Back to Hiring Process

Step 3:
Physical Fitness Test

Person running

As a peace officer, you must be able to perform physically demanding activities to help maintain security and to safely respond to emergencies within a correctional environment.

The Physical Fitness Test (PFT) evaluates the strength, endurance, and agility required to perform expected essential duties. It tests your ability to perform physical functions at the academy and thereafter at your assigned institution or facility.

Running icon

85%

of candidates pass
the PFT

During the test, you will:

Run a 500-yard course on a variety of different surfaces, including:

  • Complete a mini obstacle course
  • Carry two (2) 45-pound kettlebells 50 yards and set them down
  • Carry one (1) 45-pound kettlebell 75 yards and set it down
  • Carry one (1) 30-pound kettlebell 110 yards and set it down

Update: Course completion time has been updated to 5 minutes and 35 seconds.

Timer clock

To pass the PFT, applicants must complete the course in no more than 5 minutes and 35 seconds.

PFT Preparation

If you do not work out regularly, you may need six to twelve weeks, or more, of regular cardio and weight training before taking the PFT. Consult a medical professional before beginning any exercise program.

Applicants who exercise two to three times per week and are in good physical condition generally do well on the PFT. 

Depending on your current fitness level, training may be needed before attempting the PFT. Consult a medical professional before beginning any exercise program.

arrow

For help preparing for the PFT, review the Candidate Preparation Guide.

PFT Military Waiver

United States military and veteran applicants who provide certification of meeting military physical fitness standards within the past year may be eligible for a Military PFT Waiver. The waiver of the CDCR PFT is solely for the selection process and does not apply to the Basic Correctional Officer Academy (BCOA) physical testing requirements. Visit our Military and Veteran Applicants page for more information.

Additional information about the PFT

Applicants are notified via email with a website link to self-schedule their PFT. The assigned test location is based on the regional center chosen on the application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants should dress in athletic workout attire and be ready to participate in physically demanding activities; workout gloves are not permitted. Applicants must bring:

  1. a valid form of identification (ID)
  2. PFT participant agreement form and
  3. bring any required documents listed in the scheduling notification.

Do not bring additional documents not specified in the instructions or binders/folders.  Cell phones are not permitted in the testing area, which should remain locked in your vehicle.

Applicants who encounter an emergency the day of PFT that prevents them from attending should contact their regional testing center as soon as possible. If the emergency is prior to PFT, applicants can reschedule via the self-scheduling website.

The PFT is a single, pass or fail event. Applicants who are unsuccessful at their PFT attempt will be eligible to reapply in 30 days.

Applicants who fail to appear within the defined timeframe or who fail to finish the full course in five minutes five seconds (5:35) or less will be disqualified from this examination and ineligible to reapply for 30 days.