Physical Assessment Test

Join Sergeant Snyder for a walkthrough of the physical assessment test.

Vertical Jump (Standard: 15 Inches)

  • The participant stands with feet flat on the floor about shoulder width apart and while looking forward reaches up with both hands as high as possible. A mark is measured where the fingertips touch.  This is the standard reach.
  • The participant will jump and reach as high as possible and hit the measuring tabs. The highest tab that is touched determines the results.
  • Prior to each jump, one foot must remain stationary on the floor. The score is the distance between the standard reach and the jump mark.
  • The best of three trials is the score.
  • Vertical Jump Standard: 15 inches
A UHP candidate performs a standing vertical jump.

Plank (Standard: 1 minute)

  • The hands are placed slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. The head, back, hips, and legs must be kept aligned from head to heels.
  • Plank can be performed with arms fully extended or on the elbows. 
  • During the test, the subject cannot rest the body on the ground.
  • During the test, the subject cannot interlock or overlap fingers.
  • Plank – (One Minute) 
    • Man demonstrating a proper planking position.

    Push-Ups (Standard: 16)

    • The hands are placed slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, palms down with fingers pointing forward. The head, back, buttocks and legs must be kept straight from head to heels.
    • Start from the up position (elbows extended); the participant must keep the back straight at all times and lower the entire body to the floor until the back of the arms are level with the back (arms form a 90-degree angle). The participant then returns to the up position.  This is one repetition.
    • During the test, the subject cannot rest the body on the ground or move the hands or feet.
    • The score is the total number of correct push-ups completed without stopping.
    • Push-Ups – Standard: 16
    Three UHP candidates perform push ups while Troopers monitor their form and count their reps.

    1.5 Mile Run (Standard: 15 minutes 37 seconds)

    • Participants should not eat a heavy meal or smoke for at least 2 – 3 hours before the test. They should also warm up and stretch thoroughly before the test.
    • Each participant should have experienced some practice in pacing before the test.
    • The participant runs the 1.5 miles as fast as possible. The time it takes for the participant to run the 1.5 miles is then used to determine the fitness category of the individual.
    • Upon test completion, a mandatory cool-down period is enforced. 
    • 1.5 Mile Run – Standard: 15 minutes 37 seconds
    UHP candidates run on an asphalt trail as part of the physical assessment test.
    IMPORTANT – This test requires a nearly exhaustive effort.  It is assumed that the individual has had the proper medical examination and has been cleared for an exercise program.  Participants should not stand around immediately after the run.  Pooling of the blood in the lower extremities may occur which reduces the return of the blood to the heart.  An additional walk for at least five minutes after the test should be sufficient for the cool down period.