Candidates
Oregon - Physical Ability Test Requirements
The Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT) is a hybrid physical ability-job sample physical ability assessment process designed to evaluate entry level police officer candidates on the essential physical capacities required to satisfactory perform their job duties. ORPAT was originally based on data taken from the Canadian RCMP PARE research and tests as well as multiple Job Task Analysis (JTA’s) for the Oregon police and corrections officers.
ORPAT was designed to replicate critical and essential physical tasks and demands faced by police officers in the normal performance of their duties. Both specific tasks and overall physical demands are replicated in the ORPAT through the use of a carefully designed and validated timed "obstacle course".
The ORPAT will be typically administered in the following order:
- Mobility Run
- Push Pull Machine
- Dummy Drag
You must successfully pass all events within 5 minutes and 30 seconds.
Physical Ability Test
Events
Event #1 - Mobility Run
The ORPAT consist of a 1235-foot obstacle run where the officer must demonstrate essential, job related physical abilities such as mobility, agility, flexibility, power and general physical endurance.
1. From the course start cone the candidate runs to the outside of the marked course towards the first obstacle the balance beam. The candidate must cross the beam in a controlled manner. If the candidate falls off the beam the candidate must go back to the start cone and renegotiate the beam.
2. The candidate goes around the next cone and turns right running towards the second obstacle, the candidate must jump across a five foot obstacle (mat). The candidate must successfully get all the way across the five foot jump. If the candidate hits any part of the five foot mat the first penalty is free the second one is a 5 second penalty.
3. The candidate goes around the next cone and turns left running towards the third obstacle, the stair simulator. The candidate must run up and down the stairs hitting at least two steps on the way up and two steps on the way down. The candidate will go around the cone at the bottom of the stairs and go back up and down the stairs. The candidate must not jump from the top platform. If this occurs the candidate will repeat that portion of the stairs.
4. The candidate will turn right and proceed onto the forth obstacle, the crawl obstacle. The candidate will crawl under this obstacle touching at least one knee on the mat. The candidate must not knock over or carry this obstacle. If the candidate carries or knocks over the crawl obstacle the first one is free the second one is a 2 second penalty.
5. The candidate will go around the next cone and turn left and run towards the next two identical obstacles, 18 inch high hurdles. The candidate must jump over the center of each obstacle. If the candidate knocks over one of these obstacles the first one is free and the second one is a 2 second penalty.
6. The candidate will go around the next cone and turn right and runs towards the next obstacle and vault over a 3-foot high railing simulating a fence. The candidate will land on both feet in control on the opposite side of the vault obstacle, fall to their back or stomach (alternating on each lap) recover to their feet without mechanical assistance and proceed around the start cone before beginning the second lap. Six laps are completed in this manner.
Event #2 - Push Pull Machine
Push Activity
After completing the obstacle run the candidate moves to the mechanical push/pull station, consisting of a push-pull unit and a line on the wall 39” from the floor. Reaching the push-pull machine after completing the sixth lap of the obstacle course should not take more than five seconds. Upon reaching the push-pull unit the candidate grasps the machine handles and pushes 80lbs off the floor, then moves left to right completing a 180-degree arc. Six complete arcs must be executed by bringing the bar parallel with the base of the machine. The candidate must remain in control of the machine throughout the activity. The candidate’s chest may not touch the lever arm. Arms must remain bent at the elbow throughout the performance of the activity.
Controlled Falls
Once the push activity is completed the weight is released, again while maintaining control at all times. The candidate moves away from the unit, falls on his/her back executes a sit-up like maneuver, rising to a standing position touching the marked line on the wall 39 inches from the floor. The candidate will then repeat this fall to their back. The candidate then executes a third fall to their stomach executing a push-up like movement and stands up touching the marked line. The candidate will repeat this fall to their stomach. This sequence is repeated twice, (4 falls, 2 back, 2 front). The candidate can not use the wall for assistance to help them to the standing position.
