Physical Fitness Qualifier Flashcards

A candidate for the LAPD takes the Physical Fitness Qualifier (PFQ). Their scores are: 40 points on the sit-ups, 30 points on the push-ups, and 35 points on the 1.5-mile run. However, they only score 15 points on the 300-meter run. What is the result of their PFQ?

Answer: Fail, because they did not achieve the minimum required score in every event.

While some agencies may have different standards, to pass the LAPD PFQ, a candidate must achieve a minimum score in *each* event, in addition to a minimum cumulative score. Scoring below the minimum threshold in even one event, such as the 300-meter run in this scenario, results in an overall failure of the entire test, regardless of a high total score.

The 300-meter run is a component of the LAPD PFQ that is designed to simulate the physical demands of a short foot pursuit. This event primarily measures a candidate's:

Answer: Anaerobic capacity

The 300-meter run is a short, high-intensity sprint. This type of exertion relies on the body's anaerobic energy system for short bursts of power and speed, directly simulating a chase. Aerobic capacity (cardiovascular endurance) is measured by the 1.5-mile run.

During the push-up portion of the PFQ, a candidate performs 40 push-ups. However, the proctor only counts 32 as valid repetitions. Which of the following is the most likely reason for the 8 disqualified repetitions?

Answer: The candidate did not lower their chest sufficiently close to the ground.

LAPD PFQ protocol for the push-up requires the candidate to lower their body until their chest makes contact with the proctor's fist on the ground. Failing to achieve the proper depth is the most common reason for a repetition not being counted. Resting in the 'up' position is allowed, and there is no rule against performing them quickly as long as form is maintained.

Which of the following physical abilities is directly assessed as a distinct, scored event in the LAPD Physical Fitness Qualifier?

Answer: Core muscular endurance

The LAPD PFQ consists of four specific events: maximum sit-ups in one minute, 300-meter sprint, maximum push-ups, and a 1.5-mile run. The sit-up event is a direct measure of core muscular endurance. The other options, while important physical abilities for police work, are not measured as separate, scored events in this specific test battery.

A candidate attempts the LAPD PFQ and successfully passes all four events with a high cumulative score. What is the next immediate step for this candidate in the hiring process?

Answer: They are deemed qualified to proceed to the next stage of the selection process.

The Physical Fitness Qualifier is a qualifying, pass/fail component of the hiring process. Successfully passing it means the candidate is eligible to move forward to the next step, which could be the medical evaluation, background investigation, or department interview. The PFQ score itself does not determine a final ranking for hiring.

During the 1-minute sit-up event, a candidate performs 40 repetitions. For all repetitions, they successfully touch their elbows to their knees and their shoulder blades to the floor. However, for the first 20 repetitions their fingers are interlocked behind their head, and for the last 20 their arms are crossed over their chest. What is the candidate's most likely official score?

Answer: 0, because crossing arms over the chest is an invalid technique.

According to LAPD PFQ demonstration videos, the only two acceptable hand positions for the sit-up are fingers interlocked behind the head or arms crossed over the chest with hands on opposite shoulders. However, a different source for police testing states fingers must be interlaced behind the head. Given the official LAPD video shows a specific technique (arms crossed), any deviation, including the 'fingers interlaced' method common in other tests, would likely invalidate those repetitions. The valid technique requires arms to be crossed over the chest.