Want to ensure you can pass the POPAT? These are the 7 non-negotiable standards that you need to achieve to pass.
One of the biggest misconceptions I see with recruits is the idea that to pass the POPAT, you just need to do more cardio. They treat the test like a 5K run. But when you look at the demands of the test—fighting the push/pull machine, vaulting a barrier, sprinting, jumping—it’s not a jog. It’s a sport. And just like any sport, the POPAT requires athleticism.
Ever walk into the gym and wonder why we spend the first 10 minutes doing "weird" stretches, controlled movements, and activation drills instead of just jumping right into the heavy stuff? It's tempting to see the warm-up as a roadblock to the "real" workout. In reality, it's the foundation for it. Here’s what’s happening during those critical first 10 minutes:
Why Your "Marathon" Mindset Won't Work for This All-Out Sprint. For any police applicant, the POPAT (Police Officer's Physical Abilities Test) is the first major hurdle. It's a high-stakes, pass/fail test that stands between you and your career. And for many, it’s a source of massive frustration.