Pull Activity
When the forth fall is completed the candidate grasps the rope and pulls the weight off the floor. Maintaining the weight in this position, the candidate moves through an arc 180 degrees by bringing the bar parallel to the base of the machine. This action is repeated six times. The candidate must remain in control at all times and their elbows must remain flexed.
Event #3 - Dummy Drag
After a 60-second rest period subsequent to completing the obstacle course and the push-pull portions of the test, the candidate must drag a 165 pound dummy a distance of 25 feet. Candidates must use the under the arm technique to accomplish this. The candidate will then drag the dummy for 25 feet. candidate must perform this tack in a controlled and continuous manner. One motion is started the candidate cannot stop if they are to pass this section of the test. candidates will have three attempts to complete the task. Three unsuccessful trials will constitute a failure. Candidate failing the dummy drag section fail the ORPAT examination.
Preparing For The Fitness Ability Test
In preparation for the Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT); individuals should take into consideration many factors that will influence their training. Among these are: current training routines; knowledge of training modalities; specific goals for training; and an understanding of the components of fitness. Individuals that currently exercise regularly and across all components of fitness should be prepared for the test with possibly some minor adjustments to their routine. Before beginning any exercise program, it is important to consult a physician about your current state of health and any problems that arise during your selected form of exercise.
Components of Fitness
Flexibility - The ability to elongate muscles and move joints through a normal range of motion.
Cardiovascular Endurance - The ability to elevate the heart rate and maintain that elevated heart rate for extended periods of time.
Muscular Endurance - The ability of a muscle or muscle group to perform repeated movements for extended periods of time (sub-maximal).
Muscular Strength - The greatest amount of force a muscle or muscle group can exert in a single effort (maximal).
Warm-up and Dynamic Flexibility
A good warm-up is key in developing flexibility and preventing injury. In order for muscles to elongate they must be warm. To make this happen "Just Move." No matter your preferred movement; jogging, back-pedaling, side shuffles, skipping, jumping rope, shadow boxing; "Just Move" for 3-5minutes to warm-up before beginning dynamic stretching.
Dynamic stretching is the elongation of muscles through movement. While slowing from the warm-up you should continue to move during dynamic stretching. The following some examples of dynamic stretches that could be utilized during a warm-up.
1. Walking Lunge - Step forward with a long stride, keeping the front knee over the ankle. Drop back knee toward the ground without touching the ground. Stand up and walk a couple of steps and repeat on the other leg.
2. Knee Hug to a Lunge - Bring one knee to the chest; release into a lunge; walk a couple of steps and repeat on the other leg.
3. Alternating Side Lunge - Long stride to the side. Squat down keeping the back leg straight and entire sole of the foot planted on the ground. Stand up and walk a couple of steps, face opposite direction and repeat on the other leg.
4. Lunge with a Twist - Same as a walking lunge with the addition of an upper body rotation over the forward leg at the bottom of the lunge.
5. Walking Toe Grab - Reach down and grab toes on same side, keeping leg straight. Stand up and walk a couple of steps and repeat on the other leg.
6. Straight-Legged March - Keeping legs straight, kick one up in front of body as high as possible. Reach out with opposite side hand and try to touch the toes. Walk a couple of steps and repeat on other leg.
7. Bent Knee Glute Sit - Keeping one leg straight, bend other at the knee across straight leg just above the knee. Put slight downward pressure on the knee while at the same time putting slight upward pressure at the heel. From this position sit down until you feel a stretch through the glutes. Stand up and walk a couple of steps and repeat on the other leg.
8. Ankle Pick to a Toe Touch - Keeping one leg straight, bend other at the knee and behind the straight leg. Grab foot with opposite side hand. Bend over and touch toes with available hand. Walk a couple of steps and repeat on the other leg.
Training
The best means of training for the ORPAT is powerful, short-burst movements. H.I.T.T. style interval training will help to prepare you. Resistance training will help you to sustain some of the impact created by the obstacles. Movements requiring you to change elevation, go to the ground and get back up or navigating stairs will be very beneficial. Again, try to create programs that incorporate all components of fitness. If you have a preferred training modality (ex. running or resistance training) continue with it. Simply add exercises that correlate to the obstacles presented by the course.
