The PARE (Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation) is an occupational fitness test used by a range of law enforcement and public safety agencies. It assesses physical abilities associated with demanding tasks, including pursuit, physical control and moving a person or load to safety.

The test has three main stations. Each requires a different combination of fitness, coordination, strength and composure under fatigue.

5-ft mat jump

From the start marker, follow the arrow to the second marker, turn right and jump over the 5-foot mat. The participant is assigned a five second penalty each time any part of their foot touches any part of the mat.

Stairs

On landing, the participant turns left around the next marker and proceeds towards the stairs. The participant must run up and down the stairs, touching at least one step on the way up, the top platform, and one step on the way down. The participant then proceeds towards the next marker and runs back to the stairs going up and down again.

18-in hurdles

Upon landing, the particpant then moves to the next marker, turns left, jumps over two 18-inch hurdles en route to the next marker. If the participant knocks over a hurdle, they are assigned a two-second penalty.

Vault jump

The participant then runs around the left side of the marker and turns right heading towards the start marker. Before reaching the start marker, the participant must vault over a 3-ft high railing. Participants must land in control on both feet on the opposite side of the vault, then fall on either their stomach (stomach, chest, hips on the ground) or back (both shoulder blades and buttocks down on the ground), alternating front or back on each lap. After each controlled fall, the participant must get up without assistance and proceed around the start marker to complete the lap.

Upon finishing the obstacle run, the participant moves immediately to the pull/push station

 Pull Activity

Upon reaching the PULL/PUSH station, the participant grasps the rope and pulls so the weight plates (70lbs) lift off the base of the machine and then moves right or left completing a 180 arc. Six arcs are completed without allowing the weight to touch the base. If the weight touches the base, that particular arc must be repeated. Participants may put the weight down on either end of the arc if necessary.

Controlled Falls

Once the pull activity is completed, the weight is lowered with control. The participant then moves away from the unit about 2 feet and performs a controlled fall on the front executing a push-up like movement. The participant then comes to a standing ready position, touches the top of machine with their hands and executes a second fall, this time on the back with shoulder blades and hips on the ground. A sit-up like maneuver is required to come back up to the standing ready position for the participant to touch the top of the machine with their hands again. This sequence of front and back falls is repeated until the participant has completed 2 front falls and 2 back falls.

Push Activity

Immediately after finishing the 4 controlled falls, the participant grasps the handle of the machine and pushes the weight (70 lbs) off the base of the machine, then moves right or left completing a 180° arc. Six full arcs must be completed. If the participant allows the weight to drop or touch the base, the particular arc must be repeated. The participant may put the weight down on either end of the arc if necessary.

WHICH AGENCIES REQUIRE THE PARE?

Some of the law enforcement agencies using the PARE test are:

• Alberta Sheriffs
• Alberta Conservation Officers
• Alberta Parks/Alberta Fish and Wildlife Officers
• Canada Parks
• CP Police (accept both PARE and POPAT)
• Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO)
• Municipal Peace Officers
• Alberta Health Services Peace Officers

Medical clearance from a doctor is NOT required to run your PARE testing in Alberta with us as you will fill out a medical questionnaire when you register. Save yourself some time and money!