Physical standards to become an RCMP officer
Preparing for a policing career starts well before you arrive at the RCMP Academy (Depot). Physical fitness is an essential part of officer safety, wellness and long-term success in law enforcement. Applicants are expected to develop and maintain an active lifestyle that includes regular cardiovascular and strength training. Be sure you understand the physical fitness expectations before you apply.
The PFA Field is a predictive version of the PFA that can be delivered with less equipment while still measuring an applicant’s readiness for Depot Training. Only applicants who successfully pass the PFA Field test will proceed in the application process.
If you are successful in the application process, you’ll be invited to attend the Cadet Training Program where your physical fitness will be tested again. The Police Fitness Training program at the RCMP Academy is not a boot camp or a novice fitness program. Before you start cadet training, you’ll need to be comfortable running, lifting, carrying, and performing daily moderate to intense physical exercise.
Learn more about the Police Fitness Assessment standards and requirements.
Fitness self-tests
It is recommended that you complete fitness self-tests to help gauge your readiness for cadet training. We recommend that you perform these tests every four weeks. If you are struggling with your fitness, perform the self-tests more frequently.
The minimum standard is the lowest level of fitness that will give you a reasonable chance of meeting the physical requirements of cadet training. If you fall below these standards, your risk of failure in the program increases.
The target standard is a fitness level where you are performing at an average fitness level compared to the cadet population. The range covers average performance levels across genders. If you’re falling within this performance zone, you’ll likely perform well in the fitness program and will have a decreased chance of failure.
The superior standard identifies the top 10% of cadet fitness performance. If your performance falls within this zone you are likely to excel in the cadet fitness program.
5 kilometre run test
- Mark out a route that covers 5 kilometres
- Use a GPS or odometer and if possible, avoid using a treadmill
- Minimum standard
- 30 minutes
- Target standard
- 23 minutes 30 seconds to 26 minutes
- Superior standard
- 20 minutes 20 seconds to 23 minutes
Push-up test
- Place a small, folded towel under your chin and take a push-up position
- Lower yourself until your chin touches the towel, then push up until your arms are straight
- Keep your body straight and thighs off the floor
- Do as many push-ups as you can without breaks or resting your knees on the floor
- Minimum standard
- 10 continuous repetitions
- Target standard
- 25 to 40 continuous repetitions
- Superior standard
- 40 to 60 continuous repetitions
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