All proctors must check candidates in or mark them no show on the proctor portal by the end of the day of the exams.

The Washington Physical Abilities Test (WAPAT) includes three individual fitness tests to be administered as guided by the  Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission

https://cjtc.wa.gov/update-to-the-physical-ability-test-(pat)

Test must be done in the following order

Push-ups  (90 seconds)

3 minute rest period

Sit-ups  (90 seconds)

5 minute rest period

Squat Thrusts  (3 minutes)

Fitness Test Administration Overview

1. Self-Directed Warm-up (5 minutes)

2. Fitness Event Process with Rest Periods

1. 1. Push-ups  (90 seconds)

   2. 3 minute rest period

   3. Sit-ups  (90 seconds)

   4. 5 minute rest period

   5. Squat Thrusts  (3 minutes)

3. Self-directed active cool down (5 minutes)

How to Communicate with Candidates

When reading the script or giving candidates information, be clear, neutral, and pleasant. Avoid using an overly assertive tone of voice, rather, be encouraging and consistent to everyone.

You may communicate the value earned in each event (i.e., how many push-ups, sit-ups or squat thrusts they completed). Do not discuss scores, passing or failing.  The hiring agencies use different scoring formulas and cut-offs to determine pass/fail. 

Bubble Sheet Preparation

After checking in all candidates, you will click the “PAT Worksheet” button at the top of the day’s schedule and a scoring sheet will be created. This will have all of the candidate information auto-filled onto the worksheet. Have all candidates put on a vest with number or identifier and fill in their bib # on the scoring sheet.

Make sure to record in the "Notes" section what type of exam the candidate is taking (LE, Cor or JCor) so the correct number of repetitions for each portion of the exam is completed. Have the candidate sign next to the notation PRIOR to the exam start.

Scoring Sheet

Opt Out = Candidate opted not to test that event.

Self Elim = Candidate began the event but quit during the event.

What are the requirements for a candidate to "Opt Out" or “Self Elim” a portion of the exam?

Each event has Opt Out and Self-Elimination bubble.  If a candidate decides to skip a portion of the exam, you will need to fill in the Opt Out bubble, then move onto the next event.  If a candidate decides to begin and then stop an exam event before completing the event, you will need to fill in the Self Elim bubble for that event. 

If a candidate Opts Out or Self-Eliminates they cannot retake just the portions they missed.  The entire PAT test will need to be scheduled and taken again.

Necessary Repetitions for Each Event

Push-Ups

• Law Enforcement (LE) - 20 to pass

• Corrections (Cor) - 15 to pass

• Juvenile Corrections (J Cor) - 10 to pass

*Do the most if the candidate is not sure

Sit-Ups

• Law Enforcement (LE) - 25 to pass

• Corrections (Cor)  - 12 to pass

• Juvenile Corrections (J Cor) - 12 to pass

*Do the most if the candidate is not sure

Squat Thrusts

• Law Enforcement (LE) -  35 to pass

• Corrections (Cor)  - 25 to pass

• Juvenile Corrections (J Cor) - 15 to pass

*Do the most if the candidate is not sure

Introductory Proctor Script

After the candidates have been checked in and are assembled and ready for testing, read the following:

“Thank you for participating in this fitness test. You will be asked to complete push-ups in 90 seconds, sit-ups in 90 seconds and squat thrusts in 3 minutes. If you decide to opt out of one or more events, you will only receive scores for the events that you take.

It is your responsibility to find out specific department requirements as different departments use different standards. It is our recommendation that you do your very best on all of the events.

You have signed a waiver that indicates you are physically capable of participating in this test, and that you see no medical reason why you cannot or should not participate today. If, at any point, you feel concern for your health, it is your responsibility to stop participating and notify a proctor. If we feel concerned for your health and you have not said anything to us, we may still make the determination to end the exam for your safety.

Before we start your exam, you have five minutes to warm up. We suggest warming up by light jogging, jumping jacks, and basic stretching.”

Communicating with Candidates about Their Scores

If candidates ask, proctors may tell candidates the number of push-ups, sit-ups and squat thrusts they accomplished.

If candidates ask if their scores are passing, proctors should respond:

“I don’t have that information. You should check with the departments you are applying to, to see what their specific standards are.”

Push-up Test

This test measures the muscular strength and endurance of the upper body muscles in the shoulders, chest, and back of the upper arms (the triceps) used in high intensity self-defense and arrest simulation training. This is important for use of force involving pushing motions, breaking one’s fall to the ground, use of the baton, etc.

A squishy foam block to be placed under the candidate's chest is necessary for push-ups. The measurement of the block is 4.5 inches in height, width, and length.

