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Police · Recruit constable

Police fitness test: what level is 5:4?

The Job-Related Fitness Test (JRFT) is the 15 m shuttle run used by police forces across England and Wales, Police Scotland and British Transport Police. The entry standard is level 5:4 — 35 shuttles, 525 m, in 3 minutes 35 seconds.

Verified 2026-09-06 against College of Policing — JRFT implementation guidance.

The pass mark

5:4

3 min 35 s

525 m (35 shuttles)

Run the 15 m test to 5:4

Role standards

Marine unit / CBRN / Method of entry

5:4

Run it

Dog handler / Mounted

5:7

Run it

Police cyclist

5:8

Run it

Public order (PSU)

6:3

Run it

Air support

6:4

Run it

Police divers

6:8

Run it

Marine tactical

7:2

Run it

Authorised Firearms Officer (AFO)

7:6

Run it

Armed Response Vehicle (ARV)

9:4

Run it

DIAFO / CTSFO

10:5

Run it

Alternatives

Chester Treadmill Police Walking Test

For candidates with a lower-limb injury: 6 km/h, incline rising 3% every 2 minutes.

10:00 = VO₂ 35, the 5:4 equivalent

Chester Treadmill Police Running Test

For candidates with a lower-limb injury: 10.4 km/h, incline rising 3% every 2 minutes.

8:00 = VO₂ 46 (ARV equivalent) · 10:00 = VO₂ 51 (DIAFO equivalent)

Good to know

The push/pull test is gone

The 'Dyno' push/pull strength test was withdrawn from the JRFT in 2016. Only the 15 m shuttle run remains force-wide.

PSNI doesn't use a bleep test

Police Service of Northern Ireland uses a circuit instead: 3 laps in 4 minutes 30 seconds, not the 15 m shuttle run.

Ministry of Defence Police is harder

MDP candidates run 15 shuttles over 20 m wearing a 20 kg vest, then drag a 76 kg load 20 m in 20 seconds.

Common questions

What level is the Police (JRFT) bleep test?

15 m shuttle run (JRFT) to level 5:4 (3 min 35 s · 525 m (35 shuttles)).

When do I take the Police (JRFT)?

Force-discretionary — most forces run it during the assessment centre stage; some, including the Met, schedule it after interview alongside the medical.

How many attempts do I get?

At least two attempts are allowed; forces advise leaving 6 weeks or more between attempts to retrain.

Does the standard change by role?

Yes — 10 roles carry a different standard from the entry-level one. See the role standards below.

8 weeks to 5:4, on-site

Plan opens next

Sources

Changelog
  • 2026-09-06 — Initial verified entry against College of Policing implementation guidance, Police Scotland, BTP and Met recruitment pages.
  • 2026-09-07 — Added the Met recruitment-process page as a source (JRFT sits after interview, with the medical). Allowlist widened to the restricted police.uk domain.