Get fit for your PAT and PCT
You need to be physically fit and in excellent health to train to be a Police Officer. During the selection process, you’ll be tested against a range of fitness standards to find out if you’re going to measure up for frontline policing.
After you’ve reached the required academic standards at your Assessment Day, and prior to your formal interview, you’ll need to attend an initial Physical Appraisal Test (PAT) which will run in parallel with SCOPE - find out about SCOPE here. Applicants have previously been required to complete a PCT as part of the selection process, as of 1 October 2019 this is no longer a requirement to being selected and is completed as part of the programme at Police College.
Once you are at Police College you will work towards and have to pass a Physical Competency Test (PCT). You will receive guidance and training around technique and Police College staff will support you to meet the required standard.
About the Physical Appraisal Test (PAT)
You’ll be tested on four basic elements. Running, Vertical Jumps, Grip Strength, and Push-Ups. You'll receive a number of points for each component of the test, based on your specific performance. You'll need to achieve a total of at least 11 points across all the tests with at least one point on each of the four tests.
If necessary, we'll let you know about programmes to aid weight reduction and increase health and fitness levels. You'll need to complete a final PAT 8–12 weeks prior to starting at RNZPC.
Find out how fit you need to be for PAT
Here's your opportunity to see just how fit you need to be for your PAT. We've also included the standard you'll need to reach in each test. You’ll need to know your Physical Body Mass (PBM), which you can calculate here. PBM is used to determine the physical mass you impart on the ground, which will determine how many points you can achieve during the 2.4km run. PBM uses the same formula as the Body Mass Index (BMI), but is not being used here as a measure of health.
Up for it?
First… Some very important health and safety information
- If you are injured or ill, do not train. Seek professional medical advice if in doubt
- Always warm up and down when exercising
- Food, hydration, and outdoor weather protection must be part of your training routine
- Train with a friend where possible, for both, enjoyment and safety.