Number range CHAPTERCustoms and Border Protection

Border Patrol Pre-Employment Fitness Test

Program Date: June 5, 2007

January 21, 2009

[NARRATOR]{.underline}:

Maintaining a high level of physical fitness is essential for the Border
Patrol Agent. We train hard so we can work hard. To be an Agent, you
must be physically fit. This video explains and illustrates the Border
Patrol Pre-employment Fitness Test Battery.

You must pass the Pre-employment Fitness Test to be considered for
employment. The test will determine if you are fit enough to attend the
Border Patrol Academy and whether you can endure the physical demands of
the job. As background, let's look at the physical training program at
the Border Patrol Academy.

If you are sent to the Academy, you will be required to participate in a
physical training program.

Because of the physical challenges faced by Border Patrol Agents,
physical training at the academy is extremely rigorous. You will
participate in one hundred twenty-six hours of physical training.

Upon completion of your physical training program you must pass three
tests: a one and a half mile run within thirteen minutes, a two hundred
twenty yard dash within forty six seconds, and a confidence course
within two and a half minutes.

All three events must be completed during a single two-hour class
period. A failure of any event constitutes failure from the Academy.

To ensure you can meet the physical demands at the Academy and on the
job, applicants must pass a three part pre-employment fitness test.

You must pass this test before you receive a final offer of employment
and are sent to the Border Patrol Academy.

This presentation demonstrates each test component so you will know what
to expect before you arrive for the Pre-employment Fitness Test.

We'll show you examples of all three tests.

The training materials enclosed and available on-line describe all three
tests. After reviewing these materials, you may feel that you need to
get in better shape to pass the tests.

So, if you are out of shape and not currently exercising it is
recommended that you consult with your physician prior to stating an
exercise program or intensifying your current program.

Once you get approval to exercise start slowly with walking and
stretching activities and progress gradually to more strenuous forms of
exercise. To reduce your risk of injury it is extremely important not to
do too much too soon.

Get started now so you'll be in shape and can pass the test with flying
colors. We want you to succeed.

Here are a couple of things you should now about the tests. First, the
tests will be administered immediately after your pre-employment medical
examination, so wear clothing appropriate for the fitness tests to the
medical exam.

Basically, dress in the clothes you'd wear to work out at a gym:
T-shirt, sweat pants or shorts,

and athletic shoes with good support.

Also, bring any braces or supports you routinely wear while working,
such as a wrist brace or ankle support.

Additionally, if you have a medical condition, which might affect your
ability to complete the tests, bring the pertinent medical records to
your appointment.

The examining physician will determine whether it is safe for you to
take the fitness tests.

Now, I want to give you some background information on the testing
process. There are 3 tests: the Push-up Test

. . . the Set-up Test

. . . and the Cardiovascular Endurance Step Test.

While each test serves as a warm-up to the next, you may also want to
loosen up prior to the first test and during the intervals between
tests.

The first test to be shown is the push-up. This is a test of dynamic
strength and muscular endurance of your upper body. You will be required
to complete 20 push-ups in 60 seconds.

Start in the up position with your elbows locked and your hands shoulder
width apart.

A good way to tell if your hands are positioned correctly is to make
sure your thumbs are in line with the crease of your shoulders.

Keep your body in a straight line with your feet close together.

A 4-inch foam block will be used to measure the depth of the push-up
rather than the Test Administrator's fist as shown here.

When the Test Administrator says "Go", drop down until your body touches
the foam block then push up until your elbows are straight. This equals
one complete push-up. Your Test Administrator will count out loud those
push-ups that are done correctly and will instruct you to make any
needed corrections. The Border Patrol requires that you perform 20
push-ups in 60 seconds.

Your total however will include only those push-ups done correctly. Here
are some things that would result in your push up not counting.

Improper body position such as a sloped back or raised buttocks,
spreading your feet apart

or a half push-up, that is where you don't touch the foam block or where
you do not come all the way up.

Finally, touching your knees to the mat will end the test.

There is a three-minute interval between each test. During this time the
next test will be explained.

The next exercise is the sit-up. It measures dynamic strength and
endurance of the abdominal muscles. By having strong abdominal muscles
you reduce the risk of lower back injuries.

For testing purposes you will start with your back on the floor and
knees bent at a ninety-degree angle. This should give you about an 18 to
21 inch separation between your heels and buttocks. This is the official
down position.

To get into the official up position your elbows must break the plane of
your thighs or touch your elbows to your knees.

Between each sit-up you must lower yourself so that your shoulder blades
touch the mat. This signifies one complete repetition.

To assist you the Test Administrator will hold your feet down on the mat
either on top of the foot or behind your heels.

Finally, place your hands behind your head with the fingers straight and
your palms cupping or touching your ears. Let the weight of the head
rest on your fingers.

The Test Administrator will count out loud the number you complete
correctly and make sure you maintain proper positioning during the test.
You are required to do 25 sit-ups in 60 seconds.

You will be instructed to assume the starting position. When you hear
the word "Go", the test will begin. Here are some things to keep in
mind.

If you must rest do so in the up position, staying down for more then
three seconds will terminate the test.

If you get stuck in the down position you may pull yourself up with your
hands but the sit-up will not count.

Finally, if you raise your buttocks off the mat, that sit-up will not
count.

The final test is the 5-minute Cardiovascular Step Test. It is performed
to a cadence tape.

Prior to the start of the test the audiotape explains the Step Test and
takes you through a couple of practices to illustrate the movements and
the pace of the test.

Remember the purpose of this test is to measure your cardio-vascular
efficiency NOT your coordination.

Therefore keep stepping in cadence.

The step test is performed by stepping onto the bench with the left
foot, followed by stepping up with the right foot; then stepping down
with the left, followed by stepping down with the right foot in an
up-up-down-down sequence.

There are 30 step sequences per minute. The Step Test lasts five
minutes.

A tape will pace you through the sequences.

Changing the lead foot lessens local muscle fatigue, thus enhancing your
likelihood of successfully completing this test.

However, it's difficult for some people to perform a lead foot change
and stay on cadence.

If you experience problems with the change just keep stepping and change
when you can or not at all if you are not experiencing leg fatigue. The
important thing is to keep stepping in cadence and not stop.

Here's what can cause you to fail:

You fail the Step Test if you can't successfully complete the entire
five minutes.

You fail the test if you are unable to maintain stepping cadence in
accordance with the audio tape for more than two consecutive up, up,
down, down, sequences.

You fail if you use your arms to push on your legs to assist in
stepping.

And you fail if you miss a total of 6 up, up, down, down cadence
sequences, during the entire 5-minute test.

That means that if you get off cadence, each cycle missed adds up and
counts against you. To avoid failing, keep stepping while working to get
back on pace.

When all three tests have been completed, you are free to go.

The role of a Border Patrol Agent is a demanding job requiring a high
level of physical fitness.

The Push-up, Sit-up, and Step tests help establish whether you are
physically fit enough to continue in the recruitment process.

If you fail any portion of the Pre-employment Fitness Test you will be
eliminated from further employment consideration as a Border Patrol
Agent.

Following concurrence from your health care professional to ensure that
you are able to take the Pre-employment Fitness Test, practice the tests
often in advance. Also, walk, jog, climb stairs, or do what it takes for
you to safely get in shape.

It will benefit you, and the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection,
and help make our country safer from those who would do us harm.

Remember, you'll be required to maintain a high level of physical
fitness throughout your entire Border Patrol career.