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TASK SPECIFIC PHYSICAL FITNESS EVALUATIONS
Rationale
It is acknowledge that the MPFS (Minimum Physical Fitness Standards) are the minimum level of fitness required by the CF personnel to meet the physical demands of the 5 Common Military Tasks. There are times when individuals or groups will require other means of assessment to measure and demonstrate their operational capability. Being successful in meeting the MPFS does not necessarily mean that one is fit to perform specific occupational requirements, because some unique CF occupations have specific job requirements, which demand a higher level of physical fitness than the MPFS. Therefore, physical fitness standards, which reflect the physical demands of the job, are required for these unique CF occupations. Brief information on current task-specific evaluations is provided below:
Canadian Forces Parachutist Physical Fitness Test
- The purpose of this test is to determine an individual's physical capability to train as a Basic Parachutist.

- Test Items:
- Chin-ups (7)
- Sit-ups (31)
- 1 mile / 1600 meters run (7: 30 minutes or less)
Note: In case of inclement weather, the candidate will perform a 600m shuttle run over a 50-meter indoor course.
Royal Military College (RMC) Physical Fitness Test
The RMC Physical Fitness Standard is the CF Minimum Physical Fitness Standard (MPFS). A College related requirement that is part of military college training, but is not part of the CF (MPFS) is the RMC Physical Performance Test (RMCPPT).
- The RMC PPT consist of five test items:
- 20 meter shuttle run;
- Push-ups;
- Sit-ups;
- Agility run; and
- Standing long jump.
Men Women Detail Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum 20 MSR 9.5 14.5 7.5 12 Push Ups 28 77 14 31 Sit Ups 35 100 35 100 Agility Run 17.8 sec 15.2 sec 19.4 sec 16.2 sec Standing Long Jump 1.95m 2.77m 1.46m 2.29m
- The maximum score in each test item is 100 points for a total of 500 possible points. The minimum standard is 250 points with 50 points minimum in the 20 metre shuttle run (20 MSR) and 35 points in the remaining four test items. Note that meeting bare minimum in each test item does not equal 250 pts. Students would need to score an extra 60 pts.
- The RMC Physical Fitness Selection Test Scoring Sheet provides the points to be awarded for performance on each test item.
The Canadian Forces Fire Marshal’s Firefighter Pre-Entry Fitness Evaluation (CFFM’S FPFE)
The Canadian Forces Fire Marshal’s Firefighter Pre-Entry Fitness Evaluation (CFFM’S FPFE) has been researched and developed for the Canadian Forces Fire Marshall (CFFM), Director General Personnel and Family Support Services (DGPFSS), Directorate of Human Performance and Health Promotion, and the Directorate of Fitness (DFit). The University of Alberta was contracted to develop and scientifically validate physical fitness pre-selection standards for CF/DND Firefighters. Based upon the research findings, DGPFSS DFit developed a comprehensive pre-selection program, consisting of a physical fitness evaluation as well as a comprehensive training program based on the performance related physical fitness requirements for firefighters. The Canadian Forces Fire Marshal’s Firefighter Pre-Entry Fitness Evaluation (CFFM’S FPFE) was designed to ensure that CF/DND firefighter applicants are physically capable of carrying out their duties.
Task Evaluations:
· Cardiovascular Predictive VO2 max treadmill test wearing full Bunker Gear;
· Charged Hose Advance - Advance a charged 38 mm (1.5 inch) hose a distance of 38.1 m (125 ft);
· Rope Pull – Pull a 16 mm (5/8) static rope attached to a bundle of hose 15.24 m (50 ft). The applicant then walks the 15.24 m (50 ft) and repeats the pull, returns to the start for the third and final pull;
· Forcible Entry - Move a tire weighing 102 kg (225.5 lbs) a distance of 30.5 cm (12 inches) across a 76 cm high table, using a 4 kg (9 lbs) sledge hammer;
· Victim Rescue - Drag a mannequin weighing 68.2 kg (150 lbs) while walking backwards a total distance of 15.24 m (50 ft) one way, around a pylon and then back 15.24 m (50 ft);
· Ladder Climb – Climb 10 rungs (3.45 m) up and down a 7.2 m (24 ft) ladder five (5) times, as quickly as possible
· Equipment Carry/Vehicle Extrication – Lift a 18 kg (40 lbs) spreader tool, carry it 15.24m (50ft), set it down, and return it to the start and repeat the process with a 36 kg (80 lb) spreader tool. The applicant then uses the smaller tool and holds in a level position at right angles to a door mock on 3 “pins” for 30 seconds each. When completed all equipment must be returned to the starting point.
For a full Operations Manual of the CFFM's FPFE, please click here.
Fire Fighter Physical Fitness Maintenance Program (FF PFMP)

