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.
Police Officers regularly work around waterways and oceans as a part of their everyday duty. To be successful as a Police Officer, you need to be safe and confident around water. Please work hard on improving your swimming skills before you get to Police College.
Basic Water Safety Skills
NZ Police are involved in an increasing number of water-related events, and you must have competency in and around water and know some basic water skills to be able to assist yourselves and members of the public in the situations you encounter operationally.
Please note, Police are currently reviewing the requirements for basic water safety skills. Anyone in the recruitment pipeline will be advised if this review results in changes that affect candidates.
At Police College you will be required to:
- Swim (front crawl/ freestyle) for 50 meters 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 meters to retrieve a rubber brick and swim back to the side of the pool
Prior to your start at Police College, you will be required to complete a self-assessment form to indicate to Police College your competency and experience in these basic skills and give some indication of your swimming and water safety experience.
We will ask you some questions about your general capability in water, to understand your experience in and around water.
You will also be required to achieve the following basic water safety skills before attending Police College:
- Swim (front crawl/freestyle) for 50 meters without stopping in 60 seconds
- Tread water in an upright position continuously, without touching the bottom of the pool for 5 minutes
- Compete a Vertical Duck dive to 2 meters to retrieve a rubber brick and swim back to the side of the pool.