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Physical Assessments

Division of Law Enforcement Selection Process Physical Assessment Procedures

Swim Test

  1. Participant will start in the pool touching the wall. Participants are allowed to push off the walls to start the test and when making turns. Stopping, touching the bottom or resting on the sides/lane lines is prohibited and will count as a failure.
  2. Participant will swim 150 yards continuously untimed.

Physical Abilities Test

NOTE: The continuous action required emphasizes the element of endurance/stamina as each specific obstacle is encountered without rest in between.

A passing score is 8 minutes, 36 seconds or lower

Learn more about each component of the FWC's physical abilities test.

Physical Abilities Test Components

To view a specific portion of the test again, click the links below to go directly to that component.

Begin the course while seated on ground facing away from the course.  When instructed, the applicant will stand upright, turn and begin to RUN.

  1. RUN.  Sprint/run 500 feet to the HURDLE. (Tests quickness, speed, anaerobic and aerobic power.  Related duty:  sprint/run.)

  2. HURDLE.  Jump over four hurdles of various heights (12, 18, 12 and 24 inches) each spaced six feet apart without knocking the hurdle off its stand.  If any hurdle is knocked over the applicant must restart from the beginning of this event.  Run 50 feet to SERPENTINE. (Tests agility.  Related duty:  jump over obstacles while in pursuit.)

  3. SERPENTINE.  Run a serpentine route, which consists of 10 cones (poles). Two rows of five each placed 5 feet off center and 10 feet apart (front to back), starting with the left row with the right row staggered five feet between left row. The applicant must complete the serpentine in the proper sequence. Each cone will be clearly marked to indicate whether the cone should be kept to the right or left side as they move through the event.  If a cone is passed incorrectly the applicant will be told to stop and begin this event again from the start. Run 50 feet to the cone and 50 feet back (100 feet total) to WALL. (Tests agility, balance and endurance.  Related duty:  run around obstacles while in pursuit.)

  4. WALL.  Climb over four-foot wall. In the event the applicant cannot clear the wall, a chair will be placed a distance of 50 feet from the wall. After one failed attempt to get over the wall the applicant may opt to retrieve the chair (with time running) and carry it to the WALL for use to clear the wall.   Run 50 feet to BUCKET CARRY. (Tests the ratio of upper body strength to bodyweight. Related duty:  climb/vault wall/fence while in pursuit.)

  5. BUCKET CARRY.  Pick up kettlebell(s) (simulating 5-gallon buckets) each weighing 35 pounds and carry 50 feet to and around the cone and 50 feet back (100 feet total) to the STAIRS.  The applicant may opt to carrying one kettlebell at a time in which case time will continue to record as they return to pick up and carry the second kettlebell to the STAIRS component. At the STAIRS component, the applicant will place each kettlebell on a raised platform 32 inches in height (platform: W=32”, L=32”, H=32”). Once both kettlebells have been placed on the platform the applicant will begin to climb the STAIRS. (Tests upper body strength, stamina and power.  Related duty:  pick up and carry and store gear, traps or buckets of confiscated items to truck)

  6. STAIRS.  Climb flights of stairs to a simulated height of three stories. At a self-paced cadence, the applicant will complete 70 steps (first foot up, second foot up, first foot down, second foot down = one step).  Steps (up, up/down, down = one step) will be counted by a test administrator. (Stair box:  W=32”, L=18”, H=8”) Run 50 feet to SLED DRAG. (Tests muscular endurance/aerobic endurance.  Related duty: run up/down stairs.)

  7. SLED DRAG. Drag 150 lb weighted sled 50 feet to the cone and 50 feet back (100 feet total). Sled is to be pulled by a strap attached to the sled.  Then run 25 feet to the cone and run 25 feet back (50 feet total) to CRAWL. (Tests endurance/stamina and overall body strength.  Related duty: drag person/object.)
  8. CRAWL.  Crawl (low crawl) under three markers placed 27 inches from the ground at equal distances apart and spread of 15 feet without knocking the markers from their upright position.  If marker is knocked over the applicant must restart this event from its beginning. Run 40 feet to the cone and run 10 feet back (50 feet total) to BALANCE BEAM. (Tests agility and flexibility.  Related duty:  crawl under obstruction.)

  9. BALANCE BEAM.  Cross balance beam (16 feet in length, six inches wide and 6 inches off ground).  If applicant falls off at any point before completing the applicant must restart this event until successful.  Run 50 ft to SCUFFLE. (Tests balance, leg strength, agility.  Related duty: Maintain balance while performing job.)

  10. SCUFFLE.  A sled weighing 180 lbs. is pushed forward 20 feet and pulled/dragged/walked backward 20 feet to the starting point. Immediately thereafter, move to the ropes.  Proceed by grabbing the ropes within the last 12 inches and raising both initially to shoulder height and lowering (both at the same time) in a wavelength fashion for 15 repetitions.  The mid wave of both ropes must be minimally 36 inches from the ground at the same time.  This entire process (sled and ropes) is repeated 3 times. Run 50 feet to the cone, turn right and run another 50 feet (100 feet total) to WEAPON FIRE. (Tests endurance/stamina and overall body strength.  Related duty:  scuffles with perpetrator). 

  11. WEAPON FIRE.  Place handgun held only by one hand through the metal ring (12 INCH DIAMETER) without touching the side of the ring. “Dry fire” a training handgun six times with each hand while holding the weapon with one hand and arm fully extended. Remove from and re-insert through the ring when changing hands. If weapon touches ring this single event must be repeated from start (either right or left hand depending on which hand is holding the weapon when it touches. Upon completion of WEAPON FIRE run back 50 feet, turn left around the cone and run another 50 feet (100 feet total) to FINISH. (Tests motor skills.  Related duty: use of firearm or other hand-held equipment after pursuit.)

  12. FINISH.  The applicant will sit on ground and verbally state that the PAT course has been completed. (Tests memory under stress. Related duty: Recall of information).