be designed for commercial use, motorized, and capable of differential speed and inclination.

o Heart rate monitor with extra sensor belt o Stopwatch o Metronome o Calculator o Well-ventilated room with constant comfortable temperature o Writing utensils o Telephone or call button to summon emergency medical assistance, with the emergency number posted for reference.

Candidate Requirements:

o Candidates should not eat, smoke, or drink caffeinated beverages at least two hours before the test.

o Candidates should avoid heavy physical exertion at least three hours prior to the test.

o Candidate should be free of infection, including colds, prior to the test.

Test Administrator Requirements:

o American Red Cross or American Heart Association certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation at the basic rescue level.

o Familiar with emergency procedures for the facility.

o Completely familiar with the required equipment and testing instructions before administering any tests.

o The maximum administrator-to-candidate ratio is one administrator to six candidates.

Prior to Administering Test:

o Calculate and record the candidate’s resting heart rate (RHR) and maximum heart rate.

o Determine and record the heart rate at which to stop testing.

o Read all instructions to the candidate.

Estimating Resting Heart Rate* By Age and Health Condition Male Female

Under 40, healthy in appearance, not estimated to be overweight, and from questioning, pursues an active lifestyle (work and/or recreation)

Under 40 and overweight or sedentary lifestyle, OR

Over 40, not overweight, and active

Over 40 and sedentary. 78 84

Estimating Maximum Heart Rate (HRmax)

Maximal heart rate does not differ substantially between genders, but does decrease with age.

The following chart identifies an accurate estimate of HRmax and Heart Rate to Terminate Testing.

Determining Heart Rate at Which to Terminate Testing

A submaximal aerobic capacity test should be stopped if the heart rate reaches 85% of the candidate's estimated maximum. A table of age and predicted maximum heart rates and the level to stop the testing is presented below. Testing without a licensed physician present is considered safe only up to 85% to 90% of the maximum heart rate. This value can be determined by the following equation, and should be prominently recorded on a data sheet:

Heart Rate to Terminate Aerobic Capacity Test = 0.85 x Max HR

NOTE: Heart rate to terminate test (HRtt) could be set at even lower levels in instances where there is special concern about a given candidate (i.e., older candidate, or suspected very low fitness). Some facilities may elect to take a generally more conservative approach. To a certain extent, this can be accomplished without loss of accuracy.

Age HRmax Heart Rate to Terminate

Test

Age HRmax Heart Rate to Terminate

Test

20 200 170 43 185 157

21 199 169 44 184 156

22 199 169 45 183 156

23 198 168 46 183 155

24 197 168 47 182 155

25 197 167 48 181 154

26 196 167 49 181 153

27 195 166 50 180 153

28 195 165 51 179 152

29 194 165 52 179 152

30 193 164 53 178 151

31 193 164 54 177 151

32 192 163 55 177 150

33 191 163 56 176 149

34 191 162 57 175 149

35 190 161 58 175 148

36 189 161 59 174 148

37 189 160 60 173 147

38 188 160 61 173 147

39 187 159 62 172 146

40 187 159 63 171 146

41 186 158 64 171 145

42 185 157 65+ 170 144

Getting Started:

Attach heart rate monitor electrodes (belted or disposable), to candidate. Make sure heart rate monitor is in good working order and candidate’s heartbeat appears as a regular rhythmic cursor on monitor. Read this statement to candidates prior to taking any test:

1. “You will be taking a test which will elevate your heart rate. You must get your physician's clearance before taking this test if you have:

• Known or suspected heart disease

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• Back problems

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as asthma

• Or if you are taking prescribed medication

2. You should also consider getting your physician's clearance if you:

• Are in poor physical shape

• Are over 35, don't exert yourself regularly in occupational or recreational endeavors like hiking, walking, running, etc.

• Have any concerns about taking this test

3. You must stop taking test if you feel any of the following symptoms:

• Pain or tightness in chest

• Dizziness or light-headedness

• Unusual shortness of breath

• Any unusual pain

4. Testing procedures simulate demands of PSO position and are no direct reflection on your personal health. Unfortunately, there is a natural tendency to interpret these procedures as a physical examination which makes a definitive statement about a candidate's health. Thus, "failing" these tests can be a source of concern to a candidate. THESE TESTS IN NO WAY SHOULD BE

CONSTRUED AS A MEASURE OF YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH.”

During Test:

Monitor heart rate continuously and observe candidate's physical condition. It is important for the administrator to:

• Monitor heart rate continuously.

• Observe candidate's physical condition.

• Occasionally ask candidate, "How are you doing?”

• Keep candidate informed on how much time remains during test.

Step Test

Step bench shall stable enough were a bench will not move and a candidate can safely step up and down.

The test protocol is as follows:

Level 1: Three minutes at 18 Steps per minute

Level 2: Three minutes at 24 Steps per minute

Test Administration

1. Read to candidate: "You will be stepping up and down on this bench for a period of six minutes or until your heart rate reaches 85% of your age predicted maximum, whichever comes first.” (Note: Test

Administrator shall provide figures of maximum heart rate and 85% heart rate to candidate.)

