Stage 3 – Physical Ability Requirement Evaluation (PARE)

The PARE (Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation) is an occupational test used by several law enforcement agencies throughout Canada to measure an applicant’s ability to perform the physical demands of police work. Police work can be both physically and mentally taxing. It is imperative that officers maintain a healthy and active lifestyle to ensure that their ability to perform their duties safely and efficiently is never compromised. The PARE is used in the selection process of RNC applicants and as part of the completion criteria for cadets in the RNC Cadet Training Program.

What is the PARE?

The PARE is a physical abilities test measuring the capacity to perform physical tasks often encountered in police work.

The test simulates a scenario where a police officer must:

  • Get to the site of an incident or problem
  • Physically resolve the problem
  • Remove a person or material from the site

These three components are represented in the PARE in the form of a six lap obstacle course, a pushing and pulling task, and carrying a torso bag over a 50 foot distance.

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What components make up the PARE?

The test begins with a six lap obstacle course that involves running and direction changes, jumping across a five foot distance, ascending and descending steps, jumping over knee-high obstacles, vaulting over a three foot barrier, and falling to one’s front and back and getting back up.

The second stage involves a pushing and pulling task and requires 70 lbs be pushed and pulled to six 180 degree arcs, without dropping it. Between the push and pull tasks, four controlled falls must be performed, two to the front and two to the back. The third and final stage, the torso bag carry, is attempted after a two minute rest.

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Preparing to take the PARE

The RNC offers Prepare for PARE (Pre-PARE) sessions during their active recruitment drive. The Pre-PARE is designed to familiarize applicants with the layout of the test and use of proper techniques that will increase an applicants’ ability to meet the PARE requirements. Participants will be permitted to run a portion of the PARE but not the full test at this time. Attendance at a Pre-PARE session is not a guarantee of success with the actual PARE test.

Successful completion of the PARE test requires a combination of anaerobic fitness, cardiovascular endurance, and muscular strength and endurance. To adequately prepare to take the PARE test, the RNC encourages all applicants to take part in some type of training program and to strive for an average, to above average, level of fitness prior to attempting the test. You can access hundreds of programs through the internet and local fitness trainers in your area. You should always consult with your physician prior to undertaking any training program. Some useful strength and conditioning program suggestions can be found on the RCMP website and/or in the following .PDF files.

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What is the PARE standard?

In order to be considered by the RNC, applicants must complete the PARE obstacle course and the pushing and pulling task in 4:45 mins to be eligible to progress to the next stage of the selection process. The torso bag carry requires you to execute a controlled carry of the bag without resting or setting it down, over the 50 foot distance. This portion of the PARE is not timed and is scored on a PASS or FAIL basis but must be completed in a reasonable time-frame.

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PARE Documents

Applicants who are successful beyond the initial screening stage will be assigned a PARE date and time. Applicants should ensure they complete and bring the following forms to their PARE assessment. Your PARE test will not commence if the forms below are not completed. These forms will also be forwarded to the applicant via email when provided a PARE date and time.

*The Medical Clearance Form must be signed and dated by a physician. This clearance is only valid for 30 days prior to your PARE date, unless there has been a change in your medical status. Do not submit this form with your application. Once you receive notification of your PARE date from the Recruiting Office, you should make an appointment with your physician within 30 days of your PARE date.*

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TIPS for taking the PARE

  • Wear comfortable activity clothing that will not restrict your freedom to move or weigh you down.
  • Wear running shoes with soles that grip so that slippage on the push and pull task is minimized.
  • After the PARE co-ordinator takes your blood pressure and heart rate, warm up by doing five to 10 minutes of stretching and other large muscle activity.
  • Pace yourself. A moderate jogging speed is adequate for the six lap obstacle course. Avoid going too fast. A pace of 25 seconds per lap is adequate.
  • Do not eat for at least two hours prior to your test. Also, refrain from drinking caffeinated beverages for two hours and alcoholic drinks for six hours, prior to the test.
  • Do not smoke during the two hours prior to the test.
  • Strenuous physical activity should be avoided six hours prior to the test.

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