Fit To Serve Canada
Candidate Centre
Everything you need before test day--assessment information, candidate guides, participant documents, preparation tools, workshops, frequently asked questions, and candidate support.
What Are You Preparing For?
Select your assessment to find its guides, participant documents, preparation tools, and related resources in one place.
Resources by Assessment
Find the information, documents, preparation resources, and support connected to the specific assessment you are preparing for.
Complete Before Test Day
Before arriving for your appointment, make sure your required documents are ready and that you understand the health and safety requirements for participation.
Required Documents - Complete Before Test Day
Before test day, carefully review the resources for your assessment, download and complete all required forms, and bring a printed copy with you where required.
Requirements may vary by assessment and recruiting organization. Always review the documents associated with your specific test and follow the instructions provided in your booking confirmation.
Know Your Vital Sign Requirements Before Test Day
Heart rate and blood pressure are screened before participation. Candidates cannot participate if either measurement is at or above the values shown below:
If you know or suspect that your heart rate or blood pressure may meet or exceed these limits, please consult your healthcare provider before test day and arrive with a completed ePARmed-X+ Physician Clearance Form.
Do not wait until test day to address a known concern. If your heart rate is 100 bpm or higher or your blood pressure is 160/90 mmHg or higher when screened, you cannot participate unless the applicable medical-clearance requirements have been satisfied.
PREP Candidate Resources
Everything currently available to help you understand, prepare for, and arrive ready for the Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police Applicants.
Learn About the PREP
Candidate guides are currently being developed to explain the assessment structure, expectations, and test-day procedures.
PREP Participant Package
Download, review, and complete the participant package that applies to your PREP assessment before arriving for testing. Where required, bring a printed copy of all completed documents with you.
Do not wait until you arrive at the testing site to complete your forms.
PREP Workshops
Hands-on preparation workshops help candidates become familiar with assessment components, movement expectations, pacing, and test-day procedures.
20 m Shuttle Run Preparation
The 20 metre Shuttle Run is a component of the PREP. Use the Fit To Serve Shuttle Run resources to become familiar with the progressive pacing signals and support your preparation.
Ready to Complete the PREP?
Review current testing information, locations, availability, and booking options on the Testing page.
PARE Candidate Resources
The Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation (PARE) may be required by different public safety organizations. The physical assessment remains the same; however, administrative requirements and participant documentation may vary depending on the organization requesting your PARE.
PARE Candidate Booklet & Historical RCMP Documents
Review the PARE Candidate Booklet for information about assessment components, procedures, and preparation. Although published by the RCMP, this booklet remains a useful reference for candidates completing the PARE for other organizations.
Important: The RCMP now uses the Police Fitness Assessment (PFA) rather than the PARE. The following RCMP PARE documents are retained for historical reference only and do not represent current RCMP applicant requirements.
For current RCMP fitness information, see the RCMP PFA resources on this page.
CBSA Candidates
If you are completing the PARE as part of a CBSA process, download, review, and complete the participant package that applies to you before arriving for testing. Where required, bring a printed copy of all completed documents.
Do not wait until you arrive at the testing site to complete your forms.
Other PARE Candidates
If another organization or recruitment process has directed you to complete the PARE, use the participant package that applies to that process.
Download, review, and complete the standard PARE participant package before arriving for testing. Where required, bring a printed copy of all completed documents.
Do not wait until you arrive at the testing site to complete your forms.
Fit To Serve PARE Candidate Guide
Fit To Serve English and French PARE candidate guides are currently being developed as an additional preparation resource.
PARE Preparation & Testing
Review preparation opportunities, current testing information, and frequently asked questions before your assessment.
One PARE -- Different Organizational Requirements
The PARE assessment itself remains the same across organizations. Always follow the administrative instructions, documentation requirements, and recruitment directions provided by the organization requiring you to complete the PARE.
FITCO Candidate Resources
Official candidate information, participant documents, and testing support for the Fitness Test for Ontario Correctional Officer Applicants.
Official FITCO Candidate Booklet
Review the official FITCO Candidate Booklet before completing your assessment.
FITCO Participant Package
Download, review, and complete the required participant documents before attending your FITCO assessment. Where required, bring a printed copy of all completed documents with you.
Do not wait until you arrive at the testing site to complete your forms.
20 m Shuttle Run Preparation
The 20 metre Shuttle Run is a component of the FITCO. Access the Fit To Serve Shuttle Run resources to become familiar with the progressive pacing signals and assessment format.
Ready to Complete the FITCO?
Review current FITCO locations, testing dates, and booking options.
FITCO Candidate Support
Use the Candidate Centre knowledge base for questions about registration, locations, results, payments, preparation, and test day.
RCMP PFA Candidate Resources
Core assessment information and developing candidate resources for the RCMP Police Fitness Assessment (PFA) Field.
RCMP PFA Field Benchmarks
The assessment includes three components. All three benchmarks must be met or exceeded.
RCMP PFA Candidate Guide
English and French Fit To Serve candidate guides are currently being developed.
