Skip To Main Content
DHS Seal Navigates to CBP homepage
CBP.gov Logo Navigates to CBP homepage

GO
  About CBP    Newsroom    Border Security    Trade    Travel    Careers  
Careers
Report Suspicious Activity to 1-800-BE-ALERT
Report Trade Violations Online - E-Allegations
Whats New In Careers
in Careers


Printer Friendly Page Link Icon
see also:
right arrow
 Border Patrol Agent Fitness Testing Fact Sheet
(pdf - 1,398 KB.)
 Script - Border Patrol Pre-Employment Fitness Test
(doc - 43 KB.)
 Increase Your Chances of Passing the Border Patrol Agent Preemployment Fitness Test (PFT)
 Border Patrol Agent Applicant Fitness Test Information
right arrowon cbp.gov:
 Border Patrol Agent
Second Pre-Employment Fitness Test (PFT-2) FAQs

(09/13/2010)

What is the PFT-2?
What fitness tests are included in the PFT-2 battery?
Will a medical screening be conducted prior to the PFT-2?
When will I be scheduled for the PFT-2?
When will the PFT-2 be conducted?
Where will I take the PFT-2?
What should I wear on the day of testing?
How can I prepare for the PFT-2?
What do I need to do on the day of my scheduled PFT-2?
How will I know if I passed the PFT-2?
What will happen if I am unable to pass a test?

What is the PFT-2?
The PFT-2 is a physical fitness test battery that all Border Patrol Agent candidates are required to take and pass prior to entering on duty and attending the Border Patrol Academy.


What fitness tests are included in the PFT-2 battery?
Four tests will be administered in the following order:


back to top

Will a medical screening be conducted prior to the PFT-2?
Prior to the administration of the PFT-2, your blood pressure and heart rate will be taken. If your blood pressure reading is higher than 140/90 or your heart rate is greater than 100 beats per minute, you will NOT be allowed to take the PFT-2 and you will be referred to MHC for further evaluation and medical clearance, if required.


back to top

When will I be scheduled for the PFT-2?
After you have received your entry-on-duty date and duty station, the Minneapolis Hiring Center (MHC) will schedule you for the PFT-2.


back to top

When will the PFT-2 be conducted?
The PFT-2 will be conducted no more than 30 days prior to your entry-on-duty date.


back to top

Where will I take the PFT-2?
You will be scheduled to take the PFT-2 at the location you selected. Please note that travel to the PFT-2 testing location is at your own expense. PFT-2 testing locations are subject to change due to certain weather conditions.


back to top

What should I wear on the day of testing?
When you arrive, you should be dressed in clothing suitable for fitness testing (i.e., gym shorts/sweatpants and T-shirt; athletic shoes; sweat socks; and any athletic support garments worn while working out, such as knee braces, etc.). You should also be dressed appropriately for the current weather conditions (i.e., layers in cold conditions or loose fitting and breathable materials in warmer conditions).


back to top

How can I prepare for the PFT-2?
To prepare for the test battery, practice the actual tests on a gradual and progressive basis until you are able to complete them as required. You will also find other fitness related information at the Border Patrol Agent Web site. (
Border Patrol Agent )


back to top

What do I need to do on the day of my scheduled PFT-2?
Avoid smoking and drinking beverages containing caffeine on the day of your scheduled PFT-2. Caffeinated beverages can raise your blood pressure and heart rate, which may affect your ability to pass the medical screening.

Bring a towel and bottled water, as these items will not be furnished at the testing site.

You must also bring a government-issued photo identification, e.g., driver’s license or passport, and any relevant medical documentation, if required.


back to top

How will I know if I passed the PFT-2?
The proctor will inform you at the conclusion of each fitness test whether you passed or failed. You must successfully complete all four tests to pass the PFT-2.


back to top

What will happen if I am unable to pass a test?
If you are unable to pass all four tests in the PFT-2 battery, your conditional offer of employment will be withdrawn. However, if you are still interested in the Border Patrol Agent position and meet the age requirement you may reapply under a future vacancy announcement. (Note: there is no age restriction if you are eligible for Veteran’s Preference.)

Skip To See Also for this Page

How to
Use the Website

Featured RSS Links
What's New Contacts Ports Questions/Complaints Forms Sitemap EEO/DCR | FOIA | Privacy Statement | Get Plugins | En Español
Department of  
Homeland Security  

USA.gov  
  Inquiries (877) CBP-5511   |   International Callers (703) 526-4200   |   TTD (866) 880-6582