In view of the strenuous nature of fire fighting tasks and the importance of public and fire fighter safety, it is essential that the fire fighters have the physical capabilities to meet the demands of the job. Fire fighting requires the integration of numerous physical capabilities and mental skills in order to perform the essential tasks safely and effectively. The three components of the FF PFMP are:
- Evaluation - Consists of a health appraisal questionnaire, pre-test screening, and completion of a 10-item task based circuit which consists of:
- One Arm Hose Carry - Carry one 15.25 m (50 ft) section of 65 mm (2.5 inch) a total distance of 30.48 m (100 ft);
- Ladder Raise - Carry a 3.6 m (12 ft) ladder a distance of 15.24 m (50 ft) and raise it against a wall;
- Charged Hose Drag - Drag a charged 38 mm (1.5 inch) hose a distance of 30.48 m (100 ft);
- First Ladder Climb - Climb a 7.3 m (24 ft) ladder three times (10 rungs);
- High Volume Hose Pull - Pull a 30.48 m (100 ft) length of 100 mm (4 inch) hose and a 15.24 m (50 ft) length of 65 mm (2.5 inch) hose tied together a distance of 30.48 m (100 ft)
- Forcible Entry - Move a tire weighing 102 kg (225.5 lbs) a distance of 30.5 cm (12 inches) using a 4.5 kg (10 lbs) sledge hammer;
- Victim Drag - Drag a mannequin weighing 68.2 kg (150 lbs) A total distance of 30.48 m (100 ft);
- Second Ladder Climb - Climb a 7.3m (24 ft) ladder twice (10 rungs);
- Ladder Lower - Lower and carry a 3.6 m (12 ft) ladder a distance of 15.24 m (50 ft);
- Spreader Tool Carry - Carry a 36.4 kg (80 lbs) spreader tool a Total distance of 30.48 m (100 ft).
N.B. Rest intervals of 15.24 m (50 ft) walks are provided between each task except between tasks #4 and #8 where rest intervals are 30.48 m (100 ft) walks.
- Performance Related Physical Fitness - Based on circuit performance, each fire fighter shall be provided with an exercise program detailing the frequency, intensity, time, type of activities (FITT); and
- Health Related Fitness - Each fire fighter shall be provided with information on active living and physical fitness, safer sex, alcohol and other drugs, smoking prevention and cessation, stress management, nutrition and healthy weights and suicide prevention.
For a full Operations Manual of the FF PFMP, please click here.
Search and Rescue Technicians Physical Fitness Maintenance Program (CF SAR Tech PFMP)
SAR Tech normal activities include parachuting, diving, helicopter hoisting, mountaineering, and ground operations. They must be extremely fit and their ability to complete their mission is directly related to their physical condition. " A SAR Tech must be conditioned to cope with the stresses imposed by sustained operations and be physically ready to be subjected to the impact forces associated with their penetration methods ".

- A pre-selection evaluation is required to to determine an individual's physical capability to apply to the CF School of Search And Rescue (CFSSAR) as a SAR Tech. The Pre-selection evaluation consists of:
- To be completed in 16 minutes or less:
- 1.5 mile / 2400m run in 10:15 or less;
- 31 consecutive Push-ups;
- 33 consecutive Sit-ups;
- 8 consecutive Chin-ups;
- 450 m shuttle run; and
- 675 m swim in 20 minutes or less
- To be completed in 16 minutes or less:
- The SAR Tech Physical Fitness Maintenance Program is based on a compensatory model and a lifting task:
- Compensatory model:
- 20 MSR stage 8 or score 44.6 ml/kg/min on the Step test; and
- Score a minimum of 30 points on the compensatory model (Handgrip, Push-ups and Sit-ups).
- Lifting Task (extrication kit):
- 40 Kg to a table 1.5 m high
- Compensatory model:
- The SAR Tech Physical Fitness Selection Test Scoring Sheet provides the points to be awarded for performance on each test item.
For a copy of the Operations Manual for the CF SAR Tech PFMP, click here.
JTF2

Joint Task Force Two (JTF 2) is the Canadian Forces (CF) Special Operations Forces (SOF) unit responsible for a broad range of missions, which could include counter-terrorism operations and armed assistance to other government departments. This mandate was inherited from the Special Emergency Response Team of the RCMP, who maintained this responsibility from 1986 until 1993, at which time the federal government transferred the role to the CF.
A JTF 2 physical fitness-training program has been developed and is available at PSP offices.
Physical Fitness Standards for CF Diving Personnel.
CFAO 43-2 states the levels of fitness that shall be maintained by CF Divers. The current standards are under review Therefore, diving personnel should endeavour to attain a higher level of aerobic and muscular fitness.
Note: Current study is underway to establish task related PF standards
The Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR)

The Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) is an integral key component of CANSOFCOM, and provides a rapid response capability for SO missions throughout Canada and the world. The CSOR complements Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2) and will be capable of independent high-readiness combat operations.
Personnel for the Canadian Special Operations Regiment will be recruited from across the Canadian Forces (CF) and the unit will be comprised of two categories of personnel:
A. Category (CAT) 1: Cdn Spec Ops Regt Operators (Ops) - consists of Ops and Specialists who are directly employed in the tactical aspects of SO and high value tasks.
B. Category (CAT) 2: Support (Sp) - consists of Sp personnel selected from Regular and Reserve Forces Military Occupations (MOCs) to fulfill CSOR requirements in staff officer and Sp positions.
For more information and fitness requirements please refer to the CSOR website.





