17 Years of Standards: Re-examining the Oregon Physical Abilities Test

• In Event: Standards in Policing

Abstract

The Oregon Physical Abilities Test was developed in 1999, internally evaluated in 2005, and added as a Basic Police certification requirement in 2007. At the time, it was relatively novel and progressive as a hybrid test – blending physical ability and work sample test styles. But, 25 years after its initial development and the ongoing scrutiny of physical fitness testing in police employment selection processes – how does the ORPAT hold up? Using almost 17 years of secondary data, this project examines recruit performance since 2007, with a focus on gender and age differences. Additionally, this project collects contemporary survey data from Oregon agencies to better understand the use of the ORPAT in pre-employment setting.

Author

• Annie Rexford-Boren, Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)