CBSA Physical Abilities Test (PAT): How It Replaced the PARE
Quick Answer: CBSA PAT test: The CBSA no longer uses the PARE test. Here’s everything you need to know about the new Physical Abilities Test (PAT) – what it measures, how it’s scored, and how to prepare.
If you’ve been researching CBSA fitness requirements for more than a year, you may have come across the PARE — the Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation. Here’s the most important update for current applicants: the CBSA no longer uses the PARE.
The PARE was replaced by the Physical Abilities Test (PAT), a new assessment designed specifically for the functional demands of a Border Services Officer role. This guide covers everything you need to know about the PAT — what it tests, how it differs from the PARE, and exactly how to prepare.
Why Did CBSA Switch from PARE to PAT?
Confirm competition-specific rules on CBSA recruitment and canada.ca before you rely on secondary commentary.
Applicants who read only forum timelines often mis-plan their file. Anchor your CBSA PAT test planning to published CBSA recruitment pages and your jobs.gc.ca poster — not unofficial week-by-week charts.
The PARE was originally developed for the RCMP and was later adopted by other Canadian law enforcement agencies including CBSA. While effective for general policing roles, it was not specifically designed around the physical demands of border services work.
CBSA developed the PAT to:
- Better reflect the actual physical requirements of BSO duties at ports of entry
- Improve test validity and reduce injury rates during assessment
- Create a consistent national standard for all CBSA candidates
The transition was completed and the PAT is now the standard fitness test for all new CBSA recruits.
What BSO Work Actually Demands Physically
To understand why the PAT tests what it does, it helps to understand what BSOs actually do physically:
- Standing and walking for extended periods in vehicle lanes, examination halls, and terminals
- Lifting and moving baggage, packages, and examination equipment
- Restraining individuals who resist arrest or removal
- Running short distances to intercept or pursue individuals
- Climbing stairs and ladders during vessel and vehicle inspections
- Working in confined spaces during vehicle searches
The PAT is built around these functional demands.
What the PAT Measures
The PAT assesses five core physical components:
1. Aerobic Capacity (Cardiovascular Endurance)
A timed cardiovascular component assessing your ability to sustain moderate-to-vigorous effort. This reflects the endurance needed for extended active duty shifts.
2. Upper Body Strength
Push-based and pull-based strength assessments measuring your ability to apply force — relevant to vehicle searches, luggage handling, and physical enforcement situations.
3. Lower Body Strength and Power
Leg strength and explosive power components. Important for running, climbing, and maintaining a ready stance for extended periods.
4. Grip Strength
Measured with a dynamometer (grip strength device). Relevant to handcuffing, controlling resistant individuals, and equipment handling.
5. Agility and Mobility
An obstacle-based component assessing coordination, balance, and the ability to move quickly in and around obstacles — simulating real port-of-entry environments.
PAT vs PARE: Key Differences
| Element | PARE (old) | PAT (current) |
|---|---|---|
| Designed for | General policing (RCMP) | Border services specifically |
| Course layout | Fixed obstacle course | Multiple assessment stations |
| Components tested | Aerobic, push/pull, controlled fall | Aerobic, strength, grip, agility |
| Scoring | Pass/fail (time-based) | Component-based assessment |
| Injury risk | Moderate (course-based) | Lower (station-based) |
Is the PAT Pass/Fail?
Yes. The PAT is a pass/fail assessment. You must meet minimum standards in each component. Strong performance in one area does not compensate for failing another.
Candidates who fail the PAT are eliminated from the competition at that stage. Depending on the competition’s conditions of employment, retesting may or may not be available.
When in the Process Do You Take the PAT?
The PAT typically occurs after the Personal Suitability Interview (PSI) and before the security clearance stage. You will receive advance notice of your test date and assessment centre location.
Do not wait until you receive your invitation to start training. The time between invitation and test date is typically only 2–4 weeks — not enough to build meaningful fitness from a low base.
How to Prepare for the PAT
12 Weeks Out
Start a structured training program covering all five components. Three to four training sessions per week is optimal.
Aerobic base: Begin with 20–30 minutes of moderate cardio (running, rowing, cycling) 3x/week. Build toward 45-minute sessions.
Strength foundation: Begin bodyweight and resistance training. Focus on push-ups, pull-ups, squats, lunges, and deadlifts.
Grip strength: Use a grip trainer daily. This is the most commonly undertrained component.
6 Weeks Out
Aerobic work: Incorporate interval training (HIIT) 2x/week alongside steady-state cardio. This builds both aerobic capacity and anaerobic power.
Strength training: Progress to weighted exercises. Focus on functional movements — farmer carries, kettlebell swings, step-ups with weight.
Agility: Add lateral movement drills, shuttle runs, and obstacle navigation exercises.
2–3 Weeks Out
Simulate the test environment. Run through all five components in sequence in a single session to build mental familiarity with the full assessment.
Taper slightly in the final week — maintain intensity but reduce volume to arrive fresh.
Grip training: Continue daily.
Test Week
- Sleep well for 3+ nights before the test
- Eat a solid meal 2–3 hours before
- Warm up thoroughly at the assessment centre
- Stay hydrated
Sample Weekly Training Plan (Weeks 1–6)
| Day | Training Focus |
|---|---|
| Monday | Aerobic capacity (45-min run/row) + grip training |
| Tuesday | Upper body strength (push-ups, rows, overhead press) |
| Wednesday | Lower body + agility (squats, lunges, lateral drills) |
| Thursday | Interval training (HIIT, 20–25 min) |
| Friday | Full-body circuit + grip training |
| Saturday | Active recovery (walk, swim, yoga) |
| Sunday | Rest |
Common Preparation Mistakes
Training only cardio: Many candidates focus entirely on running and neglect strength and grip — and fail on those components.
Starting too late: 2–4 weeks of preparation is not enough if you’re starting from a low fitness baseline. Begin 12 weeks out.
Ignoring grip strength: It seems minor, but grip strength failures eliminate more candidates than most other components. Train it every day.
Neglecting sleep and recovery: Physical performance degrades significantly with poor sleep. Treat rest as part of your training plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the PAT conducted?
At designated CBSA assessment centres across Canada. The location will be provided with your invitation. Travel costs may or may not be covered — check your competition’s conditions.
Can I retake the PAT if I fail?
This depends on the specific competition’s conditions of employment. Some competitions allow one retest; others do not. Check your posting documentation.
Is there a separate fitness test during Rigaud training?
Yes. Physical training continues during the OITP at Rigaud College. Officers who arrive at Rigaud already fit have a significant advantage.
Is the PAT the same for men and women?
The PAT uses a standardized test. Minimum standards may be adjusted for age in some components, but the test structure is the same for all candidates.
FAQ
What is the main takeaway on CBSA PAT test?
Use official CBSA and Government of Canada pages for standards; this article adds applicant context the career site does not spell out.
Where can I verify CBSA PAT test rules?
Check cbsa-asfc.gc.ca recruitment sections and your jobs.gc.ca competition poster for binding requirements.
Does CBSA PAT test apply the same in every competition?
No. Posters can add or waive steps (for example fitness testing). Always read the inventory you applied to.
What should I read next on JoinCBSA?
Follow the internal guides linked above for hiring steps, exams, training, and career planning after you confirm prerequisites.
