Physical Agility Test (PAT)

To get ready for the test, applicants should: 

• Review the complete list of obstacle course tasks.
• Exercise and prepare for the test in a safe manner 
• Register early. Appointments can book up months in advance. 

Registration

Step 1: Register and pay the $40 fee for the PAT test. Register here.  

Step 2: Print or pick up a copy of the Physician’s Medical Clearance Form in room PSC 123 on the Lake Worth campus. The form must be completed and signed by a Florida licensed physician.

Step 3: Submit the Physician's Medical Clearance Form at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled test, but no earlier than three months beforehand. The form will NOT be accepted on the day of testing. You may drop off the form in room PSC 123 or email it to Christine Todaro at todaroc@pbsc.edu.

• Arrival: Arrive at least 30 minutes early
• Dress Code:
  • T-shirt
  • Gym shorts
  • Socks and appropriate footwear for running
  • No offensive logos or caricatures

• What to bring:
  • A valid photo ID
  • Water bottle for hydration 

The test is scored on a pass/fail basis. Passed tests are valid for one year. If you fail, you may repeat the test. Prospective students are allowed unlimited attempts, but they must schedule and pay the fee for each test.  

Results from other institutions 

PAT tests from other institutions are NOT accepted for self-sponsored students.  

Task 1: Exit Vehicle/Enter Trunk

Attributes Measured: Eye-hand coordination, reaction time, finger dexterity and flexibility.

Task Description: Participant begins course seated in a full-size automobile, seat belt on, with hands at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions on the steering wheel. The participants will wear a pull-away flag belt around his/her waist. The trunk key is in the closed glove compartment. A revolver and a flashlight are positioned in the front center part of the trunk. The trunk is closed and locked.

Instructions:

• On the command “go,” the stopwatch is started and the participant will unfasten his/her seat belt, open the glove compartment and remove the key.
• With key in hand, exit the vehicle (closing the driver’s door upon exit).
• Upon exiting the vehicle, reach to the back of the belt and pull the belt off (letting the belt to fall to the ground).
• Move to the trunk, unlock and open the trunk with the key.
• Remove the revolver and the flashlight and close the trunk.
• Place the revolver and keys on the stool, located at the side of the passenger side of the vehicle.
• Keep the flashlight in hand and carry it with him/her throughout the 220-yard run (and obstacle course).
• After placing the handgun and keys on the stool, (with flashlight in hand) begin the (first) 220-yard run.

 

Task 2: 220-Yard Run

Attributes Measured: Anaerobic capacity (muscular endurance).

Task Description: While carrying the flashlight the participant runs 220 yards on a flat surface to the entrance of the obstacle course.

Instructions:

• Run 220 yards with flashlight in hand.
• After completing the run, proceed to the obstacle course.
• Keep flashlight in hand.

 

Task 3: Obstacle Course

Attributes Measured: Mobility, anaerobic capacity (muscular endurance), flexibility and coordination.

Task Description: Upon completion of the 220-yard run, the participant passes through the pylons at the entrance to the obstacle course, consisting of the following tasks.

Instructions:

• Climb over a 40-inch wall.
• High step or jump over a series of three hurdles.
• Serpentine through a forty-foot course of nine pylons.
• Low crawl eight feet, under three high hurdles.
• Leave the flashlight at the end of the low crawl and move to the “dummy drag” task.
• Note: If at any time, the participant knocks over a hurdle or pylon, they immediately stop and repeat that portion of the obstacle course.

 

Task 4: Dummy Drag

Attributes Measured: Muscular endurance, strength/power, flexibility and agility.

Task Description: The participant sprints from the obstacle course, 50 feet, to the 150-pound dummy and drags it 100 feet on a cut grass surface.

Instructions:

• Sprint 50 feet to the dummy.
• Drag or move the dummy 100 feet.
• Move back to the obstacle course.

 

Task 5: Obstacle Course (Repeat of Task 3 in Reverse)

Task Description: Upon completion of the dummy drag, sprint back to the obstacle course, pick up the flashlight and complete the obstacle course in reverse (low crawl, serpentine, high step and wall).

 

Task 6: 220-Yard Run (Repeat of Task 2)

Attributes Measured: Anaerobic capacity (muscular endurance).

Task Description: While carrying the flashlight the participant runs 220 yards on a flat surface to the entrance of the obstacle course.

Instructions:

• Run 220 yards with flashlight in hand.
• After completing the run, proceed to the obstacle course.
• Keep flashlight in hand.

 

Task 7: Dry Fire Weapon

Attributes Measured: Strength/power, muscular endurance and finger strength.

Task Description: After completing the (second) 220-yard run, place the flashlight on the stool and pick up the revolver; using a one-handed grip fire six round with each hand.

Instructions:

• Place flashlight on the bench.
• Pick up revolver.
• Assume a firing position while keeping arm completely outstretched at shoulder height and parallel with the ground.
• Fire six rounds with each hand.

 

Task 8: Enter Trunk/Enter Vehicle (Repeat of Task 1 in Reverse)

Task Description: After firing the weapon, place the weapon and flashlight in the trunk, close the trunk. With key in hand, reenter the vehicle, close the vehicle door, place the key in the ignition, fasten the seat belt and place both hands on the steering wheel. Time stops when participant’s hands rest on the steering wheel.

Instructions:

• Pick up flashlight and handgun.
• Place both items in the trunk.
• Close trunk and remove key.
• Reenter the vehicle.
• Close the vehicle door and place key in the ignition.
• Fasten seat belt.
• Place both hands on the steering wheel.