Applicants for the US Secret Service must complete a pre-employment physical fitness assessment, The Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT), which has been developed for use by the Secret Service only. The test is based on the physical requirements needed upon entry into the Special Agent and Uniformed Division Officer jobs.
Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT)
The Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT) is a pre-employment physical fitness test administered during the entry-level hiring process.
The APAT consists of four test components administered in the following order:
- Push-Ups - The purpose of this test is to evaluate upper body muscular strength and endurance. Applicants are required to complete as many push-ups as possible in one minute. Only one trial will be given and scores are based on how many correctly performed push-ups are completed. Minimum required > 14 push-ups.
- Sit-Ups - The purpose of this test is to evaluate abdominal strength. Applicants are required to do as many sit-ups as possible in one minute. Only one trial will be given and scores are based on how many correctly performed sit-ups are completed. Minimum required > 22 sit-ups.
- Illinois Agility Run — The purpose of the Illinois Agility Run is to evaluate an applicant's anaerobic power and ability to quickly change directions. This component will take place either indoors or outdoors and requires applicants to complete a short distance run with changes in direction as fast as possible. Two trials for this component are given, but only the best trial will be scored. Minimum required < 23.89 seconds.
- 1.5-mile run- The purpose of this test is to assess cardiovascular endurance. This test can be administered either indoors or outdoors on a marked hard and flat surface with minimal sharp turns. Applicants are permitted to walk or stop during the run. The total time required to complete the distance is recorded. Minimum required < 19:41 min:sec.
Scoring
The APAT is scored on a point-based system. Each test component is scored on a scale from 1 to 8 points. Applicants must meet a minimum level for all components and achieve a minimum cumulative score of 20 points to pass. The standards are the same regardless of age, gender, or job applied for.
Related Pages
- See also the FBI Assessment tests
- Fitness testing for USA Police Departments
- Fitness testing for other law enforcement agencies