For the full RCMP fitness hub, see our guide to RCMP physical readiness.
Many applicants train one capacity in isolation (running only, or lifting only). The PFA and Depot retests reward combined output under fatigue. Stack cardio before strength work in practice sessions when you can.
An RCMP fitness test fail is not the end of your application, it identifies a gap that training can close. The Police Fitness Assessment (PFA) is pass/fail, with no partial credit. Miss one station and you miss the whole test. But the PFA is not designed to eliminate you permanently. It sets a minimum threshold for the physical demands of police work. If you fell short, you now know exactly where to focus. This guide walks you through what happens at each stage, what your retest options look like, and how the RCMP conditioning program gets you back to ready.
What the PFA Failure Means at Each Stage
Application Stage (Before Depot)
If you fail the PFA during recruitment, your file does not automatically close. The RCMP encourages all applicants to self-assess against the physical benchmarks before booking a formal test. A failed result at this stage signals that you are not yet ready for Depot. You will not be offered a start date until you can pass.
Contact your divisional recruiter to understand the wait period before you can rebook. This varies by division and is not published in a single public document.
One number worth noting: the RCMP states that completing the 5km run in 30:00 is “the lowest level where you have a reasonable chance of success.” If you ran at that pace or slower, your aerobic base needs real work before you rebook.
At Depot (During Cadet Training)
For week-by-week Depot PFT rules and remedial policy, see our guide to failing the fitness test at Depot.
Depot’s 26-week program includes three Physical Fitness Tests scheduled at weeks 2, 12, and 21. The gold-standard PFA is a graduation requirement. You do not graduate without passing it.
If you fail one of these tests, Depot assigns a remedial training plan and connects you with a fitness and health promotion advisor. Repeated failures, however, risk release from the program. The most common reason cadets struggle at Depot is arriving undertrained. The RCMP recommends 3 to 6 months of dedicated preparation before your start date.
Serving Members
Serving members complete the field test version of the PFA every three years. A failed field test triggers a fitness improvement plan through your division. Consequences vary across divisions under the collective agreement.
Retest Options
After an RCMP fitness test fail, no single official retest timeline applies across all divisions and stages. The process is managed individually through divisional recruiters and fitness advisors.
- The PFA is pass/fail. There is no provisional result or partial credit.
- At Depot, cadets who fail receive a remedial plan and additional opportunities before any release decision is made.
- At the application stage, you can improve your fitness and request a retest. The gap between attempts varies by division.
- Serving members who fail the field test enter a fitness improvement plan before their next assessment.
Contact your divisional recruiter directly for your specific situation. See also: How long it takes to train for the PFA and the full RCMP application process guide.
Diagnosing Which Station You Failed
Each PFA station tests a different physical quality. Knowing which one you failed tells you exactly what to train.
| Station | What It Tests | Training Fix |
|---|---|---|
| 5km Run | Aerobic endurance | Zone 2 running, progressive mileage over 8 to 16 weeks |
| Push-ups | Upper body muscular endurance | Grease-the-groove: multiple low-rep sets daily, build volume gradually |
| Back Squat | Lower body strength (60% body weight x 10 reps) | Progressive overload: 3×8 squats three times per week, add weight weekly |
| Grip Strength | Forearm and hand force production | Farmer carries, dead hangs, grip trainers |
| Illinois Agility | Speed, coordination, change of direction | Cone drills, short sprint intervals, footwork patterns |
If you failed more than one station, prioritize the aerobic component first. For a full breakdown, see What Is the RCMP Fitness Test and How Fit Do You Need to Be for the RCMP.
The Recovery Training Plan
The RCMP Conditioning Program (Poirier & Lemelin, 2014) provides a structured path from your current fitness level back to a passing score. It has two entry points based on your activity level.
Level 1: Currently Inactive (16 Weeks, 3 Sessions per Week)
Start here if you have not been training consistently. Before advancing to Level 2, you need to reach the following push-up benchmarks:
| Age Group | Male (on toes) | Female (on knees) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 to 29 | 29 to 35 | 21 to 29 |
| 30 to 39 | 22 to 29 | 20 to 26 |
| 40 to 49 | 17 to 24 | 15 to 23 |
| 50 to 59 | 13 to 20 | 15 to 23 |
| 60 to 69 | 21+ | 12 to 16 |
Level 2: Currently Active (Intermediate)
If you already train regularly but still failed the test, start at Level 2. The Level 2 exit benchmarks include: push-ups on toes (more than 38 for males, more than 23 for females), a back squat at 60% of body weight for 10 reps, and 30 minutes of continuous cardio at 7 to 8 out of 10 RPE.
The RCMP recommends 3 to 6 months of preparation before attempting the PFA. Full training guide: How to Train for the RCMP Fitness Test.
How Long Before You Are Ready to Retest
- Failed one station narrowly: 6 to 10 weeks of targeted training often closes the gap.
- Failed multiple stations or fell well short: Plan for 12 to 16 weeks using the Level 1 or Level 2 conditioning program.
- Failed the 5km run by a wide margin: Aerobic base takes the longest to build. Allow 16 to 20 weeks before retesting.
Do not rebook based on how you feel. Rebook based on benchmarks. See: How Long to Train for the RCMP PFA for a detailed preparation timeline.
Conclusion
An RCMP fitness test fail tells you exactly where your preparation has a gap. That is useful information, not a final verdict. The PFA does not measure your potential. It measures what your body can do on one specific day. Work through the Level 1 or Level 2 program, clear the exit benchmarks consistently, then rebook. Contact your divisional recruiter before you schedule anything so you know the retest policy that applies to your situation.
Read the full RCMP application overview to understand how fitness fits into every stage of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any station not completed at or above the required standard. The PFA is pass/fail with no partial credit.
Yes. Retrain, meet the benchmarks, then contact your recruiter to rebook. Wait periods vary by division.
Multiple opportunities with a remedial plan in place. Repeated failures risk release from the training program.
Yes. The PFA is a single pass/fail result. Missing any station means the test is not passed.
Level 1 runs 16 weeks. The RCMP recommends 3 to 6 months of total preparation before retesting.
Yes. A failed field test triggers a fitness improvement plan. Contact your divisional coordinator for details.
- Physical Standards to Become an RCMP Officer, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
- Luc Poirier and Sylvain Lemelin, RCMP Conditioning Program (2014)
- RCMP Gazette, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Sources:
Physical standards to become an RCMP officer
RCMP Gazette
This article reflects current RCMP policy based on official government documentation. Eligibility and suitability decisions are assessed on a case-by-case basis during the application process.
By Alex Morgan, Certified Personal Trainer, https://joinrcmp.ca/author/alex-morgan/
Last Updated: May 31, 2026
