Note: This test battery is part of the hiring process is and required of all applicants. Applicants that must attend a police academy will also need to pass testing in accordance with MPOETC standards.
The Physical Fitness Test Battery consists of five exercise events, immediately preceded by a warm-up
session with intermittent rest periods to ensure the safety of the applicants.
The Physical Fitness Test Battery is designed to measures the cumulative effect on each applicant.
Therefore, a failure of one event constitutes a failure of the entire Test Battery and will exclude the
applicant from further processing.
The Physical Fitness Test Battery and Standards are detailed below along with an explanation of each
event protocol. The events are listed in the order in which they will be performed.
- Vertical Jump - 15.5 Inches
- Sit-ups - 30 Repetitions
- 300 Meter Run - 66 Seconds
- Push-Ups - 25 Repetitions
- 1.5 Mile Run - 15 Minutes 54 Seconds
Vertical Jump
This is a measure of lower body explosive strength. This is an important part of any
physical exertion scenario.
Example: Vaulting or jumping during a pursuit.
The applicant stands directly under the vertically aligned, graduated blades of a Vertex Vertical Jump
Tester. With the feet together, they begin by reaching up as high as possible with the strong hand,
keeping the heels flat on the ground. This establishes the applicant’s base mark. From this base mark, a
measurement is then made in order to establish the height of the standard mark. The jump may be
performed in one of two ways. Keeping one-foot stationary, the applicant may take one step to the side
or backwards with the other foot, stepping in and jumping straight up. The applicant could elect to stand
with both feet squarely beneath them, bending down, and jumping straight up. With either method, the
applicant must reach up with one hand and touch the machines graduated blade set at the standard
height. The applicant has three attempts to reach the standard mark.
Sit-ups
This is a measure of the muscular endurance of the trunk including the abdominal muscles and hip flexors. This is an important factor in a use of force scenario and minimizing lower back problems.
Example: Gaining physical control of a suspect.
The applicant starts by lying on their back, knees bent at approximately 90°, feet flat on the ground,
hands behind the head. Fingers must be interlocked. The feet are held in place while the applicant
performs the required number of sit-ups. To be counted as a repetition, the applicant must touch the
knees with the elbows and return to the lying position so that the shoulder blades touch the ground.
During the exercise, the applicant may not raise the hips or kip and may only rest in the up position.
300 Meter Run
This is a measure of anaerobic power. This is an important factor in exerting short burst of energy.
Example: Pursuit Tasks.
The applicant must complete a 300-meter course in or under the required time. On a standard 440 yard
track, the 300 meter line is 112 yards from the start / finish line or approximately ¾ around the track.
Push-ups
This is a measure of dynamic upper body strength. This is an important part of any dynamic physical exertion scenario.
Example: Gaining physical control of a suspect or clearing a roadway.
The applicant starts in a kneeling position in order to set his/her hands on the ground approximately
shoulder width. After the exercise begins the hands may not move or change position. The feet can be
together or up to six inches apart. The applicant lowers themselves until the mid-line of their chest
touches the top of a fist or a three-inch block. This is equal to the humerus or upper part of the arm becoming parallel to the ground. The applicant returns to the up position with straight line “soft lock” of
the elbows. The applicant may rest in the up position only and must maintain a straight back from the
head to the heels. No other part of the body may contact the ground.
1.5 Mile Run
This is a measure of aerobic power or VO2 max. This is the foundation for almost all
physical tasks.
Example: Use of force scenarios and administering CPR.
The applicant must complete the 1.5-mile course in or under the required time. On a 440-yard running
track, six laps must be completed. The applicant may not exit the running surface prior to completing
the course.