The Ultimate 2025 Guide To The Border Patrol Agent Physical Fitness Test (PFT-1 & PFT-2)
The U.S. Border Patrol Agent (BPA) hiring process is notoriously rigorous, and the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) stands as one of the most significant barriers to entry. As of December 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continues to utilize a two-phase fitness evaluation—PFT-1 during the pre-employment phase and PFT-2 at the Academy—designed to ensure all candidates possess the strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness required for the demanding job of a federal law enforcement officer on the border. Understanding these two distinct tests and their minimum standards is the absolute first step toward a successful career.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the current PFT requirements, the specific exercises you must master, and the critical time standards you need to meet to become a conditional selectee and ultimately graduate from the Border Patrol Academy. The standards are non-negotiable and apply equally to all applicants, regardless of age or gender, reflecting the job-related nature of the physical demands.
The Two-Phase Physical Fitness Test Structure: PFT-1 and PFT-2 Explained
To successfully navigate the hiring process and the Border Patrol Academy, applicants must pass two separate Physical Fitness Tests (PFTs). These tests are not medical exams but distinct pre-employment and graduation requirements. Failure to pass any component of the PFT-1 will result in the applicant being dropped from the hiring process, with no retesting allowed under current CBP policy.
PFT-1: The Pre-Employment Fitness Hurdle
The Pre-Employment Fitness Test-1 (PFT-1) is administered to conditional selectees after they have passed the medical examination. This test measures muscular endurance and cardiovascular capacity, ensuring the candidate is physically ready to begin the rigorous training at the Border Patrol Academy. The PFT-1 consists of three primary components, all of which must be passed to achieve a minimum overall score of 70.
- Component 1: Sit-ups (Muscular Endurance)
- Component 2: Push-ups (Muscular Endurance)
- Component 3: 12-Inch Step Test (Cardiovascular Endurance)
The standard requires you to perform the maximum number of proper-form sit-ups in a one-minute period. The minimum standard is challenging and must be met exactly.
Similar to the sit-ups, you must perform the maximum number of standard, proper-form push-ups in a one-minute period. Proper form is strictly enforced, with the chest needing to touch a designated object (often a fist or soft block) on the ground for the repetition to count.
This test is a measure of your heart rate recovery after sustained cardiovascular work. You must step up and down on a 12-inch bench at a controlled pace of 120 steps per minute for a total of five minutes. This component is often cited as a common point of failure for unprepared applicants.
Current Minimum Standards for the BPA PFT-1
While CBP uses a scoring system where a score of 70 is required to pass, candidates should aim far above the minimums to ensure success. The following are the most consistently reported minimum standards for the Border Patrol Agent PFT-1:
| PFT-1 Component | Time Limit | Minimum Standard (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-ups | 1 minute | 25 repetitions |
| Push-ups | 1 minute | 20 repetitions |
| 12-Inch Step Test | 5 minutes | 120 steps/minute (Pass/Fail based on recovery heart rate) |
It is important to remember that these are the minimums to proceed. The physical demands of the Border Patrol Academy will quickly expose any candidate who has only trained to barely meet these requirements. The job itself requires significantly higher levels of fitness.
PFT-2: The Border Patrol Academy Graduation Standard
The Pre-Employment Fitness Test-2 (PFT-2), often referred to as the Academy PFT, is a more rigorous assessment that must be passed to graduate and officially become a Border Patrol Agent. This test is typically administered during the final weeks of the training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC).
The PFT-2 is a comprehensive measure of overall fitness and includes the following components:
- Sit-ups
- Push-ups
- 1.5-Mile Run (Cardiovascular Endurance)
Some sources also indicate the inclusion of a 220-yard sprint in the final Academy test.
The Critical 1.5-Mile Run Standard
The 1.5-mile run is the most challenging event of the PFT-2 and often the primary focus of the Academy's physical training. The exact passing time can vary slightly depending on the specific training cycle and location, but the goal is always to demonstrate superior aerobic capacity. While some official CBP documentation for related law enforcement roles lists a 17 minute 15 second maximum, the expected standard for BPA Academy graduation is significantly faster, often cited in the range of 13:00 to 15:00 minutes or less.
Trainees are expected to dramatically improve their running time over the course of the academy. The 1.5-mile run is a direct predictor of an agent's ability to engage in sustained foot pursuits over varied and challenging terrain, a core requirement of the job.
How to Prepare: The CBP Physical Readiness Program
CBP strongly encourages all applicants to begin a structured training regimen long before their PFT-1 date. To aid in this, the agency provides the BPA PFT-1 Physical Readiness Program Guide, a six-week standardized training program designed to help conditional selectees successfully pass the initial test.
Key entities and concepts for your preparation:
- Cardiovascular Training: Focus on increasing your 1.5-mile run time. Incorporate interval training, tempo runs, and long-slow distance runs.
- Muscular Endurance: Practice the PFT-1 components frequently. The most common reason for failure in the sit-up and push-up events is poor form, which leads to repetitions being disallowed.
- Step Test Practice: Do not underestimate the 12-Inch Step Test. Many candidates who focus solely on running fail this event due to lack of specific practice. Use a 12-inch box, practice maintaining the 120 steps/minute cadence, and ensure you are using your whole foot on the step.
- Topical Authority Training: Look at training plans designed for law enforcement or military selection (e.g., Mountain Tactical Institute) to go beyond the minimums and prepare for the actual demands of the Academy's physical training (PT).
Passing the Border Patrol Agent Physical Fitness Test is not simply a formality; it is a demonstration of the physical commitment and readiness required to serve. By focusing on the two-phase PFT structure and training well beyond the minimum standards, you will significantly increase your chances of becoming a successful Border Patrol Agent.
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