Physical readiness tests and standards are critical because officers will be called up to perform important, often critical, physical job functions with serious implications. It is essential to ensure all officers are physically capable and prepared to perform their job wherever and whenever required.
The Colorado Springs Police Department’s Physical Readiness Test is comprised of seven (7) components. The test is a pass/fail portion of the police officer selection process. Candidates MUST pass each of the seven (7) components in order to continue in the selection process.
The test will be administered to those individuals who receive a conditional offer of employment and are selected for employment. A final offer of employment will not be given unless the Physical Readiness Test is successfully completed.
The components and the passing standards are below. Each component also has a video demonstration.
Vertical Jump
The first event is the vertical jump, a measure of total body explosive power. It is an essential ability for pursuit tasks that require jumping and vaulting.
At this event, you will stand under the test apparatus reach up as high as you can with one arm while placing your bicep next to your ear. The apparatus will be lowered to your fingertips. Take one step back with either foot. Then step forward, and jump, reaching as high as possible, and hit the tabs. Or you may jump from both feet without taking a step. Your score is the highest tab you reach; it will be recorded to the half-inch. The minimum required to pass this event is 15 inches. You will have three attempts for this event.
Bench press
The second event is the bench press, the amount of weight pushed from the bench press position. It measures the amount of force the upper body can generate. It is an essential ability for performing tasks requiring upper body strength such as use of force situations.
At this event, you will lie on the bench with your feet flat on the floor and your back will be flat against the bench. With a positive grip (thumbs around the bar) you will be given successively heavier weights until you reach your best effort. The minimum required to pass this event is to bench press 60% of your body weight. You should reach your best effort in approximately five attempts.
Illinois Agility Run
The third event is the Illinois agility run, a measure of coordinated movement and speed. It is an essential ability for performing tasks requiring quick movements around obstacles.
For this event, you will start in the prone position and at the go command run around cones in a pre-determined manner. Your score is the time it takes you to complete the run. The minimum required to pass this event is to complete the run in 22.2 seconds or less. There will be two trials for this event.
Sit Ups
The fourth event is the one-minute sit up, which measures muscular endurance of the abdominal muscles, an essential ability for many physical tasks and injury prevention.
Lying on your back, with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle, you will lift your upper body (head and torso) by bending at the waist and return back down at the starting position. The minimum required to pass this event is 25 proper sit-ups accomplished during the one-minute time frame.
300-meter run
The fifth test is the 300-meter run, a test of anaerobic capacity. This is an essential ability for performing short intense burst of effort such as in pursuit tasks.
You will start at the designated starting line “GO” run as fast as possible to the finish line. You must complete the run without help. The minimum required to pass this event is to complete the run in 76 seconds or less.
Push-Up Test
The sixth event is the push-up, a measure of the muscular endurance of the upper body (chest, shoulders, and triceps). This is an essential ability for many tasks including use of force, lifting, carrying, and pushing.
You will assume the front-leaning rest position by placing your hands on the surface, slightly wider than shoulder width apart, fingers facing forward. 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 inches apart. When the instructor says, “GO” you will lower your body by bending the elbows until the tops of the upper arms, shoulders, and upper back are aligned and parallel to the ground. Return to the starting position by soft-locking your elbows. This constitutes one repetition. There is no time limit. The test will be considered over when the participant returns to a standing position or if one or both knees contact the ground. The minimum number of proper push-ups required is 19.
Beep test
The seventh event is the beep test, a measure of cardiovascular endurance or aerobic capacity. This is an essential ability for running pursuits and use of force situations lasting more than two minutes.
You will line up behind the starting line. At the first beep, you will run 20 meters to the forward line. The goal is to arrive at the same time as the next beep. At the start, the pace is quite slow. If you arrive too soon, you must remain at the line. On the next beep, place one foot over the line and run back to the start line. The goal is to remain in pace with the beeps. The pace of the beeps will increase every minute. You will be given a warning when you do not reach the line at or before the beep. The test stops when you do not keep up with two consecutive beeps. Your goal is to run, in time with the beeps, as long as you can.
The minimum required to pass this event is Level 4, Shuttle 4.
Practice the beep test using this audio.
The requirements to pass are as follows:
| Event | Requirement to Pass |
|---|---|
|
Vertical Jump |
15 inches |
| Bench Press | 60% of candidate's body weight |
| Illinois Agility Run | 22.2 seconds or less |
| Sit-Ups | 25 in one minute |
| 300-meter run | 76 seconds or less |
| Push-Ups | 19 |
| Beep Test | Level 4, Shuttle 4 |
When advised, reasonable accommodations will be made in order for an “otherwise qualified applicant” with a disability to participate in the testing process (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991). Applicants who require reasonable accommodations to test should contact our agency by the close of the application process. Accommodations must be requested prior to taking any of the testing components. If you would like to request an accommodation, please complete the Test Accommodation form.