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Peace Officer Physical Aptitude Test

Mastering the POPAT

The Peace Officer Physical Abilities Test (POPAT) is a series of physical events assessing your fitness and readiness for a career in law enforcement.

Need extra help preparing for POPAT? Join us at PHX PD’s Success With Effort & Training (SWET) weekly workouts.

Coming in 2026: Physical Ability Test (PAT)

Beginning in 2026, the Phoenix Police Department will transition from the current POPAT (Peace Officer Physical Fitness Test) to the new Physical Ability Test (PAT).

The PAT is designed to reflect the real-world physical demands of policing. Candidates will complete a series of tasks that simulate essential job functions, including:

Obstacle navigation: climbing over barriers and maneuvering through tight spaces.
Pursuit simulation: short-distance sprinting and directional changes.
Victim rescue: dragging a weighted dummy to safety.
Equipment carry: lifting and transporting weighted objects.

The requirement for successful completion of the PAT is to finish the course in two minutes and six seconds (2:06) or less. The test is graded on a pass/fail basis.

More information and training videos will be posted soon. Follow our social media @JOINPHXPD for updates.

POPAT Events

The POPAT consists of the following events:

Solid Fence Climb

Chain Link Fence Climb

165 lb. Body Drag

99 Yard Obstacle (agility) Course

500 Yard Run

For more detailed information visit the link below.

Why is the POPAT Important?

The POPAT is a required step in the recruitment process. It not only evaluates your physical fitness but also your ability to perform under pressure. Watch this video demonstrating how POPAT applies to real-life scenarios.