RCMP PFA Participant Package
Required participant forms and documents will be added once the Fit To Serve testing package is finalized.
RCMP PFA Candidate Support
Review testing information or search the RCMP PFA questions in the Candidate Centre knowledge base.
20 m Shuttle Run Resources
Use the Fit To Serve pacing tool, candidate resources, and practical training guidance to prepare for the 20 metre Shuttle Run.
20 m Shuttle Run Training Tool
Become familiar with the progressive pacing signals used during the assessment. The MP3 and YouTube options below use the same Fit To Serve 20 metre Shuttle Run audio, so choose the format that works best for your training.
Use the audio directly on your phone, computer, or training-space speaker.
Use the same pacing audio through YouTube for convenient playback on another device.
Shuttle Run Candidate Resources
Candidate guides and participant packages are currently being developed to provide additional assessment and test-day information.
Prepare With Purpose
Use the pacing tool as part of appropriate preparation rather than as a substitute for progressive fitness training.
- Warm up properly before beginning.
- Measure the full 20 metre distance accurately.
- Use a flat, clear, non-slip running surface.
- Wear appropriate athletic footwear.
- Allow adequate recovery between demanding sessions.
- Stop if you experience pain, dizziness, or unusual symptoms.
Important Test-Day Reminder
Carefully review the requirements that apply to your assessment. Candidates are responsible for arriving with all required forms, identification, medical documentation, and supporting information required by the applicable protocol.
Where documents are required, complete them before test day and bring printed copies as instructed. Downloading a package does not replace the instructions contained in your booking confirmation or information provided by your recruiting organization.
Preparation Workshops
Build familiarity, improve movement efficiency, and gain practical experience before completing your official assessment.
PREP Workshop
Practical instruction for candidates preparing for the Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police Applicants.
- Understand the assessment structure.
- Practise pacing and movement techniques.
- Identify areas requiring further preparation.
- Build confidence before your test date.
PARE Workshop
Practical instruction focused on the physical and technical demands of the Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation.
- Experience the assessment environment.
- Practise efficient movement patterns.
- Review pacing and task transitions.
- Prepare with greater confidence and purpose.
More Resources Coming Soon
Fit To Serve Canada is developing additional educational and preparation resources to support candidates throughout their occupational fitness journey.
Training Videos
Instructional content covering assessment components, movement techniques, preparation strategies, and common errors.
Success Blueprints
Comprehensive preparation systems combining education, technique, training plans, recovery guidance, and test-day strategy.
Training Programs
Progressive preparation programs, training calendars, logs, warm-up resources, and practical fitness-development tools.
Important Resource Notice
The resources provided by Fit To Serve Canada are intended for general educational and preparation purposes. They do not guarantee a passing test result and are not a substitute for individualized medical, rehabilitation, or professional fitness advice.
Participants should select preparation activities appropriate to their current health, ability, and experience. Anyone with medical concerns, injuries, symptoms, or uncertainty about their ability to exercise should consult an appropriate regulated healthcare professional before beginning or modifying a training program.
Official standards, procedures, and documentation requirements may vary by assessment and recruiting organization. Always follow the instructions provided by your recruiting organization and your Fit To Serve Canada booking confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Search preparation, workshop, location, registration, result, payment, and candidate-support questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Search all questions and answers.
The enhanced search recognizes common synonyms and related terms such as "blood pressure," "heart rate," "ePARmed-X," "refund," "change date," "no-show," and "doctor note."
Before Test Day
What do I need to bring for my standardized fitness test?
Please bring the following items:
- Government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's licence, passport, or health card.
- Comfortable athletic clothing.
- Clean indoor running shoes with good grip.
- A printed or digital copy of your paid transaction or booking receipt.
- A printed copy of your completed testing package, where required.
A valid physician-signed or stamped medical clearance form, medical referral form, or PARmed-X form may be mandatory if required by the applicable testing protocol or health screening process.
Do I need to complete my participant documents before arriving?
Yes. Candidates are responsible for reviewing and completing all required participant documents before arriving for their scheduled test.
Download the package associated with your assessment, complete all required forms, and bring a printed copy with you where required.
Please do not plan to complete your paperwork when you arrive. Missing, incomplete, or required documentation that has not been properly completed may delay or prevent you from participating in your scheduled assessment.
Requirements can vary by assessment and recruiting organization, so carefully review the documents associated with your specific test and your booking confirmation before test day.
What are the heart rate and blood pressure requirements for testing?
Heart rate and blood pressure are screened before participation. Candidates cannot participate if their heart rate is 100 bpm or higher or their blood pressure is 160/90 mmHg or higher when screened.
If you know or suspect that your heart rate or blood pressure may meet or exceed these limits, please consult your healthcare provider before test day and arrive with a completed ePARmed-X+ Physician Clearance Form.
Do not wait until test day to address a known concern. If your heart rate or blood pressure is at or above either participation threshold when screened, you cannot participate unless the applicable medical-clearance requirements have been satisfied.
