Many departments use the same or similar requirements, but it is recommended you verify the fitness requirements as some agencies differentiate the test instruments as well as requirements for gender and age. While each police department runs its own version of the physical test, all tests are designed to test endurance, body strength and agility, as well as the mental determination of each candidate.Īs an example of what candidates can expect to face, I have used the requirements from the Houston Police Department’s (HPD) physical fitness test. To pass the police academy fitness test, individuals need to prepare, both mentally and physically. But while the academic components are certainly rigorous, many recruits find the physical fitness requirements to be especially challenging. Making it through the police academy is a must if you want to become a police officer. By Matthew Loux, Faculty Member, Criminal Justice at American Military University
