DPSST Physical Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under DPSST physical fitness standards, what is the primary purpose of the sit-and-reach flexibility test?
- Measure cardiovascular endurance
- Assess lower back and hamstring flexibility (Correct answer)
- Test core muscular strength
- Evaluate upper body range of motion
Correct answer: Assess lower back and hamstring flexibility
The sit-and-reach test assesses flexibility in the lower back and hamstring muscles, which are critical for officer safety and injury prevention.
Question 2: A DPSST candidate fails the 1.5-mile run on their first attempt. What is the standard next step?
- They are immediately disqualified from the program
- They may retake the test after a mandatory waiting period (Correct answer)
- They are given an alternative swimming test
- They must repeat the entire physical battery the same day
Correct answer: They may retake the test after a mandatory waiting period
Candidates who fail a physical fitness component are typically allowed a retest after a waiting period to allow for additional preparation.
Question 3: Which body composition measurement method is most commonly used in DPSST physical fitness evaluations?
- Hydrostatic weighing
- DEXA scan
- Body Mass Index (BMI) or percent body fat via skinfold (Correct answer)
- Bioelectrical impedance analysis
Correct answer: Body Mass Index (BMI) or percent body fat via skinfold
DPSST evaluations typically use BMI or skinfold caliper measurements to assess body composition as practical field methods.
Question 4: During the DPSST physical agility test, officers must demonstrate proficiency in defensive tactics. Which of the following is a core reason for this requirement?
- To reduce paperwork after use-of-force incidents
- To ensure officers can safely control subjects with minimal injury to all parties (Correct answer)
- To qualify officers for specialized SWAT assignments
- To replace the need for carrying a firearm
Correct answer: To ensure officers can safely control subjects with minimal injury to all parties
Defensive tactics training ensures officers can effectively and safely control subjects while minimizing harm to themselves and others.
Question 5: What minimum number of push-ups is typically required for a male DPSST candidate in the 20–29 age bracket?
- 20
- 29
- 33 (Correct answer)
- 40
Correct answer: 33
Male candidates aged 20–29 are generally required to complete a minimum of 33 push-ups to meet DPSST physical fitness standards.
Question 6: Which cardiovascular fitness benchmark is used by DPSST to assess aerobic capacity in timed run tests?
- VO2 max predicted from a 12-minute run
- Cooper 1.5-mile run time (Correct answer)
- Step test heart rate recovery
- 400-meter sprint time
Correct answer: Cooper 1.5-mile run time
DPSST uses the Cooper 1.5-mile run to measure aerobic endurance, with passing times varying by age and gender.
Question 7: A female DPSST candidate aged 40–49 must complete the 1.5-mile run in what approximate maximum time to pass?
- 14:00 minutes
- 15:26 minutes (Correct answer)
- 17:00 minutes
- 18:44 minutes
Correct answer: 15:26 minutes
Female candidates in the 40–49 age group are typically required to complete the 1.5-mile run in approximately 15:26 or better.
DPSST Physical Standards 2
Under DPSST physical fitness standards, what is the primary purpose of the sit-and-reach flexibility test?