What should I avoid before testing?
Before testing, candidates should avoid or abstain from:
- Food or drink approximately 2 hours before testing.
- Caffeine products approximately 2 hours before testing.
- Stimulants for at least 24 hours before testing.
- Alcohol for at least 6 hours before testing.
- Vigorous exercise for at least 24 hours before testing.
How early should I arrive?
Participants should arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled testing time.
Late arrivals may not be admitted once the session has started and may lose their testing opportunity.
How long does testing take?
Depending on the type of test and the number of participants, candidates should expect to be at the testing site for at least 1.5 hours.
Preparation Workshops
Do you offer workshops for the tests?
Yes. Fit To Serve Canada offers preparation workshops designed to help candidates better understand the structure, pacing, movement expectations, and physical demands of standardized fitness assessments.
What can I expect at a workshop?
Workshops are designed to provide a practical understanding of the assessment.
Does attending a workshop guarantee that I will pass?
No. A workshop cannot guarantee a passing result.
Testing Locations
Where are testing and workshops held in Ottawa?
Ottawa testing and workshops may be held at Collège La Cité.
Venue: Collège La Cité (Ottawa Campus), 801 Aviation Parkway, Building A, Rooms A-0340 & A-0350.
Building: 911 Institute (the large, 3-storey glass building left of the flagpoles).
Entrance: Use the doors closest to the "LA CITÉ" sign on the left, at the end of the roundabout.
Where are testing and workshops held in Hamilton?
Hamilton testing and workshops may be held at the Corrections Centre for Advancement & Training.
Where should I park?
For Collège La Cité, visitors should review the campus parking information.
Booking Your Session
How do I register for a test or workshop?
Registration is completed online through FareHarbor.
Can I cancel my booking or receive a refund?
All bookings are final and non-refundable once payment has been completed.
Fit To Serve does not provide refunds for candidate-initiated cancellations, missed appointments, no-shows, illness or injury, scheduling conflicts, booking errors, completing the test elsewhere, or changes in personal circumstances or recruitment requirements.
You may notify us if you are unable to attend; however, cancelling your appointment does not automatically provide a refund, credit, transfer, or future testing date.
Before booking, please confirm your test, location, date, and time and ensure that you are available and prepared to participate.
Please refer to the full Booking, Cancellation, Transfer & Refund Policy provided during booking for complete terms and conditions.
Can I transfer or reschedule my testing appointment?
Bookings are associated with the specific candidate, test, date, time, and location selected at the time of purchase and are generally non-transferable.
Fit To Serve may, at its sole discretion, consider a transfer or rescheduling request in exceptional circumstances, subject to availability, notice provided, operational requirements, and the circumstances of the request. Approval is not guaranteed.
Any accommodation granted is a one-time discretionary exception and does not create an entitlement to future transfers, credits, refunds, or exceptions.
Please refer to the full Booking, Cancellation, Transfer & Refund Policy provided during booking for complete terms and conditions.
I booked more than one test or completed my test somewhere else. Can I receive a refund?
No. Candidates should not book multiple appointments as backup options.
Each booking reserves a limited testing space. Completing or passing the same or a similar test at another location after booking with Fit To Serve does not make the Fit To Serve reservation eligible for a refund, credit, or transfer.
Please book only the testing session that you reasonably intend and are available to attend.
Please refer to the full Booking, Cancellation, Transfer & Refund Policy provided during booking for complete terms and conditions.
After Testing
Will I receive my results after testing?
Yes. Candidates will receive their results or certificate after testing.
Payment Processing
How are bookings and payments processed?
Bookings and payments are completed through FareHarbor and Stripe.
RCMP PFA
What does the RCMP PFA Field assessment include?
The RCMP Police Fitness Assessment (PFA) Field consists of three tasks: a 500 m Run, Repeated Bag Lift & Carry, and Medicine Ball Throw.
What are the RCMP PFA Field benchmarks?
- 500 m Run: 2:10
- Repeated Bag Lift & Carry: 3:10
- Medicine Ball Throw: 2.8 m
All three component benchmarks must be met or exceeded to meet the PFA Field benchmark.
What happens if I do not meet one of the RCMP PFA benchmarks?
If one or more component benchmarks are not met, the unsuccessful component or components may be repeated when the retest occurs within 90 days of the original PFA. After 90 days, all PFA Field components must be completed again.
How much rest is provided between RCMP PFA tasks?
Participants are provided with at least five minutes of rest between tasks. The three components may be administered in any order, and a standardized warm-up is completed before the assessment.
Additional Information
What is the testing environment like?
Fit To Serve Canada aims to provide a professional and supportive testing environment.
I sent an email and have not received a response. What should I do?
During periods of high inquiry volume, response times may be delayed.
No matching questions found.
Try a broader search term or contact the Fit To Serve Canada team for assistance.
Ready for Your Next Step?
Book your assessment, explore available testing information, or contact the Fit To Serve Canada team for assistance with documentation, preparation, workshops, or registration.