PT Standards

PT Standards

The Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Council recognized how important physical fitness is. On February 15, 1993, the Council set the PT test as a standard. On April 2, 2022, the Council revised standards for PT testing. These standards must be met before employment.

No person can be selected or appointed as a law enforcement officer without first successfully passing all of the elements of this test, as prescribed in 501 IAC 2.1(6), adopted pursuant to Section 80B 11(5), Code of Iowa. 

Each recruit will take the same PT test. In order to enter the Academy, recruits must pass the test. This is to ensure that each recruit can handle the physical demands of the Academy without undue risk of injury. If, at the time of entrance to the Academy, an officer does not meet minimum standards, he or she will not be admitted. If an officer is unsuccessful in one or more of the physical testing events, he/she will be allowed one additional attempt at a later time. This second attempt consists of passing all three events under same procedures as the first test, per this policy.

PT Testing

1. 1 Minute Push-Up Test: The push-up event measures the endurance of the chest, shoulder, and triceps muscles. Recruits will have one minute in which to do as many push-ups as they can. 
2. 1 Minute Sit-Up Test: The sit-up event measures the endurance of the abdominal and hip-flexor muscles. Recruits will have one minute to perform as many sit-ups as they can. 
3. 1.5 Mile Run: The 1.5mile run is used to assess aerobic fitness and leg muscles' endurance. Recruits must complete the run without any physical help. They are being tested on their ability to complete the course in the shortest time possible. Although walking is authorized, it is strongly discouraged.

Standards

All recruits are required to meet the standards of the 40th percentile for each age and sex group.

*females over 49 years of age may conduct push-ups on their knees