Police Academy Testing

MCOLES Physical Agility Test 

MCOLES website

The MCOLES physical fitness test consists of four separate events: vertical jump, sit-ups, push-ups and a ½ mile shuttle run. The cost to take the test will be no more than $55.00. Candidates should contact the test site directly to register for the physical fitness pre-enrollment test. See test site links below.

Official notification of the test results will be given to the candidate on the day of the test. The results will be on an official form and the score will be reported as PASS or FAIL.

The physical fitness test must be taken no sooner than 180 days before the beginning of the training academy session. Tests are offered only at training academies which are under Commission supervision. Other forms of fitness testing will not be accepted, although applicants are encouraged to practice the events prior to testing at an official site. Law enforcement agencies are encouraged to use the fitness testing as a pre-screening device prior to sending their applicants to an official MCOLES test.

To sign up for a physical fitness test, you must contact the agency directly. Each agency is responsible for registering its applicants. Click on the "Test Schedule" link below to view contact information, test locations, and dates.

MCOLES Pre-Enrollment Physical Fitness

Test Schedule

To participate in the Pre-Enrollment Physical Fitness Test, candidates must bring the following items:

• A signed Physician's Health Screening Form
• Gym shorts and T-shirt or sweat suit
• Gym shoes
• Athletic supporter (males), or bra (females)
• Driver's license or other government-issued photo ID
• $55--either pay over the phone through GRCC's Student Financial Services Office at (616) 234-4020, exact change, or check written to Grand Rapids Community College

Candidates are required to pass all four events of the test. The official results notification may be presented to employing agencies or to recruit academies.

MCOLES Demonstration Video

The following video demonstrates the elements of the MCOLES test. 

Watch YouTube Video 

The minimum performance standards for the MCOLES physical fitness test are displayed below. The numbers in the tables represent the "cut score", or pass/fail point for each event. In order to pass the test, candidates must score at least the minimums listed in the tables on each of the four events.

Note how the tables are divided according to age and sex. When looking at the tables, be careful to select your individual performance category.

Male Minimum Physical Fitness Standards for the MCOLES

Female Minimum Physical Fitness Standards for the MCOLES

MCOLES Reading and Writing Test 

The Reading and Writing test is designed to measure writing skills and reading comprehension required both in basic police training and on the job.  The cost to take the test is $72. 

Test Registration