Fitness
Eligibility - Fitness
Be MDPfit for the Job
At the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP), maintaining excellent fitness is essential to perform effectively 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 begins at recruitment and continues throughout your service. We'll assess your fitness during the application process, initial training, and annually via our Job-Related Fitness Test (JRFT) to ensure you meet the standards required for your role.
Fitness Requirements by Role
Police Constable/Sergeant ranks
All New Recruits and New Entrant From Other Forces (NEOF) must pass the Physical Employment Standards Job-Related Fitness Test (PES-JRFT).
Inspector rank and above
Officers at Inspector rank and higher are 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
All applicants, including those for non-armed roles, must demonstrate the capability to meet Authorised Firearms Officer Counter Terrorism (AFO CT) standards if required, ensuring operational flexibility across the Force.
The PES-JRFT: Your fitness challenge
The Physical Employment Standards Job-Related Fitness Test is designed specifically for Authorised Firearms Officers Counter Terrorism, reflectiong the real physical demands of the role. Both parts of the test are performed wearing a 20kg weighted vest over 20-metre shuttles.
Candidates have two attempts to pass both components. Successful completion advances you to the next stage of application. If unsuccessful, you may reapply after three months.
Watch our guidance video, where our Fitness, Health and Wellbeing Advisor explains the PES JRFT in detail, so you know exactly what to expect.
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.
Perform 12 repetitions of cover and movement sequences.
Part 2: Casualty Drag Test (CDS)
Drag a 76kg weighted dummy 20 metres within 20 seconds.
Use a double overhand grip maintaining 45-degree angle.
Move backwards while controlling the dummy.
Inspector and above: MSFT and CTT Options
Multi-stage Fitness Test (MSFT)
The familiar 'bleep test' using 15-metre shuttles at increasing speed, requiring a minimum level of 5.4.
Police Chester Treadmill Test (CTT)
Walk briskly at 6km/hr on a treadmill with gradient increasing by 3% every 2 minutes for a total of 10 minutes.
If you do not pass the MSFT on your first attempt, you will be allowed a second attempt after a recommended training period. You will also be offered the option of taking the Police Chester Treadmill Test (CTT), as an alternative.
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 your fitness progressively through aerobic exercises like running, cycling, hill-walking, or gym workouts. Gradual progression minimises injury risk and maximises improvement.
Always warm up properly and consult your doctor if you have health concerns before beginning any training regime. Begin with lower intensity and duration to allow 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.