Physical Fitness Assessment

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General Information

  • The physical agility entrance examination will be administered to all applicants. The exam will be conducted at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy, 1556 Riverbend Drive, Douglas WY. Applicants should wear appropriate attire for participation in physical activities, i.e. gym shorts/sweatpants, T-shirt, running shoes and gym socks.

  • The exam must be passed in order to be accepted into the Academy. 

  •  Applicants must meet or exceed the minimum standard for each of the three categories.

What is physical fitness?

Physical fitness is a health status pertaining to the individual officer having the physiological readiness to perform maximum physical effort when required. Physical fitness consists of four areas:

· Aerobic Capacity or cardiovascular endurance pertaining to the heart and vascular system's capacity to transport oxygen. Low aerobic capacity has been proven to be a risk factor for heart disease.

· Strength pertains to the ability of muscles to generate force. Low strength levels in upper body and abdominal strengths have an important bearing on upper torso and low back disorders.

· Flexibility pertains to the range of motion of the joints and muscles. Lack of lower back flexibility is a major risk area for lower back disorders.

· Body weight and body composition pertain to body mass and the ratio of fat to lean tissue. Excessive fat is a handicap for physical movement and is a serious health risk for many diseases.

How will physical fitness be measured?

The Physical Fitness Assessment consists of three basic tests. Each test has been proven to have scientific validity. The entry assessment will be conducted in a two hour session at a designated time prior to the start of the Basic Course. A final assessment will be administered over a two day period near the conclusion of the Basic Course.

1.  1 minute sit-up test (VIDEO 5.8MB)

This is a measure of the muscular endurance of the abdominal muscles. Its an important area for performing police tasks that may involve the use of force and is an important area for maintaining good posture and minimizing lower back problems. The score is calculated by the number of bent leg sit-ups performed in 1 minute.

2.  1 minute push-up test (VIDEO 6.7MB)

This test requires the person to push their own weight off the floor and is used to evaluate upper body endurance strength relative to their body weight. Low levels of muscular endurance indicates inefficiency in movement and a low capacity to perform work. The score is calculated by the number of push-ups performed in 1 minute.

3.   12 minute walk/run (Gym Conversion Chart.pdf)

This is a timed run designed to measure the heart and vascular system's capability to transport oxygen. It is an important area for performing police tasks involving stamina and endurance and to minimize the risk of cardiovascular problems. The score is calculated by the amount of ground covered within the allotted 12 minutes and 15 seconds (An extra 15 seconds is added to the allotted time for high altitude consideration).