Physical abilities test: Testing overview

Updated: The CBSA uses the new self-evaluation tool and the Physical Abilities Test (PAT) to assess your physical fitness and your ability to perform physically demanding "use of force training." The PAT will be performed during the Officer Induction Training Program (OITP) in-residence training and is not a pass or fail exercise but simply an evaluation of your level of fitness. If you fall below the minimum standards of the test, your risk of failure or injury in the program increases.

Note: The PARE evaluation is not required for the current Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer trainee selection process (2024-EA-OIM-FB-02-009).

What is the CBSA PAT

The Physical Abilities Test (PAT) is used to assess your ability to perform physically demanding "use of force training” in the OITP. This section offers comprehensive information about the PAT and what to expect.

The three physical fitness components of the PAT are:

1. Physical control
2. Ground defence
3. Agility drill

Physical control

One physical control task is included, the push pull sled, which was developed based on an “apprehension or restraint of a suspect using a physical control scenario”. The minimum weight standard for the sled was determined in a study aimed at identifying the amount of force required to push and/or pull the most likely suspect to resist arrest (and require an intervention that leads to the ground) off-balance and into a vulnerable position where a takedown can be effectively completed (i.e., 37 kg of force). Recruits will push and pull a weighted sled through a triangular formation once in the beginning of the test and another at the end.

Ground defence

A ground defence component is included in which simulated ground movements must be completed using a sandbag that represents the relative weight of a torso for the average Canadian adult (i.e., 36 kg). Recruits will transfer a weighted sandbag from one side of the mat to the opposite side while lying on their back. Two sets of this movement will be completed at the beginning of the test and again at the end.

Agility drill

A modified version of the Illinois Agility Test is included and aims to evaluate an individual's ability to move quickly and assertively in different directions. This last component represents the agility/mobility and power necessary to effectively perform the high-intensity movements required during the "use of force training”, such as strikes, kicking, punching, dodging, blocking and others.

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