The fitness test for Australian police officers can vary slightly depending on the specific police force or agency you are applying to, but there are generally common components and fitness standards that are expected.
Here are the typical fitness test components for Australian police applicants:
- Beep Test (Multi-Stage Fitness Test): This is a timed running test designed to measure your aerobic fitness. You will be required to run back and forth between two points (usually 20 meters apart) within a specified time frame. The test continues until you can no longer maintain the required pace. The level you achieve on the beep test will determine your fitness score.
- Push-Ups: You’ll be asked to perform a certain number of push-ups within a specified time frame. The form and technique are essential, and improper push-ups may not be counted.
- Sit-Ups: Similar to push-ups, you’ll need to complete a set number of sit-ups within a specific time frame. Proper form is crucial here as well.
- Grip Strength Test: This measures your hand and forearm strength. You’ll typically use a hand dynamometer to squeeze and hold for a specified amount of time.
- Vertical Jump: This test assesses your lower body power and explosiveness. You’ll jump vertically, and the height you reach will be measured.
- Agility Test: The agility test involves running through a set course with obstacles, testing your ability to change direction quickly and maintain balance.
- Body Composition Assessment: Many police forces have specific requirements regarding body composition (body fat percentage). You may need to undergo a body composition assessment to ensure you meet these standards.
- Flexibility Test: This assesses your flexibility, often through simple stretches.
- Strength Test: Some police forces include strength testing, such as bench presses or deadlifts, to measure your upper body strength.
Below are the required fitnes tests per the different states
New South Wales Police Force
- Grip Strength – 30kg in each hand.
- Prone Hold – 90-second plank test.
- Vertical Jump – 30cm or greater, measures how high the applicant can jump and is used to measure power and lower body strength.
- Push-ups – 25 push-ups for both males and females. Only 1 attempt here, pretty tough compared with other states.
- Illinois Agility Test – As mentioned previously 20 seconds or less, two attempts.
- Beep Test – You must reach a score of at least 7.1 in just one attempt.
Victoria Police Fitness Guidelines
- Grip Strength – 30kg each hand
- 5 push-ups (easiest of all states)
- Prone Bridge Test – 60 seconds usually required 90 seconds in other states)
- Obstacle Climb – new addition different from other states. 1.3m obstacle that you must safely get over. Only 1 attempt is allowed.
- Beep Test – Each applicant must meet at least level 5.1 and above.
- Illinois Agility Test – 9.14m x 4.16m course under 20 seconds. The starting point is lying on your stomach.
- Swim Test – 100m required in under 4 minutes. Any stoke can be used. Feet are not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool and you are not allowed to hold onto any lane attachments.
Northern Territory Police Fitness
- 70kg dummy drag – the applicant must drag a 70kg dummy for 15 meters.
- The balance beam two-meter-long test requires applicants to walk down a two-meter-long beam without stepping off.
- The simulated curb huddle involves running and stopping to step over tire stops.
- Step-ups a series of steps up onto a 30cm box the test is aimed at testing your ability to climb stairs.
South Australia Police
- running 80 meters,
- running 25 meters while carrying two 15 kg weights,
- doing 20 step-ups,
- climbing over a one-meter fence,
- dropping to your stomach five times, and
- collecting a training firearm and triggering it 13 times with each hand.
- crossing a slippery balance beam.
It’s important to note that the fitness requirements can vary between different states and territories in Australia and may change over time. Additionally, specific entry requirements may differ depending on the role you are applying for within the police force.
Many applicants undergo physical training to meet these standards before applying and going through the recruitment process. Always refer to the official website of the police force you’re interested in for the most updated information on their fitness test requirements.