Proctor's Script (one proctor reads to assembled candidates)

“For this event, you’ll do as many push-ups as needed for your exam. The proctor will announce the number of push-ups you have completed at 90 seconds or when the number of push-ups needed is reached.

Place your hands flat on the ground next to your shoulders, fingers forward. Your hands should be approximately 1 to 1½ shoulder-widths apart. Your feet can be together, but should be no more than one foot apart. Your body should be in a straight line from your shoulders to your ankles, and must remain that way throughout the exercise. When I say "Go”, lower your body, by bending your elbows, until the back of your upper arms are parallel to the ground and you compress the foam block. Return to the starting position by completely straightening your arms.

If you fail to get the back of your upper arms parallel with the ground, that push-up won’t count. If you do not compress the foam block, that push up will not count.

If your elbows are bent and not locked when straightening for the up position, that push-up won’t count.

If your hands are in a fist, and not flat on the ground facing forward, that push-up won’t count.

If your feet are more than one foot apart, that push-up won’t count.

Your body must remain straight. If your body is not straight, if it is bent at the waist, or with buttocks in the air, that push-up won’t count.

Your body must be off the ground throughout this exercise. If you need to rest, make sure you do not touch your body or knees to the ground. You may only rest in the ‘up’ position. If, at any point, your knees or body touch the ground, the event is concluded and you will receive credit for the number of push-ups you have correctly completed up to that point.

You will complete as many push-ups as possible until you do not wish to do any more or until you reach the maximum amount needed. You will have 90 seconds to complete this portion of the exam.

If you are unsure of your form, you may check with the proctor before your exam begins.

Are there any questions?”

Equipment

• • Non-slip mat surface

  • Approximately 4' x 4' foam block, can adhere with "handle" to keep block static

  • Stopwatch with audible alarm set to count down from 90 seconds (not to count up from zero)

  • Clipboard with WAPAT Rating Form

Number of Proctors

• • A separate proctor must be assigned to each candidate being tested.

  • One or more candidates can be tested at a time, as long as there is one proctor assigned to each candidate.

Procedures

• • Assemble candidates at push-up area and read Proctor’s Script.

  • Identify first candidates being tested and assign a proctor to each.

  • Have candidates remove eyeglasses.

  • Have candidates remove or tuck in baggy shirts so proctors can clearly see candidate’s upper arm position and can monitor if a candidate touches the ground.

  • One proctor states “Ready, Set, Go!” to the candidates, starting the stopwatch with alarm counting down from 90 seconds  (1 min, 30 sec) upon saying, “Go!”

  • Each proctor remains close to and communicates clearly with his or her assigned candidate. This includes counting correct push-ups aloud. 

    1. A push-up is complete when candidate lowers to the down position, with back of upper arm parallel with the ground or lower and touches the foam block, and returns to the up position. 

    2. The complete push-up is counted when the candidate returns to the up position. 

    3. When a push-up does not meet performance requirement(s) and does not count, proctors use candidate feedback verbiage in the table above to inform the candidate.

  • If a candidate’s knees or body touch the ground at any time, the event is over.

  • Once the candidate stops (says they are done, knees or body touch ground), or does the needed amount of repetitions, record the number of push-ups  on the score sheet.

  • Each proctor ensures that the number of push-ups achieved by his or her assigned candidate is correctly recorded.

Sit-Up Test

The sit-up test measures the muscular strength and endurance of the abdominal muscles, which are used in self-defense and high intensity arrest simulation training. These muscles are important for performing tasks that involve the use of force, and they help maintain good posture and minimize lower back problems.

Proctor’s Script (one proctor reads to assembled candidates)

“Next, you’ll do as many sit-ups as needed for your exam.  The proctor will announce the number of sit-ups you have completed at 90 seconds or when the number of sit-ups needed is reached.

You’re going to lie on your back, with your knees bent at 90 degrees or tighter. Your feet can be together or apart, but your heels have to stay in contact with the mat. Interlock your fingers behind your head. Your fingers must stay interlocked behind your head for the duration of the event. If any of your fingers are not touching, including your little fingers, that is considered “apart” and that sit-up will not be counted.

When I say "Go”, you will lift your upper body by bending at the waist. Touch your elbows to your knees, and return to the starting position. If you can’t touch your elbows to your knees, you must come up far enough that your elbows are parallel with the sides of your knees. (Proctor can demonstrate how high elbows must come, if necessary)

If you don’t come up high enough that your elbows touch your knees, or that your elbows are parallel with the sides of your knees, that sit-up won’t count.

If you don’t come all the way down and touch the mat with your shoulder blades, that sit-up won’t count.

Keep your fingers interlocked. If your fingers come apart during the sit-up, that sit-up won’t count.

