FBI Physical Fitness Test
If you're considering a career with the FBI, physical fitness is paramount. As an aspiring agent, you'll need to ace the FBI Physical Fitness Test (PFT) to prove you're up to the rigors of the job.
The PFT is more than just a test—it's a pivotal step in your journey towards joining one of the world's most elite law enforcement agencies. The test also works as a filter since later you will have to undergo training in the academy. Much like the CPAT for firefighters, the FBI PFT is a rigorous assessment that demands thorough preparation and dedication.
By understanding the requirements, events, and training methods outlined here, you'll be better equipped to face the challenges head-on and elevate your chances of securing your spot within the FBI ranks.
What is the FBI Physical Fitness Test?
The FBI Physical Fitness Test, or FBI PFT, is a requirement for anyone applying to be an FBI Special Agent. The test is designed to measure your strength, endurance, and overall fitness level to ensure you can handle the pace of the FBI Academy training and the job itself.
FBI Special Agents are required to maintain certain physical fitness condition throughout their career. This is why the FBI uses the PFT as recruitment filter that will test your initial skills and condition necessary for your future in the position.
The FBI Physical Fitness Test consists of four main events, which you must complete in specific order with no more than five minutes of rest in between.
Although failing the FBI PFT won’t automatically disqualify you from the entire application process, you can’t move forward to the next steps without completing it. In most cases, you’ll be allowed to retest after a certain period, depending on the department you are applying to, this can be a couple of weeks to a month.
Most law enforcement and civil service positions require you to pass some sort of physical test. Learn more about the Firefighter CPAT Test, and the Police Physical Ability Test.
FBI Hiring Process Timeline
The FBI Special Agent hiring process is a rigorous and lengthy procedure designed to filter qualified candidates for the demanding role. The entire process can take anywhere from a year to 18 months, depending on the speed of the background investigation and the availability of training slots.
The steps include completing the following:
- Application – The first step is to complete the online application where you will upload all relevant information for the position.
- Phase I Test – You will have to present a three-hour computerized exam that will test your abilities related to the position.
- Meet and Greet – You will be invited to an information session where you will learn about the position and what to expect through the application process.
- FBI Physical Fitness Test – This evaluation will assess your strength, endurance, and agility.
- Phase II Test and Interview – This is a written assessment and structured interview conducted by a panel of three agents.
- Basic Field Training Course (BFTC) – If you complete all the above stages, you will enter the demanding training program. You will have to test and better your physical fitness, investigative skills, firearms proficiency, and tactical abilities.
- Career Placement – Lastly, you'll be assigned to a field office based on your skills, preferences, and the needs of the FBI.
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FBI Physical Fitness Test Requirements
FBI Special Agents face physically demanding situations that require strength, flexibility, and endurance for personal safety and the safety of colleagues and civilians. Meeting the required fitness levels is essential to fulfil the duties of a Special Agent. After completing the Physical Fitness Test (PFT), you will be ready for physical training at the FBI Academy.
The FBI Physical Fitness Test consists of the following events, with no more than five minutes of rest in between each event:
- Sit-ups – Number of continuous sit-ups in one minute/
- Sprint – Timed 300-meter sprint
- Push-ups – Untimed maximum number of continuous push-ups.
- 1.5-mile run – Timed laps around a quarter-mile oval track.
*If you are applying to the Tactical Recruiting Program (TRP) you will have to complete a fifth event that will test your maximum number of continuous pull-ups.
All positions in the FBI require taking the FBI PFT. If you are interested in other FBI jobs, you take a look at our FBI Intelligence Analyst Test, SAEE Test, and UDEE Test Practice.
FBI Physical Fitness Test Scoring
To pass the FBI PFT, you will have to score a minimum of 9 points, with no less than 0 in all four events.
Sit-ups
In this exercise, you will lie on your back with arms crossed over your chest and knees bent at a 90-degree angle, feet flat on the floor. You will raise your upper body until your elbows touch mid-thigh, then return to the starting position, all while keeping your hips on the ground. It's a one-minute continuous motion exercise, and any pause forfeits the remainder of the minute.
| Score | Female Range | Male Range |
| -2 | 29 and below | 31 and below |
| 0 | 30-34 | 32-37 |
| 1 | 35-36 | 38 |
| 2 | 37-40 | 39-42 |
| 3 | 41-42 | 43-44 |
| 4 | 43-46 | 45-47 |
| 5 | 47-48 | 48-49 |
| 6 | 49-50 | 50-51 |
| 7 | 51-52 | 52-53 |
| 8 | 53-54 | 54-55 |
| 9 | 55-56 | 56-57 |
| 10 | 57 and over | 58 and over |
300-meter sprint
| Score | Female Range | Male Range |
| -2 | 6.7 and over | 55.1 and over |
| 0 | 67.4–65.0 | 55.0–52.5 |
| 1 | 64.9–62.5 | 52.4–51.1 |
| 2 | 62.4–60.0 | 51.0–49.5 |
| 3 | 59.9–57.5 | 49.4–48.0 |
| 4 | 57.4–56.0 | 47.9–46.1 |
| 5 | 55.9–54.0 | 46.0–45.0 |
| 6 | 53.9–53.0 | 44.9–44.0 |
| 7 | 52.9–52.0 | 43.9–43.0 |
| 8 | 51.9–51.0 | 42.9–42.0 |
| 9 | 50.9–50.0 | 41.9–41.0 |
| 10 | 49.9 and below | 40.9 and below |
Push-ups
| Score | Female Range | Male Range |
| -2 | 4 and below | 19 and below |
| 0 | 5-13 | 20-29 |
| 1 | 14-18 | 30-32 |
| 2 | 19-21 | 33-30 |
| 3 | 22-26 | 40-43 |
| 4 | 27-29 | 44-49 |
| 5 | 30-32 | 50-53 |
| 6 | 33-35 | 54-56 |
| 7 | 36-38 | 57-60 |
| 8 | 39-41 | 61-64 |
| 9 | 42-44 | 65-70 |
| 10 | 45 and over | 71 and over |
1.5-mile run
| Score | Female Range | Male Range |
| -2 | 15:00 and over | 13:30 and over |
| 0 | 14:59–14:00 | 13:29–12:25 |
| 1 | 13:59–13:35 | 12:24–12:15 |
| 2 | 13:34–13:00 | 12:14–11:35 |
| 3 | 12:59–12:30 | 11:34–11:10 |
| 4 | 12:29–11:57 | 11:09–10:35 |
| 5 | 11:56–11:35 | 10:34–10:15 |
| 6 | 11:34–11:15 | 10:14–9:55 |
| 7 | 11:14–11:06 | 9:54–9:35 |
| 8 | 11:05–10:45 | 9:34–9:20 |
| 9 | 10:44–10:35 | 9:19–9:00 |
| 10 | 10:34 and below | 8:59 and below |
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How to Train for the FBI Physical Fitness Test?
Preparing physically and mentally for the FBI PFT requires weeks of training. If you want to ace your upcoming test, make sure to follow a routine and challenge yourself with each one of the events. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- When training, aim to achieve scores higher than those you aim for on the day of the test. For instance, if your goal is to do 20 push-ups during the FBI PFT, train until you can consistently do 30. This approach ensures not only passing but excelling in your examination.
- Test your fitness level by recreating each one of the events throughout your training program.
- Integrate workout weeks before your test including muscular strength and endurance, anaerobic and aerobic power, and circuit training.
Medical Review
As a part of the FBI Physical Fitness Test, you will have to provide medical information from your personal physician to ensure you meet the physical demands of the position. You will also have to show proof of certain vaccinations and undergo a vision and hearing evaluation.