2. Read to candidate: “It is important that on going up, you go all the way to where your leg is straight and your body is erect. (Demonstrate action). You may change lead legs, as you desire. (Demonstrate action).

Your heart rate will be monitored during the entire test.” (Note: Have each candidate try three to five ascents with metronome audible, to acquire "feel" before starting test.)

3. After candidate has had a few successful attempts, tell them to stop and stop metronome.

4. Read to candidate: "Are you ready?" (Note: Start metronome at 18 steps per minute (72 beats per minute on metronome).)

5. Read to candidate: “Begin test.” (Note: Start stopwatch as candidate starts their first step.)

6. Monitor heart rate continuously and observe candidate's physical condition. It is important for the

a. Monitor heart rate continuously.

b. Observe candidate's physical condition.

c. Occasionally ask candidate, "How are you doing?”

d. Keep candidate informed on how much time remains during test.

TERMINATE TEST IF CANDIDATE DOES NOT FEEL HE/SHE CAN COMPLETE SIX

MINUTES

TERMINATE TEST IF ANY SYMPTOMS LISTED IN PRECAUTIONS OCCURS

a. If candidate’s heart rate exceeds 85% of age predicted maximum.

b. Candidate is not physically qualified.

c. He/she may be over stressed by test.

DO NOT DISCUSS PERFORMANCE OR SCORES

7. Monitor candidate’s pace. If candidate is markedly faster or slower than cadence, have him/her adjust accordingly. Take note of candidate’s motion; coming to a fully erect position on each ascent; remind candidate if necessary.

8. Starting at two minutes and zero seconds, count number of complete steps taken during next 30 seconds. (i.e. stop counting at two minutes and 30 seconds). This value, multiplied by two, will be the step rate for Stage 1.

9. At two minutes and 45 seconds, tell candidate you are about to increase speed of test.

10. At two minutes and 55 seconds, note and record candidate’s heart rate.

11. Increase the speed of the metronome to 24 steps per minute (96 beats per minute on the metronome).

12. Starting at five minutes and zero seconds, count the number of complete steps taken during the next 30 seconds (i.e., stop counting at five minutes and 30 seconds). This value, multiplied by two, will be the step rate for Stage 2.

13. At five minutes and 30 seconds, tell the candidate: “30 seconds to go.”

14. At five minutes and 50 seconds, tell the candidate: “10 seconds to go.”

15. At five minutes and 55 seconds, candidate should be starting her/his next to last ascent.

16. During ascent, tell the candidate, “one more” and pause until he/she is starting the last ascent and say: “Stop.”

17. Note and record the time at which the candidate stopped the test.

18. Note and record the candidate's heart rate when the test stops.

19. It is useful to note the time of day so the time between tests may be determined.

Scoring the Step Test

If a candidate fails to complete at least five (5) minutes of the six (6) minute test, score the candidate as unqualified for any strenuous jobs. Estimates of METmax would be unreliable in this circumstance.

If a candidate completes the six (6) minute test, then the predicted aerobic power (aerobic capacity or

METmax), may be obtained.

The calculation of aerobic capacity entails using the data from the final stage of the step test. A generalized equation which uses the data of a single stage (i.e. the last stage) is as follows:

For hand calculation of METmax using an 11" bench:

METmax = _[HRR{(0.2917*Step Rate) - 1}/(FHR - RHR)] + 1

For hand calculation of METmax using a 10" bench:

METmax = _[HRR{(0.2737*Step Rate) - 1}/(FHR - RHR)] + 1

Where:

Step Rate = Stepping rate on bench (e.g. 24 steps per minute or 18 steps per minute etc.).

FHR = Final Heart Rate at the end of the stepping period

RHR = Resting Heart Rate

HRR = Heart Rate Reserve (Age Predicted HR Max - RHR)

Stepmill Test

This protocol is as follows:

Level One (1), Three (3) Minutes at Level One (1) (4 METs), 18 steps per minute.

Level Two (2), Three (3) Minutes at Level Two (2) (7 METs) 24 Steps per minute.

1. Read to candidate: “You will be stepping up and down on this Stepmill for a period of six minutes or until your heart rate reaches 85% of your age predicted maximum, whichever comes first. (Note:

Administrator should provide maximum heart rate and 85% heart rate figures to the candidate.) You can rest your hands on the rail, but you cannot exert any pressure or press down on the handrails while stepping.

Your heart rate will be monitored during the entire test.”

2. Have the candidate try Stepmill for up to one minute or until candidate says he or she feels comfortable and has the feel of stepping in the Stepmill before starting test.

3. After they have had a brief period to get acclimated, tell them to stop.

4. Read to the candidate: "Are you ready?"

5. Start the Stepmill program and verify that it is on Level 1.

6. Read to candidate: “Begin test.” (Note: The timer should start counting from zero.)

7. Monitor heart rate continuously and observe the candidate's physical condition. It is important for the

a. Monitor heart rate continuously.

b. Observe the candidate's physical condition.

d. Keep the candidate informed on how much time remains in the test.

MINUTES.

