Fitness test - guidance notes

Candidates must prepare themselves for this fitness test which supersedes any previous fitness tests. Before commencing any exercise training programme, however, it is advisable to consult your GP.

The fitness test is made up of the two physical exercises listed below. In addition there is a 50 metre continuous swimming test, using a recognised stroke in 1 minute 30 seconds without stopping or touching the side or bottom of the swimming pool.

The candidate will fail the test if he / she fails to achieve the required standard on any of the exercises or swimming test.

To prepare for the job related fitness test candidates must undertake a regular training programme that includes aerobic training, muscular endurance training and muscular strength training.

In order to gain any improvement in aerobic fitness candidates must undertake aerobic exercise (e.g. running, stepping, cycling or rowing etc.) at least three times per week for at least 30 minutes per session with heart rate at least 70% of predicted maximum age related heart rate. (Predicted maximum age related heart rate is equal to 220 minus age). In order to improve shuttle run performance, running should be included in any training programme. Training advice can be obtained from local sports centres and gyms.

For further information, telephone the physical education officer on 01392 451128.

The assessment

The test involves the completion of the following measurements and exercises:

Assessment one: Fifteen metre progressive shuttle run

This test requires the candidate to run between two lines 15 metres apart at a steadily increasing pace. The pace is controlled by means of a speaker, which emits a sound signal known as a ‘bleep’. The aim is to follow the set rhythm up to the required standard.

STANDARD: Level 5 / 4

Assessment two: Dynamic strength (push and pull)

This test is measured using a concept 2 Dyno machine for both the push and pull. Following three warm-up repetitions the candidate is required to perform 5 maximum effort pushes with a short recovery period between each repetition. The average value is displayed at the end and this becomes the recorded score.

The push test is followed immediately by the pull with exactly the same guidelines and procedure.

STANDARD: Push 34 Kgs and Pull 35 Kgs

If the standard is not achieved this will be regarded as a fail and candidates will not be able to progress to the rest of the selection process until the required standard has been achieved.

Candidates will be given 2 further attempts at the fitness test with a maximum of 6 weeks between retakes. Failure at the third attempt will mean that the application is unsuccessful and will be withdrawn from the recruiting process

Swimming test: Police lifesaving

Police officers, police community support officers and special constables may be first on the scene at emergency situations, many of which in Devon and Cornwall involve water. For that reason it is essential for staff to receive appropriate training both for the protection of the public and for their own safety.

Therefore, there will be a swimming test as part of the recruitment process. Candidates will be required to swim 50 metres using a recognised stroke, (breast stroke, crawl, butterfly or back crawl) in 1 minute 30 seconds without stopping or touching the side or bottom of the swimming pool.

If this standard is not achieved this will be regarded as a fail and candidates will not be able to progress to the rest of the selection process, until the required standard has been achieved.

Candidates will be given 2 further attempts at the swimming test with a maximum of 6 weeks between retakes. Failure at the third attempt will mean that the application is unsuccessful and will be withdrawn from the recruiting process.

There may be highly exceptional circumstances in which individuals are unable to complete training due to an inability to undertake training in water. In these exceptional circumstances, the director of human resources has the discretion to exempt them from this requirement subject to their being trained to the Water Safety Course (WSC) standard.