Police officers in Mississippi must pass a four-part physical fitness test both to qualify for and to graduate from police academy training. Police recruits regularly participate in physical training to meet the higher physical standards expected of graduates. The minimum requirements for each test vary based on age and gender.

Fitness Test Scoring

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The police academy has a scoring chart for each fitness test. The chart contains an efficiency score, measured as a percentage, and lists the minimum time or repetition needed to attain the score. Values vary for men and women in different age groups. On the pre-academy fitness test, candidates must score 50 percent on the timed run, agility run and pushup test, and 60 percent on the flexibility test. To graduate from the academy, candidates must attain a passing score of at least 70 percent.

Timed 1.5-Mile Run

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Recruits must run 1.5 miles under the required time limit, which varies based on age and gender. Walking is permitted as long as the course is completed within the required time limits. Men between the ages of 20 and 29 must complete the run in less than 18 minutes, 10 seconds to qualify to enter the academy and in less than 14 minutes 30 seconds to graduate from the academy. Women in this age group must complete the run in 21 minutes, 38 seconds on the first test and in 17 minutes 18 seconds to graduate. Men over 40 have two additional minutes, while women over 40 must complete the initial run in 24 minutes, 2 seconds and the final run in 19 minutes, 42 seconds.

Agility Testing

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Police candidates must complete an agility run that requires sprinting and zig-zagging around cones. Men between 20 and 29 must complete the run in less than 20:40 seconds before entering the academy and 18:60 seconds to graduate. Women in this age bracket have up to 23:30 seconds in the pre-academy test and up to 21:10 seconds on the post-academy test. Candidates in the 30 to 39 age bracket and those over the age of 40 have additional time to complete the course.

Flexibility Requirements

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Candidates for the police force must demonstrate their flexibility with an exercise called trunk flexion. During the test, candidates sit on the ground with their legs straight out in front of them and their arms extended. Leaning forward, they must push a marker forward on a ruler to measure their reach. Candidates may attempt the exercise three times. Men between the ages of 20 and 29 must score 3 inches in the pre-academy test and 11 inches to graduate from training. Women in the same age bracket must score 4 and 12 inches, respectively. Lower scores and less flexibility is required for candidates in higher age brackets.

Timed Pushups

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Candidates must complete as many pushups as possible from a plank position within a two-minute period. Only the feet and hands may touch the ground; candidates may not drop to their knees at any time. Smaller age brackets are used when determining pushup requirements. Men between the ages of 17 and 21 must complete 32 in the first test and 52 in the final test to pass; women must complete 13 and 28 pushups to pass each test. Men over the age of 52 must complete 12 pushups during the first test and 26 during the final test. Women of that age need to complete six and 12 pushups to pass the test.