| As a California Highway Patrol (CHP) cadet | | | | perform the minimum physical requirements |
| applicant, you must perform and pass the CHP | | | | demanded of a CHP officer. This is done through |
| Physical Ability Test (PAT) which is a | | | | five separate tests: |
| straightforward physical strength and agility test. | | | | - 100 yard Sprint - 20 second time limit |
| Preparation for this test is best done by pursuing | | | | - 500 yard Run - 2 minute time limit |
| a regular physical fitness training program that | | | | - Side Step - 10 second agility - 13 point minimum |
| improves your cardio-respiratory endurance, core | | | | - Upper Body Strength - 3 tests on shoulder, grip, |
| muscle strength, and overall flexibility. | | | | & dynamic arm strength |
| The PAT consists of five (5) physical | | | | - Trunk Strength Flexion - 113 pounds of force |
| performance tests that include sprinting and | | | | minimum using abdominals |
| running, upper body and trunk strength | | | | Each portion of the PAT is pass/fail and you must |
| measurements, and coordination and balance | | | | pass all five of the PAT tests. Your score is given |
| abilities. | | | | after each test, so you know where you stand |
| Once notified that you are scheduled for the PAT, | | | | throughout the testing. |
| be advised that you will need to have a photo ID, | | | | Keep in mind that the PAT measures the |
| plus your completed STD 678 and CHP 446F | | | | minimum physical requirements for a CHP officer. |
| forms. If you are under a physician's care, you | | | | Common sense dictates that you will face this |
| need to request their approval to participate. | | | | test with confidence if you engage in a regular |
| The day before, and the day of, your PAT should | | | | fitness training program. You will know what your |
| be ruled by common sense. This means: | | | | body can endure, how it can perform under |
| - Get a good nights rest - 6 hours sleep minimum | | | | pressure, and how much you can demand of it. |
| - No alcoholic beverages within 8 hours of your | | | | None of the PAT performance exams are outside |
| test time | | | | the physical capability range of an applicant who |
| - No food within 3 hours of your test time | | | | has pursued a regular fitness regimen. |
| - Avoid heavy physical or emotionally stressful | | | | Your main goal is to stay focused on the task at |
| work within 2 hours of your test time | | | | hand, the test you are immediately facing, and |
| Dress appropriately for strenuous physical activity | | | | not the tasks and tests that are ahead of you. |
| - loose-fitting clothes and well-fitting athletic shoes. | | | | Approach each test as you would approach each |
| What you wear during your usual fitness training | | | | element of your regular fitness routine - recognize |
| sessions is fine. Your PAT is not the time to try | | | | when you need hydrating, stretch and warm up |
| out new athletic shoes or clothing. Bring water and | | | | before each test - and smile! You're well-prepared |
| a light snack - again, these should be your | | | | and ready to blow right through your PAT and |
| accustomed work-out refreshments. | | | | move on to your Qualifications Appraisal Panel |
| The PAT is designed to measure if you can | | | | (QAP) interview! |