Want to be a garda? This is the physical fitness test you'll need to pass to begin your journey
An Garda Síochána has announced details of an updated Physical Competency Test which must be passed by all Garda Trainee Applicants as part of the applications process.
A review of the Garda Physical Competency Test was commenced during summer 2024, to ensure that the Test achieved the best result for the requirements of being a member of An Garda Síochána.
An external expert from the Department of Humanities, Dundalk Institute of Technology carried out the review on behalf of An Garda Síochána.
The review was assisted by Garda Trainers from the Garda College and Operational members and has been trialled and validated by hundreds of Operational Gardaí and Garda Trainees.
The new Garda Physical Competency Test continues to provide An Garda Síochána with a reassurance that prospective Garda Trainee candidates possess the acceptable level of pre-employment physical fitness/ competence.
A video demonstration of the Physical Competency Test has been uploaded onto the Garda website www.garda.ie.
The new Physical Competency Test comes into effect immediately, for all Garda Applicants currently in the application process and going forward for applicants in the current 2025 campaign and future campaigns.
The Physical Competency Test continues to be
• Reflective of the physical demands experienced by a Garda
• Robust enough to discriminate between individuals who can/cannot meet the physical demands of the job
• Valid enough to ensure that all physically competent individuals can achieve the required standard
• Scientifically-based to ensure that standards are justifiable and reliable
• Inclusive of margins for error to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and equitably
The Garda Physical Competency Tests (PCT)
The updated Garda Physical Competency Test (PCT) has two components which are a 20 metre multi stage fitness test (also known as a beep test) immediately followed (non-stop) by an obstacle course with a requirement to pass both components in 8 minutes 4 seconds or less. As this test is role specific, this pass time of 8 minutes 4 seconds applies to all candidates completing the Garda Physical Competency Test regardless of age and gender.
20 metre multi stage fitness (beep) test
The candidate must firstly successfully complete the 20-metre beep test to Level 5.6 in a set time of 4mins 54 seconds before being allowed to commence the obstacle course. The objective of the progressive 20 metre beep test is to run from one line to another line 20 metres apart in a straight line, keeping to the speed indicated by the beeps on the audio track to a total distance of 760 metres. The candidate will hear loud beeps at regular intervals. At first the speed is slow, but the speed will increase at the end of each minute by 0.5kph. On successfully reaching the last beep at Level 5.6 the candidate is then allowed to proceed to the obstacle course.
Obstacle Course
The candidate is required to complete two circuits of the obstacle course in a time less than 3minutes 10 seconds (Combined Total Time: 8 minutes 4 Seconds) to successfully complete the PCT. The Obstacle Course consists of the following:
• Sprint start
• Weave through cones
• Walk along a balance beam
• Lift a car wheel and carry it 3 metres
• Go underneath a barrier
• Jump over a mat (one metre wide)
• Push a sled 6 metres
• Pull a sled 6 metres
• Run up and down a flight of stairs
• Climb over a gate
• Sprint 10 metres
Should a candidate fail to complete any of the above components of the obstacle course, they must repeat that component whilst their recorded time still continues.
The changes to the Physical Competency Test are:
A standardised level for all applicants irrespective of age or gender on the 20-metre multi-stage fitness (beep) test
Removal of push ups and sit ups which required a subjective element and lacked face validity. Face validity is whether a test appears to measure what it's supposed to measure.