Garda Fitness Test

Stage 3 Fitness Test / Physical Competency Test

All Garda applicants will undergo a Fitness Test and Physical Competence Test as part of the Garda recruitment application process and their subsequent training.

Applicants must pass all elements of the test and there is strictly no deviation from the format of the test. This is the final stage of the Garda recruitment process and passing cannot be taken for granted, even if you consider yourself fit and healthy, as the physical competency test is very challenging.

The Department of Justice released figures in January 2023 showing that more than 1 in 6 Garda recruits failed the fitness test (Lally, 2023) , rising to more than 1 in 3 based on reports at the end of February 2023 (Sheehan, 2023).

A Medical Examination, Substance Misuse Testing and Garda Vetting is also carried out at this stage.

Components of the Fitness Test                    

Part of the requirement is to pass a rigorous physical competency test. This physical competency test has two stages. Should a participant fail any element of either stage they much repeat the entire stage.

Stage 1:

  • the 20 metre shuttle run also known as the beep or bleep test among other names
  • press ups and sit-ups

Stage 2:  

  • circuit obstacle

 

Shuttle Run (Beep / Bleep Test):

This involves running continuously between two points 20 metres apart at a set time that gradually decreases until the candidates cannot keep up the intervals.  The requirement for completion and dissection depends on the physiological difference between male and female candidates as well as the age of candidates.

 

Age 18 - 25 years

  • Males: Need to achieve a level of 8.8 or over
  • Females: Need to achieve a level of least 7.6

 

Age 26-35 years

  • Males: Need to achieve a level of 8.1 or over
  • Females: Need to achieve a level of 6.6 or over

 

Sit-ups

Age 18 - 25 years

  • Males: 35 sit-ups in 1 minute
  • Females: 30 sit-ups in 1 minute

 

Age 26-35 years

  • Males: 32 sit-ups in 1 minute
  • Females: 27 sit-ups in 1 minute

 

Push-ups

Age 18 - 25 years

  • Males: 25 pushups – no time limit
  • Females: 20 pushups – no time limit

 

Age 26-35 years

  • Males: 22 pushups – no time limit
  • Females: 18 pushups – no time limit

 

Between the two test stages candidates are provided a 2 hour break to recuperate.

 

Circuit Obstacle

You must complete the full circuit 3 times in under 3 minutes and 20 seconds

Candidates have to demonstrate that they are of a sufficient standard in terms of speed, balance strength and quick thinking.

The circuit comprises of an obstacle course with various obstacles which will mimic situations you may encounter in a real life chase scenario including:

 

  • Running through and around obstacles at speed
  • Maintaining balance – walking on a narrow beam
  • Moving heavy objects, ducking under low objects
  • Dragging a body between two points
  • Clearing steps at speed
  • Jumping over barriers such as gates

 

During the circuit candidates may incur time faults by not correctly performing a component of the test – for example stepping off the balancing beam or knocking cones over.

 

PREPARING FOR THE GARDA FITNESS TESTS

Our online Garda fitness preparation course is as part of our Garda Complete Package and provides you with a complete fitness training programme designed and delivered by our expert fitness coach, Jonathan Davis.

This programme will guide you to build your fitness over a series of carefully designed sessions to build your aerobic and anaerobic capacity, your muscular endurance, strength, speed and agility

By following this programme you can expect to build your fitness to the necessary levels to meet all of the requirements for the physical competency test which include;

  • Shuttle run
  • Press Ups
  • Sit Ups
  • Obstacle Course/ Circuit