Best training for the PARE test
 

Hello everyone,

We are new here, my husband has recently sent his application off to Edmonton police.

He is at present training for the PARE test if he is lucky enough to be invited over to Canada for the interview. We have both looked at it on youtube, he is going to the gym and running alot on the treadmill, he also cycles into work ( not very far though, maybe 3 miles.) In my opinion he should really be doing circuit type training.

To those of you here that have taken the PARE test, what type of training would you recommend to do beforehand ?

Thanks in advance,

Karen

Re: Best training for the PARE test
 

Hello,

I am a Canadian, living in Edmonton, and currently in the EPS application process. I can't comment on anything regarding coming over from England, but I can offer my suggestions regarding the PARE.

I took it about six weeks ago, and it was pretty difficult. The biggest thing for me, was I didn't know how much I had to pace myself during the exam, because if you come out running as fast as you can, you'll never finish. During the first portion of the exam, you need to pace yourself on the laps. I watched the others go before me, and I used that experience to decide how fast I had to go.

When I got to the push/pull portion, I just gave it all I could. At this point I wasn't concerned with pacing myself, but rather just getting it done as fast as possible. I got worried at one point when one of the police officers supervising the exam started telling me to hurry up and make up time. But I finished with a decent time. We were told that to be competitive, a time of close to 3:00 would be needed. However, at the end, we were told that anything under 3:30 was considered exceptional.

If you are going to be taking the PARE at the EPS headquarters, be prepared for a warm, dry environment. Another person doing the testing brought cough drops to share with everyone, and it was much appreciated.

If you want my suggestion on how to exactly train for the PARE, I would say start doing crossfit. You can find all the info required at crossfit.com. And if you're just going for runs, mix in some burpees (Google that for more info).

Good luck.

Re: Best training for the PARE test
 

Dear Metallicat,

Thank you for your reply. We have checked out that website, it seems like army fitness, I think my husband has alot of work to do LOL.

Very best of luck with your application,

Karen. :thumbsup:

Re: Best training for the PARE test
 

Just reading what some EPS recruits have had to say, they say that crossfit is a very good thing to be doing before you get hired, as it seems a lot of their physical training involves crossfit type workouts.

Thanks for the well wishes, and good luck to your husband.

Re: Best training for the PARE test
 

Hi, simply as follows,

no long runs, you will do 8-10k at least twice a week in class, more like 3 times, you only need to train for this for then.

interval training, preferably on a track, if not on a treadmill, you should be increasing speed and distance, and mixing it up, max 20 mins. for example, 2 mins light jog on about 7.5k on a tread mill, then up it to 10, this is resting speed, for another 2 mins, then up to 12 for a minute, down to 10 for a minute, up to 14 for a minute and so on. as you get better up the time, so 12 for 2 minutes, and sometimes don't come back to rest speed, so 14 for 2 minutes, then 12 for 2 minutes then 10. see a trainer they will give you a programme.

steady runs for around 20 mins. stop every couple of minutes and so some exercises, push ups, pull ups, squats and some weight work. circuit/cross training basically, don't lift heavy weights, lots and lots of low weight reps to build stamina and endurance. you should be aiming for 10 pull ups, underhand grip, this will be required for class.

best of luck, glad its all behind me, as i sip my cappuccino 2 sugars.

Re: Best training for the PARE test
 

Dear Rae,

Thank you for replying.

Martin is going to start doing it that way on the treadmill and will take the other suggestions that you and other people have made and really work at it.

We know that Edmonton Police received his application on Saturday 17th October, I realise there probably wouldn't be anyone in the recruitment office over a weekend but its now Friday 23rd and we haven't received a confirmation of receipt yet, maybe we are being somewhat previous and I know they probably receive 100's of applications (apparantly, when my husband rang to find out a few things, recruitment told him that they get between 5 and 10 applications per month from UK police ) but would anyone be able to let me know how long it took before they heard from someone over there after they sent their application off ?

Thanks,

Karen

Re: Best training for the PARE test
 

Karen,

It took a few weeks after EPS received my application for them to send me an email inviting me over for testing. I applied in November 2008 and went to Edmonton for testing in May 2009.

You know what they say, patience is a virtue! lol

It all takes time, I'm at the stage of applying for my PR visa, having had the job offer and sponsership from Alberta.

Feel free to PM me if you need anything else.

Regards

Nige

Re: Best training for the PARE test
 

Dear Nige,

Thank you for your reply.

I know...we are so impatient.. hehe, I suppose its just excitement.

I see from the info under your name that it was all very quick once you went out to Canada. Congratulations on your job offer ! You must be feeling very excited, anxious, nervous...loads of different feelings now, are you married/ have children ?

So for you now its just a waiting game till all the relevant papers are in place, when do you anticipate actually being able to go over ?

Regards,
Karen.

Re: Best training for the PARE test
 

Karen

Sent you a PM

Nige

Re: Best training for the PARE test
 

I did aas RAE has said Karen, and only just got through the PARE (not helped by hitting the mat 3 times mind you)

However, as RAEand Nige will attest, it really is all down to interval training. Knowing what I do now, I would also invest in a POWERBREATHER (not essential, personal choice) and do a few short runs up several flights of stairs. I did this, but only about a week or two before testing. Had I been doing this a few weeks before, I would have had a better time and score.

Is NOT AN EASY TEST, and I would train to your maximum at least 3 times a week. Circuits is another good one.

Be guided by the experts on this forum, who have done it and got through training. Lastly, very best of luck and regards

Re: Best training for the PARE test
 

Hi Stu,

I have read on a thread here about this powerbreather and will definately get one. Hubbie also rang the gym today and will have a personal trainer look at the PARE test and devise a circuit for him to do along with all the other stuff.

I am being very previous though...we still haven't even had a message from EPS telling us they have received his application !! :o

Regards,
Karen

Re: Best training for the PARE test
 

No worries. If you or hubby need any advice, please PM me.

I got a personal training plan, which involved 600m sprints, then 1 minute sit-ups, then onto 2 mins high intensity stepper, then bike etc!!!

Good workouts, but the only thing I should done more of was strength training and improving my lungs (and one of them is still out there in the gym I think)

Is it you/husband or both going for the EPS position?

In any event, best wishes

Re: Best training for the PARE test
 

Hi Stu,

Its just hubbie applying, you would think its me too the way I go on about it though !! LOL

Been looking at powerbreathe and have found a place that does the sports performance plus model for £ 29 will order one tomorrow.

Thanks Stu,

Karen.

Re: Best training for the PARE test
 

Karen

It was about two months after my application was received in Edmonton that I got invited for testing so don't hold your breath that you will hear anything in the near future. Unfortunately as others say it is a waiting game at times!

Tim

Re: Best training for the PARE test
 

Hello Tim,

Thank you for your reply.

So they don't send you an acknowledgement of having received your application then ?

Will just have to wait it out then...fingers crossed, will let you know if and when it happens but in the meantime I will keep looking at postings etc. I like to know how other people are doing.

Just out of interest has anyone else from the UK recently sent their application in to EPS ?

Regards,

Karen.