Testing & assessments

PARE is a job-related physical abilities test that evaluates your physical capacity as it applies to law enforcement/police work. Various law enforcement agencies require successful completion of the PARE as part of the application process. Medical clearance required via the Medical Consent Form. A minimum registration is required to run a testing session.

• Medical Consent Form
• Informed Consent Form
• Register
• PARE Demonstration Video
• PARE Common Faults Video

Q: What should I expect while running the PARE test?

A: The PARE test consists of six (6) laps through an agility course. Each lap consists of a running jump over a mat, ascent and descent of stairs, short hurdles and a vault that has an alternating lap chest and back fall portion. After you have completed the six (6) laps you move to the push/pull machine where you will push up 70 lbs and move in an arc motion while pushing the weight up through the entire arc, this will be repeated a total of six (6) times, three (3) each direction. At the end of the push you will have to fall onto your chest, stand up and touch the top of the machine, fall back down onto your back stand up and touch the machine and repeat this one (1) more time on your chest and back before moving to the pull. You will have to pull up the same 70 lbs and shuffle for a total of six (6) arcs, three (3) each direction. At this point the time stops and you will have 120 seconds to pick up an 80 lb sandbag and walk 25 feet, turn around and walk back placing the bag down in control. A passing time in a PARE test is considered 4:45 however some organizations may require the test to be completed in less time.

The Correctional Officer Physical Ability Test (COPAT) evaluates your capacity to meet the physical demands of Correctional Services work. It is the occupational assessment used by the Solicitor General of Alberta in selecting candidates applying to Correctional Peace Officer positions. Medical clearance required via the Medical Consent Form. A minimum registration is required to run a testing session.

• Medical Consent Form
• Informed Consent and Waiver
• Register
• COPAT Demonstration Video
• COPAT Common Faults Video

Q: What should I expect while running the COPAT test?

A: The COPAT test consists of 6 flights of ascending and descending stairs, followed by a short agility course with hurdles. Once you have finished this portion of the test you move into your push/pull station where you have to push 70lbs up and shuffle sideways both directions for a total of six (6) arcs, three (3) in each direction without the weight coming down. Once you have completed the push you will move into the pull section, you will use the same machine to pull on a rope and shuffling for another six (6) arcs, three (3) each direction without the weight touching down. Once this is complete you will move to the vault where you will lay down on your front, get into standing then hop over a vault with only your hands touching, landing then, getting back down onto your back up to standing and back over the vault repeating the vault nine (9) times, with five (5) times on your chest, and five (5) times on your back. At this point the time stops and you have 60 seconds to pick up an 80 lb sandbag and walk 25 feet, turn around and walk back placing the bag down in control. A passing time in a PARE test is considered 3:20 however some organizations may require the test to be completed in less time.

If you are requesting POPAT testing it may be completed on any of our PARE testing dates. Please contact Kyle at dunlopk4@macewan.ca for any additional information prior to registering for the POPAT test.

Q: What should I expect while running the POPAT test?

A: The POPAT test consists of six (6) laps through an agility course. Each lap consists of a running jump over a mat, ascent and descent of stairs and short hurdles. After you have completed the six (6) laps you move to the push/pull machine where you will push up 80 lbs and move in an arc motion while pushing the weight up through the entire arc, this will be repeated a total of six (6) times, three (3) each direction. You will have to pull up the same 80 lbs and shuffle for a total of six (6) arcs, three (3) each direction. If the weight falls either during the push or the pull your arcs are reset to zero (0). Once you have completed your arcs you will move to the vault station. The vault station consists of falling onto your chest, standing up jumping over the vault, with only your hands making contact, then falling onto your back and vaulting back over. The vault is repeated nine (9) times with five (5) falls onto your chest and five (5) falls onto your back. Once you have stood up on your last fall time stops. You will have 30 seconds to move from the vault and pick up an 80 lb sandbag and walk 25 feet, turn around and walk back placing the bag down in control. A passing time in a POPAT test is considered 4:15 however, some organizations may require the test to be completed in less time.

Q: When Do I have to show up for the test?

A: Due to very tight time restrictions if you arrive any more than 10 min past your start time you will NOT be permitted to test that day and will NOT receive a refund. We consider you to be present at the test when you are in appropriate footwear, clothing with your medical clearance and identification (passport/license).

Q: What happens on the day of testing?

A: We start by taking your blood pressure and heart rate which should be equal to or below 160/94 mmHg an 100 bpm unless otherwise indicated by your doctor. Once we have cleared you we will ask if you have any additional questions. There will not be an opportunity to use the equipment prior to running the course, so please ensure you have watched the videos.

Q: What if my blood pressure or heart rate won’t come down to acceptable levels?