You may rest, but only in the up position. Don’t stop in the down position. If you stop for more than a count of “1,001” in the down position, your next sit-up will not count.

Keep your buttocks on the mat. If you lift your buttocks off the mat, that sit-up won’t count.

You will complete as many sit-ups as possible until you do not wish to do any more or until you reach the maximum amount needed. You will have 90 seconds to complete this portion of the exam.

Are there any questions?” 

Equipment

• • Non-slip mat surface

  • Stopwatch with audible alarm set to count down from 90 seconds (not to count up from zero)

  • Foot holding mechanism

  • Clipboard with WAPAT Rating Form

Number of Proctors

• • A separate proctor must be assigned to each candidate being tested.

  • One or more candidates can be tested at a time, as long as there is one proctor assigned to each candidate.

Procedures

• • Assemble candidates at sit-up area and read Proctor’s Script.

  • Instruct candidates to use foot holding mechanism.

  • Identify first candidates being tested and assign a proctor to each.

  • Have candidate lie on back, knees bent at a 90-degree angle, heels flat on floor. Fingers must be interlocked behind head, elbows out to sides. 

  • One proctor states “Ready, Set, Go!” to the candidates, starting the stopwatch with audible alarm counting down from 90 seconds (1 min, 30 sec) on “Go!”.

  • In up position, elbows must touch knees or be parallel with sides of knees. In down position, shoulder blades must touch floor before starting next sit-up.

  • Each proctor remains close to and communicates clearly with his or her assigned candidate. Proctor counts correct sit-ups aloud. A sit-up is complete and counted when the candidate touches elbows to knees. When a sit-up does not meet performance requirement(s) and will not count, proctor uses candidate feedback verbiage in table below to inform candidate.

  • Each proctor ensures that the number of sit-ups achieved by his or her assigned candidate is correctly recorded.

Squat Thrust Test

The squat thrusts are meant to be an evaluation tool for the candidate and their agency to gauge their ability to participate in the physical requirements expected during the BLEA Control and Defensive Tactics training.

Note: There is no official rest position (for a squat thrust) since a rep starts standing, goes down and comes back up to standing.  Theoretically they could lay down for a minute as long as they complete and correct repetitions. A person can rest in the plank position as long as the position is not compromised (locked out and straight). If it is compromised, the rep does not count. 

Proctor’s Script (one proctor reads to assembled candidates)

“Next, you’ll do as many squat thrusts as needed for your exam.  The proctor will announce the number of squat thrusts you have completed at 3 minutes or when the number of squat thrusts needed is reached.

To start, you need to stand tall with your back straight, feet shoulder-width apart, arms lifted, and hands above your head.

Push hips back and bend your knees, squat down, and place your hands on the floor in front of you, shoulder-width apart. 

Hands and feet MUST touch at the same time, no jumping feet back prior to hands touching the floor.

Keeping your hands in place, back flat, and core engaged, kick your feet back to a plank position: arms and body straight, hands in line with and slightly wider than your shoulders. 

Reverse the sequence to return to the starting position. 

Hands must go above your head when returning back to standing position. Hips must be locked out at the top as well as knees.

You may rest in the standing position, with your arms up or down, but you must return to the correct starting position with hands overhead before resuming repetitions. If you fail to: 

kick both feet out or in at the same time

keep your body in a straight line in the plank position

or return to a straight standing position with hands raised above the head, you will receive one warning. 

After one warning, any incorrect repetitions will not count. 

You will have 3 minutes to successfully complete 35 squat thrusts. This is a Pass/Fail event, so you may stop once you reach the required number of repetitions. Your score is the total number of correct repetitions 

When I say "Go”, you will start to do squat thrusts. 

Are there any questions?” 

Equipment

• • Non-slip mat surface

  • Stopwatch with audible alarm set to count down from 3 minutes (not to count up from zero)

  • Clipboard with WAPAT Rating Form

Number of Proctors

• • A separate proctor must be assigned to each candidate being tested.

  • One or more candidates can be tested at a time, as long as there is one proctor assigned to each candidate.

Procedures

• • Assemble candidates at squat thrust area and read Proctor’s Script.

  • Identify first candidates being tested and assign a proctor to each.

  • One proctor states “Ready, Set, Go!” to the candidates, starting the stopwatch with audible alarm counting down from 3 minutes on “Go!”.

  • Each proctor remains close to and communicates clearly with his or her assigned candidate. Proctor counts correct squat thrusts aloud. A squat thrust is complete and counted when the candidate stands up straight with their arms above their head. When a squat thrust does not meet performance requirement(s) and will not count, proctor uses candidate feedback verbiage in table below to inform candidate.

  • Each proctor ensures that the number of squat thrusts achieved by his or her assigned candidate is correctly recorded.