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PFIT & Recruitment Exam

Illinois State Police Merit Board

Physical Fitness Inventory Test (PFIT) & Recruitment Exam

Understand the Physical Fitness Inventory Test, required standards, and check your readiness for the Cadet Applicant Testing Process.

Physical Fitness Inventory Test

PFIT Overview

The Physical Fitness Inventory Test (PFIT) is a required component of the Illinois State Police Cadet Applicant Process. It is designed to measure the minimum physical abilities necessary to safely and effectively perform essential law enforcement duties.

1

Sit & Reach

Measures flexibility.

2

Sit-Ups

One minute abdominal endurance test.

3

Bench Press

Measures upper-body strength.

4

1.5 Mile Run

Measures cardiovascular endurance.

Important: Applicants must meet or exceed the minimum standard in each event to successfully pass the Physical Fitness Inventory Test.

Physical Fitness Inventory Test

PFIT Events Explained

Learn what each PFIT event measures and why it is important for the essential duties of an Illinois State Trooper.

1

Sit & Reach Test

Measures flexibility of the lower back and upper leg area. Flexibility is important for performing law enforcement tasks requiring range of motion and may help reduce lower back injuries.

Score: Distance reached in inches.

2

One Minute Sit-Up Test

Measures muscular endurance of the abdominal muscles. Core strength is important for maintaining posture, reducing lower back problems, and performing physically demanding law enforcement duties.

Score: Number of correctly completed sit-ups in one minute.

3

Bench Press

Measures upper-body strength and force generation. Upper-body strength is essential for many law enforcement tasks requiring physical control and force application.

Score: Weight pressed divided by body weight.

4

1.5 Mile Run

Measures cardiovascular endurance and the body's ability to transport oxygen during physical activity. Endurance is critical for sustained law enforcement operations and overall fitness.

Score: Recorded in minutes and seconds.

Physical Fitness Inventory Test

PFIT Standards

Review the minimum Physical Fitness Inventory Test standards based on age and gender.

Female Standards
Age Group Sit & Reach Sit-Ups Bench Ratio 1.5 Mile Run
Age 20–29 19.25" 32 0.59 15:26
Age 30–39 18.25" 25 0.53 15:57
Age 40–49 17.25" 20 0.50 16:58
Age 50–59 16.75" 14 0.44 17:55
Male Standards
Age Group Sit & Reach Sit-Ups Bench Ratio 1.5 Mile Run
Age 20–29 16.5" 38 0.99 12:51
Age 30–39 15.5" 35 0.88 13:36
Age 40–49 14.25" 29 0.80 14:29
Age 50–59 13.25" 24 0.71 15:26

Applicant Resources

PFIT Tools & Resources

Use the resources below to prepare for the Physical Fitness Inventory Test and better understand testing expectations.

PFIT Overview Video

Watch an overview of the PFIT events, testing process, and expectations.

WATCH VIDEO →

PFIT Standards PDF

Download the official PFIT scoring standards used during testing.

DOWNLOAD PDF →

PFIT Preparation Guide

Training recommendations and preparation tips for each PFIT event.

VIEW GUIDE →

PFIT Calculator

PFIT Standards Checker

PFIT Standards Checker

Enter your information to view the minimum PFIT standards required for your age group.


This information is for informational purposes only. Official standards, scoring, and eligibility determinations will be verified by Illinois State Police testing staff on the day of the PFIT. Actual testing requirements and results may vary based on official procedures and evaluations.


Training Tool

PFIT Readiness Checker

Compare your current fitness levels against the Illinois State Police PFIT standards.


This information is for informational purposes only. Official standards, scoring, and eligibility determinations will be verified by Illinois State Police testing staff on the day of the PFIT. Actual testing requirements and results may vary based on official procedures and evaluations.


Examination

Recruitment Exam

Applicants who successfully complete the Physical Fitness Inventory Test are administered the online Recruitment Examination on the same day.

Online Recruitment Examination

The Recruitment Exam is administered on the same day as the PFIT. The Merit Board will notify each applicant of their Recruitment Exam score by email.

Applicants who earn a score of 70 or higher are placed into the eligibility pool based on their Recruitment Examination score.

Study Materials: Optional study guides and practice tests are available for purchase. These materials are not required to participate in the Recruitment Examination. Candidates will complete the LST Exam.

Applicant Resources

What to Do Next

Use these resources to continue through the applicant process after reviewing PFIT information.

Illinois State Police eligibility information

Requirements

Am I Eligible?

Review minimum qualifications before submitting your application.

Review Eligibility →
How to become an Illinois State Trooper

Selection Process

How Do I Become a Trooper?

Learn about each step from application through academy appointment.

View Process →
Frequently asked questions

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common applicant questions about the hiring process.

View FAQs →
Application fee waiver program

Applicant Support

Application Fee Waiver

Learn about the State Police Merit Board's Application Fee Waiver Program.

Learn More →