A: We are limiting blood pressure tests to three (3). If your blood pressure and heart rate do not meet the requirements mentioned above, you will not be able to run the test on that day. If you are unable to run the test on that day due to elevated BP or HR we can push you to the next available testing day if there is enough room. We recommend getting your doctor to write an additional note if they feel comfortable with you running the test at an elevated BP and/or HR for future tests.

Q: What do I need to bring?

A: You must have appropriate footwear, running barefoot is not allowed. Your footwear must be clean and closed-toed. Appropriate clothing that allows you to move and is comfortable. We recommend your clothes are not too baggy as it may cause you to trip and/or get caught on the obstacles. You MUST bring your medical clearance and license/passport. If this is forgotten you will not be allowed to run the test and you will not be refunded.

Q: Is there anything I should avoid before the test such as food, drinks or medications?

A: We recommend that you do not consume caffeine, tobacco or a large meal 2 hours prior to the test. We also recommend not exercising or consuming alcohol 6 hours prior to the test. If you do require any additional medications for a medical condition such as; an inhaler for asthma, you will have to bring that with you to the test and inform the testers of your condition prior to running the test.

Q: Can I run through the course before the day of my test?

A: We are NOT allowing individuals to run through the test prior to testing and we no longer allow individuals to watch the tests. If you have any questions with regards to testing please contact Kyle at dunlopk4@macewan.ca .

Q: How long after I have successfully run a test are my results valid for?

A: As a general rule, your results are valid for up to 6 months however, this may vary depending upon the organization you are applying to.

Q: How long is my medical clearance valid for? Can I use it for multiple tests?

A: Your medical clearance is valid for 6 months, assuming there has been no known change in your medical status. A change in your status would include any significant injury, medical event (heart attack, stroke, etc...), or diagnosis of an acute or chronic disease (diabetes, pneumonia, etc…). If there has been any change in your medical status you will need to get a new medical clearance form. Yes, you can use the same medical clearance for multiple tests however, all tests must be completed within the time frame the medical clearance is valid. We highly recommend that you create a copy of your medical clearance for your own records and/or future tests. If you run the test and need your medical clearance sent to you afterwards please email dunlopk4@macewan.ca with your name and test date and there will be a $25 fee.

Q: If I fail the test how soon after can I run the test?

A: You are not allowed to run two (2) tests on the same day, other than that you are free to run a test at any later date, assuming that there are spots open. We recommend that you consult with the instructors of the test to see whether or not it is a good idea for you to attempt the test again if you are looking at a shorter turn around between tests.

Q: What if I forget that I have purchased the test? Or forget my medical clearance form?

A: You will not be refunded the cost of the test and will have to pay for another test to run the test again. If you cannot run the test due to an acute medical condition and are within 48 hours of your test, you will require a doctor’s note to have your test refunded or bumped to a future date.

Q: I will not be able to attend the session, can I cancel and/or reschedule my test?

A: We have a 48-hour cancellation policy, however, we can make some exceptions due to the current health situation.

Q: How should I expect to feel during and after the test?

A: All occupational tests are considered maximal tests and may push some individuals to their max. Some symptoms of maximal exertion may include but are not limited to; rapid breathing, sweating, light-headedness, nausea, vomiting among other symptoms. Your specific experience will be significantly impacted by your level of physical fitness prior to the test. Individuals who are less physically fit will have a greater likelihood of experiencing the previously mentioned symptoms.

Q: How long is the test? Can I leave once I have run the test? Can I choose when I run?

A: We recommend you make sure the entire testing time is made free, the test will take less than 10 minutes however, we cannot have you leave the testing area without properly clearing you by ensuring your heart rate and blood pressure have returned to normal levels. If you have passed the test and leave before you have been cleared you will not receive your results. If you have not passed the test and leave before you have been cleared you will not be able to run any future occupational tests at MacEwan University (Note: some special cases may be considered). No, you cannot leave the test until you are cleared. We only allow individuals to request running first, the order is then chosen by the instructor(s).

Q: I have additional questions about the testing, what is the best way to get them answered?

A: You can email dunlopk4@macewan.ca

Inquire about Personal Training to prepare you for the physical challenges of your Occupational Test. Our trainers can create a periodized plan based on your fitness level and help guide you through it to best prepare you for your test. Contact dunlopk4@macewan.ca or fill out a personal training consultation form for more details.

Q:My test is in the next week or two can I purchase training for this?

A: There will not be any significant benefit of personal training at this point for the test. You will not see any difference in performance. Our only recommendation is to maintain a training regimen if you have one. If you do not have a current workout regime we recommend you go for two to three runs a week and do some narrow stance push-ups or modified push-ups every second day, aiming for three sets of 10 for full push-ups and three sets of 15 for modified push-ups, up to three days before your test.

Test results will be provided after testing. A $25 fee will be charged to reissue lost or missing results. We highly recommend that you make copies of your medical clearance for your own records and/or future tests as you will be charged a $25 fee if you require us to make a copy and send it to you.