TERMINATE TEST IF ANY SYMPTOMS LISTED IN PRECAUTIONS OCCUR:

a. If the candidate’s heart rate exceeds 85% of age-predicted maximum.

b. Candidate is not physically qualified.

c. He/she may be over-stressed by the test.

DO NOT DISCUSS PERFORMANCE OR SCORES.

8. At two minutes and 45 seconds, tell candidate that you are about to increase the speed of test.

9. At two minutes and 55 seconds, note and record heart rate.

10. Proceed to Level 2 on the Stepmill. (Note: Should be programmed to increase intensity automatically.)

11. At five minutes and 30 seconds, tell the candidate: “30 seconds to go.”

12. At five minutes and 50 seconds, tell the candidate: “10 seconds to go.”

13. At five minutes and 55 seconds, candidate should be starting her/his next to last ascent.

14. During ascent, tell the candidate, “One more,” and pause until he or she is starting last ascent and say:

“Stop.”

15. Note and record the time at which the candidate stopped the test.

16. Note and record the candidate's heart rate when the test is stopped.

17. It is useful to note the time of day so the time between tests may be determined.

Scoring the Stepmill Test

If the candidate fails to complete at least five minutes of the six-minute test, score the candidate as

If the candidate completes at least five minutes of the six-minute test, then predicted aerobic power

(aerobic capacity or METmax) may be obtained.

Calculation of aerobic capacity entails using data from the final stage of the Stepmill Test. A generalized equation which uses the data of a single stage (i.e., last stage in which the exercise intensity level was 7

METs) is as follows:

METmax = [HRR * 7 - 1} / (FHR - RHR)] + 1

Seven (7) = METs during Level Two (2) or the second stage of the test

FHR = Final Heart Rate at the end of the stepping period

RHR = Resting Heart Rate, HRR = Heart Rate Reserve (Age Predicted HR Max - RHR)

Treadmill Test

Test protocol is as follows:

Level 1: Three minutes at three miles per hour, 2.0% incline

Level 2: Three minutes at three miles per hour, 7.0% incline

1. Read to candidate: "You will be walking on a treadmill for a period of six minutes or until your heart rate reaches 85% of your age predicted maximum, whichever comes first (Note: Administrator should provide the maximum heart rate and 85% heart rate figures to the candidate). It is important you maintain a comfortable gait. Your heart rate will be monitored during entire test.”

2. Have candidate try walking on treadmill for up to one (1) minute or until candidate says he or she feels comfortable and has the feel of stepping in treadmill before starting test.

3. After they have had a brief period to get acclimated, tell them to stop.

4. Read to candidate: "Are you ready?"

5. Start treadmill program and verify it is on Level 1.

6. Read to candidate: “Begin test.” (Note: The timer should start counting from zero.)

7. Monitor heart rate continuously and observe candidate's physical condition. It is important for the administrator to:

a. Monitor heart rate continuously.

b. Observe candidate's physical condition.

d. Keep candidate informed on how much time remains in test.

MINUTES.

TERMINATE TEST IF ANY SYMPTOMS LISTED IN PRECAUTIONS OCCURS:

• If heart rate exceeds 85% of age predicted maximum.

• Candidate is not physically qualified.

• He/she may be over stressed by the test.

DO NOT DISCUSS PERFORMANCE OR SCORES.

8. Monitor pace and placement on treadmill. If candidate begins to move to back of treadmill, have him or her speed up and move to front.

9. At two minutes 45 seconds, tell candidate that you are about to increase incline of treadmill.

10. At two minutes and 45 seconds, note and record heart rate.

11. Proceed to Level 2 on treadmill. (Note: Should be programmed to increase intensity automatically.)

12. At five minutes and 30 seconds, tell candidate: “30 seconds to go.”

13. At five minutes and 50 seconds, tell candidate: “10 seconds to go.”

14. At five minutes and 55 seconds, tell candidate: “Five (5) seconds to go.”

15. At six minutes, say: “Stop.”

16. Note and record time at which candidate stopped test.

17. Note and record candidate's heart rate when test is stopped.

18. It is useful to note time of day so time between tests may be determined.

Scoring the Treadmill Test

If candidate fails to complete at least five minutes of six-minute test, score candidate as

If candidate completes at least five minutes of six-minute test, then predicted aerobic power (aerobic capacity or METmax) may be obtained.

Calculation of aerobic capacity entails using data from final stage of treadmill test. A generalized equation which uses data of a single stage (i.e., the last stage) is as follows:

METmax = HRR [(MET Cost of Stage) - 1] + 1

FHR - RHR

MET Cost of Stage = [22.86 x (0.1 + 1.8 x G)] + 1 @ 3 mph

G = % grade as a decimal fraction (e.g., 7.5% = 0.075)

Note: For the recommended Treadmill Test the energy cost values are as follows:

Stage 1:4.3 METS at three (3) mph, 2.0% inclination; 6.4 METS at three (3) mph, 7.0% inclination.

FHR = Final Heart Rate at the end of the stepping period

RHR = Resting Heart Rate

HRR = Heart Rate Reserve (Age Predicted HR Max - RHR)

NOTE: Above equation can be used for any single stage treadmill test. If multiple stage test has been administered, use final stage data to calculate the MET score.