Welcome to the V-PAT for taking your Washington State Law Enforcement and Corrections physical ability testing! Our most flexible testing option, the V-PAT is designed to allow you to take your PAT on your schedule - there is no need to wait for a PST test event!
As with any of our tests, we recommend that you consider all your testing options and choose the best method for you. When you take the V-PAT, there is no live proctor, so ensuring you have the correct equipment set-up and complete the events correctly is your responsibility! Many candidates will find it helpful to have a second person observe their testing to ensure they correctly complete the events.
You must have either a mobile smartphone, tablet, or computer (only one is required).
Your device will be used to record your performance so that PST can proctor and score your V-PAT. Your device must meet the following requirements:
Laptop running macOS 10.15.4+
Laptop running WindowsOS 10+
iPhone 7 or later running iOS 13+
Android device running Android OS 5+
Camera and microphone enabled
A stand/holder for your device so that it can record your performance.
You must have a reliable internet connection.
Your device should have a 4G+ or WiFi connection with at least 4 Mbps or better (broadband recommended). If you lose internet connection, your event may not upload and will not be scored. Data rates may apply.
Prop Requirements
Push-ups event props:
One 4-inch (or less) item for judging lowest point of push-up. Examples include:
A toilet paper roll
Paper Towel
A rolled up bath/kitchen towel secured with a rubber-band
Yoga block
Etc.
Tape measure or ruler for verifying height of the 4-inch item.
Sit-ups event props:
A device to secure your feet for the duration of the event. Examples of potential props include:
Placing weights over your feet/ankles
Placing your feet under a couch or chair
Placing your feet under a doorframe
Using a second person to hold your feet/ankles
You will need to secure your feet before the test begins. You are not able to adjust the foothold after you start the event.
Squat Thrusts Event Props:
No props are required for this event.
You may use a mat for the test, but you must ensure that you are either entirely on or entirely off the mat throughout the test.
Testing Considerations
The V-PAT option is ONLY for those candidates testing for Washington State Law Enforcement and/or Corrections. Physical ability testing for other states’ requirements are not supported. If you need to take a PAT for a state other than Washington, please consider our other PAT testing methods.
You must complete all testing yourself. Cheating during the testing process will not be tolerated and will result in your disqualification.
Ensure you have all equipment and props required BEFORE starting your test. The test should take you 30-45 minutes to complete.
Once you start the PAT, your submissions will be time-stamped. Taking longer than the allotted time will result in a failure.
Your device must be connected to the internet at all times for video recording and uploading.
Once you begin your test, you must complete each event in order. You will receive:
90-seconds for Push-up event
90-seconds for Sit-up event
3-minutes for Squat Thrusts event
Up to 10 minutes between each event for recovery and set-up of your next event
Choose a testing location that is quiet and free from distractions and obstructions. The location must be large enough that your recording device can capture your entire range of motion during testing.
You will be required to show and/or sign multiple documents in your PST account prior to and/or during your testing.
Your government-issued photo ID
A signed Applicant Liability and Waiver Form, Test Security Agreement & Non-Disclosure Agreement
PST requires a video recording of each event including audio and a clear view of your performance during each event which is uploaded to the PST website for proctoring and scoring. Events will be scored within 1-2 business days after submission.
Tips for Success
Turn the volume up on your device to ensure you can clearly hear the instructions, reminders, and time remaining.
Consider counting out loud to ensure you complete at least the minimum number of repetitions.
You may choose to have a second person assist you to call out any form discrepancies, assist with ensuring your camera is placed correctly, and/or count your repetitions for you.
Ensure you place your device far enough away from you that your entire body is in the camera frame. If your entire body is not in frame, we may be unable to score your event.
We recommend you complete more than the minimum requirement, as any incorrect repetitions will not be counted.
Common Failure Items
The main reason candidates fail the V-PAT is a failure to follow instructions. As with all aspects of the hiring process, pay close attention to the instructions and follow them directly! Reach out to PST with any questions or concerns before you start your testing.
Your ENTIRE body must be visible in the camera frame during all events.
Complete at least the minimum required number of CORRECT repetitions. We recommend you complete more than the required number, as any incorrect repetitions will not be counted.
It’s not only about the number of repetitions, but the number of CORRECT repetitions. If you perform 60 squat thrusts but only 30 are done correctly, the test will be considered a failure. Make sure to pace yourself so that each exercise is performed accurately. Remember, quality is key!
For sit ups: You MUST touch your hands to the floor behind your head in the down position AND your elbows to your knees in the up position. Failure to do so will result in an incorrect repetition.
For squat thrusts: Your MUST kick your feet back into the plank position AT THE SAME TIME. Failure to do so will result in an incorrect repetition.
All event videos (push-ups, sit-ups, and squat thrusts) are single attempt.
Push Ups
The push ups test measures the muscular strength/endurance of the upper body muscles in the shoulders, chest, and back of the upper arms (the triceps). You will have 90 seconds to successfully complete 20 push-ups (LEO) or 15 push-ups (COR).
Sit Ups
The sit ups test measures the muscular strength/endurance of the abdominal muscles, which are used in self-defense and high intensity arrest-simulation training. Further these muscles are important for performing tasks that involve the use of force, and it helps maintain good posture and minimize lower back problems. You will have 90 seconds to successfully complete 25 sit-ups (LEO) or 12 sit-ups (COR).
Squat Thrusts
The squat thrusts test is used to gauge the ability to participate in the physical requirements expected during the Basic Law Enforcement Academy and Corrections Officer Academy Control and Defensive Tactics training. You will have 3 minutes to successfully complete 35 squat thrusts (LEO) or 25 squat thrusts (COR).
TESTING IN WASHINGTON STATE CANCELED THROUGH MAY 31, 2020
All pre-employment tests in Washington State have been canceled until May 31, 2020 unless government restrictions are eased. With recent updates, facility closures, and government guidelines, this step is necessary and could be modified at any time. The health and safety of our customers, our staff, and their families is of the highest priority.
We will continue to evaluate developments and make changes to this policy as necessary. When we do resume testing, there will be plenty of events for everyone to test. We are in regular communication with our public safety agency partners, assessing alternatives to the traditional testing model and our testing policies. Any future updates will be posted on the PST website and our Facebook page.
4/1/2020 Update:
If you have tested with PST in the past 12 months, there may be additional positions you are now eligible to add. Several departments have temporarily changed their testing policies due to the suspension in testing that COVID-19 has caused. Please login to your PST account and navigate to the ‘New Positions’ page to see what departments you can add! We will regularly update that page in your account as departments send updates.
FUTURE TEST REGISTRATION
We know that there will be testing in the future - we just don’t know when! We want you to be prepared for when testing begins again so we have created test events on our calendar that you can register for that will place you in a queue to be first notified. These tests are not “real” test events, they are essentially a holding area. You will be able to “reschedule” out of that event to any other event date/location at no cost. Registering now will also give you time to work on your Personal History Statement (PHS) so that your data will be ready and up-to-date to send to your departments once testing resumes.
To sign up for this placeholder event, select the June 15, 2020 test date in your category (police, fire, 911 dispatch, corrections, etc.).
You may also click on the test event of interest below to sign up:
Please check back here frequently and ‘Like’ our Facebook page to stay updated.
PST staff are working remotely and are available by email at contact@publicsafetytesting.com. We anticipate a high email volume and will respond as quickly as possible.
