The best time to start training for your PAT is right now!
You'll need to pass Police's Physical Appraisal Test (PAT) as part of your recruitment process to make sure you're fit and ready to go.
Preparing for your PAT can take some time depending on your current fitness level, so it's important you start training early to avoid delays in your recruitment journey. You should be at, or close to, meeting the standard before you apply to join Police.
About our fitness standards
New Zealand Police's standards are designed to ensure you're physically fit and ready for the demands of both training at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) and a career in frontline policing.
You'll be tested on four elements – a 2.4km run, press ups, vertical jump and grip strength. You'll receive points for each component of the test, and you need to achieve a total of at least 11 points to pass your PAT.
Download the PAT standards and scoring matrix here.
Throughout your career as a Police Officer, you'll need to pass a Physical Competency Test (PCT) every two years. You'll complete your first PCT during your training at RNZPC, so it's important you maintain your fitness, even after you pass your PAT.
Preparing for your test
Making sure you understand the PAT, and what you need to do to pass, is a great place to start. Next up – get training!
Find out more from two of Police's Physical Education Officers as they go through each component of the PAT in detail.
For even more information, detailed training advice and sample training plans, download our Applicant Fitness Pack.
If you have questions about our fitness standards or training towards the PAT, you can reach out to our Physical Education Officers for assistance at peo@police.govt.nz
Disclaimer: Should you experience any specific pain beyond expected muscle soreness following exercise, especially that which is constant or disrupts sleep, seek health provider input. This training guidance does not replace individualised advice. Speak with your GP regarding health concerns.
Swimming
While swimming is not evaluated during the PAT, you will need to declare your competency in a self-declaration form as part of the recruitment process. Your swimming will then be assessed according to the required standards at RNZPC.
You will need to demonstrate the following:
- Swim (front crawl/freestyle) for 50 metres without stopping, in 60 seconds.
- Tread water in an upright position continuously, without touching the bottom of the pool, for 5 minutes.
- Complete a vertical duck dive to 2 metres to retrieve a rubber brick and swim back to the side of the pool.