Border Patrol Agents (BPAs) work around the clock on assignments in all types of terrain and weather conditions and in many isolated communities throughout the United States. It is a physically demanding position that requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to meet the rigorous demands of training and the physical requirements of the position.
CBP law enforcement fitness standards applied during selection and training are job-related and designed to predict an applicant’s ability to meet academy physical requirements and minimum physical job requirements. During the hiring process, you will be required to pass a Pre-employment Physical Fitness Test (PFT) . Since job requirements are the same for all BPAs, the tests and their standards are the same for all applicants and are not based on race, age or gender.
| Test | Repetitions | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-Ups | 25 | 1 minute |
| Push-Ups | 20 | 1 minute |
| 14" Step Test | 120 steps/minute | 5 minutes |
The Fitness Test: Hiring Process Deep Dive Video
Description: The fitness standards ensure we are hiring candidates who can meet the physical demands of the work we do. To succeed as a Border Patrol Agent, CBP requires you to pass a physical fitness test. This video breaks down what you need to know to meet the physical fitness requirements for your position, how to schedule your test, what you need on the day of your test, and more.
The BPA PFT Physical Readiness Program document provides you with a six-week standardized training program designed to help you successfully pass the PFT. As part of this physical readiness program, you will have the chance to conduct a self-assessment using the PFT protocol, which is thoroughly explained in detail. Being physically prepared to pass the fitness test is a critical step in the pre-employment process and requires your full commitment. The document has video hyperlinks that will help you better understand how to perform the training program.
BPA Physical Fitness Test Frequently Asked Questions
The Physical Fitness Test will take place shortly after you have been tentatively selected for the position. CBP expects candidates to be fully prepared for the physical fitness test at the time of application for the position.
You will be contacted by a contractor to schedule the appointment for the PFT. The contact information you provide to the Hiring Center will be used by our contractor to reach out to you, so it's important we have the most current information.
If you need to update your phone number(s), mailing address, or email address please contact the CBP Applicant Contact Center M-F, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Eastern Time at 833-405-8051 or cbpapplicantcontactcenter@cbp.dhs.gov.
The fitness test will be conducted at the nearest available CBP contracted facility according to the mailing address the Hiring Center has on file for you. Please note that travel to and from the facility is at your own expense.
Depending on the facility's schedule the day of your appointment, you may begin the appointment immediately or it may be several hours. Please plan accordingly.
Reschedules are considered on a case-by-case basis; it is not a guarantee that you will be able to reschedule your appointment. You will need to make every effort to attend your appointment as scheduled. Failure to do so could result in your tentative offer of employment being withdrawn from the process.
After your appointment is scheduled, you should receive an email from our scheduling contractor containing a set of forms to complete for your appointment. Please remember to bring these with you, or you may not be allowed to test.
- Bring a valid, government issued photo ID such as a driver's license to your exam.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, such as exercise clothes, for the fitness test.
- Bring a small snack with you for your consumption after the exam.
- Please do not bring weapons of any kind to your exam. You will be turned away.
- Avoid consuming energy drinks or caffeinated drinks prior to your fitness test.
You're able to monitor the status of your result on the Applicant Care Portal using your Applicant ID number: https://myapplication.cbp.gov/. The Hiring Center will receive the result of your PFT approximately 7-10 business days after your appointment date.
If you fail the PFT, you will receive an email notification from the Hiring Center once the result has been processed.
Please note that the test administrator conducting the fitness test cannot provide the result of your PFT.
If you fail to successfully complete any portion of the PFT, you will receive an email notification from Hiring Center informing you of your pre-employment fitness result and the status of your tentative selection.
Applicants are provided one opportunity to retest. CBP has created a pre-employment BPA PFT Physical Readiness Program to help you prepare for the PFT. The program provides you with a six-week standardized training program designed to help you successfully pass the PFT. We strongly encourage you to utilize the training program.
An applicant may reapply as soon as there is an open job opportunity announcement on USAJOBs for the position, and if the applicant meets all requirements outlined in the announcement.
Any questions concerning the PFT can be directed to the CBP Applicant Contact Center M-F, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Eastern Time at 833-405-8051 or cbpapplicantcontactcenter@cbp.dhs.gov.
A PFT pass result is valid for one year, or as long as an applicant's selection for the position remains active. If an applicant receives a PFT fail result, the applicant can reapply and be afforded another opportunity to complete the PFT upon selection.
