Be MDPfit for the Job

Operating effectively as an MDP officer requires maintaining excellent fitness throughout your career. Whether you're a new recruit or an experienced officer, we expect all personnel, regardless of rank, to be MDPfit and ready for the physical demands of protecting Defence assets.

Your fitness journey with us begins during recruitment and continues throughout your career. We'll assess your fitness during the application process, initial training, and annually to ensure you maintain the required standard for your role through our Job-Related Fitness Test (JRFT).

Fitness Requirements by Role

Police Constable/Sergeant ranks

Must pass the Physical Employment Standards Job-Related Fitness Test (PES-JRFT).This is for all New Recruits and New Entrant From Other Forces (NEOF).

Inspector rank and above

Required to complete either the Multi-stage Fitness Test (MSFT) to level 5.4 or the Police Chester Treadmill Test (CTT)

Detective Constable/Sergeant ranks

Must pass the PES-JRFT during recruitment, then maintain fitness levels appropriate to their role profile

Even non-armed role applicants must demonstrate capability to achieve Authorised Firearms Officer Counter Terrorism (AFO CT) standards if required, ensuring operational flexibility across our Force.

The PES-JRFT: Your fitness challenge

Designed specifically for Authorised Firearms Officers Counter Terrorism, the PES-JRFT reflects the real demands of your operational role. Both components are performed wearing a 20kg weighted vest over 20-metre shuttles.

Part 1: Cover and Movement Shuttles (CMS)

• Complete 15 shuttles following guided audio commands

• Begin with 60-metre 'insertion' (3 shuttles in 9 seconds each)

• Alternate between 8-second kneeling 'cover' positions and jogging movements

• 12 repetitions of cover and movement sequences

Part 2: Casualty Drag Test (CDS)

• Drag a 76kg weighted dummy 20 metres in 20 seconds

• Use double overhand grip maintaining 45-degree angle

• Move backwards while controlling the dummy

You have two attempts to pass both components. Success moves you to the next application stage, while unsuccessful candidates may reapply after three months.

Inspector and above: MSFT and CTT Options

Multi-stage Fitness Test (MSFT)

• The familiar 'bleep test' using 15-metre shuttles at increasing speed to achieve level 5.4

Police Chester Treadmill Test (CTT)

• Brisk 6km/hr walking pace on treadmill with gradient increases of 3% every 2 minutes for 10 minutes total.

If you do not pass the MSFT on the first attempt, you will be allowed a second attempt after a recommended period of training. You will also be offered the option of taking the Police Chester Treadmill Test (CTT), as an alternative to the MSFT.

If you’re unsuccessful at the second attempt, using the MSFT or CTT, your application will not be progressed. You will be able to re-apply after three months, subject to there being a live campaign.

Both tests meet College of Policing national standards and offer flexibility in how you demonstrate your fitness capability.

Prepare for success

Start training early and build fitness progressively through aerobic exercises like running, cycling, hill-walking, or gym workouts. Gradual progression minimises injury risk while maximising improvement.

Always warm up properly and consult your doctor if you have health concerns before beginning any training regime. Remember to start at lower intensity and duration, allowing your body to adapt to new demands.

Your fitness preparation demonstrates your commitment to the demanding but rewarding career ahead with the Ministry of Defence Police.