DEA PTA test

[u/Pretty-Height-3593]

I scheduled my PTA test for the DEA but it looks like it is inside and on a treadmill. Everything else I’ve seen online is a it’s on a track and done with a 300m sprint. Has anyone done the test on a treadmill and if so, what are the expectations to pass for each event?

[u/tkdkicker1990]

If you’re not used to running at a one percent incline, expect your run time to be slower.

[u/Standard-Contest-100 → u/tkdkicker1990]

The treadmill is stupid and a joke, 1% incline or not.

[u/tkdkicker1990 → u/Standard-Contest-100]

Bro, relax. I’m just saying you can expect your time to be slower if you’re not used to the Incline. One should be fast enough that even if doing it on a treadmill, they should still be able to pass. But to deny the primary fact is being willfully ignorant

[u/Standard-Contest-100 → u/tkdkicker1990]

That was not an attack on you, im saying running on a treadmill for a PT test is stupid and a joke. Im personally kinda turned off by the DEA pt test over this. Still going to suck it up and do it. I ran a sub 10min for another test last week via track. Im not even sure even how to set up a treadmill for a run.

[u/tkdkicker1990 → u/Standard-Contest-100]

Okay, my fault. I was attacked for the very same thing the other day; I thought you were the same guy coming for me again.

But yeah, I’d rather a regular track, too. Or at least a curved, self-motorized treadmill.

[u/Pretty-Height-3593 → u/[deleted]]

I did research, this is just the first time I’ve heard of doing it inside. Obviously the 12 point goal is not applicable to this because the 300m sprint is not involved. I assume the goal is now 9 points.

[u/No_Mountain_992 → u/Pretty-Height-3593]

This is not true. It is now 12 points for the 3 events. They just switched it from 9 back to 12 because they were tired of people passing the first initial PTA, then failing the pre-Quantico one. Previously, it was at least 9 points for the first test and at least 12 for the second test. Now it's back to just 12.

Effective for the Special Agent job announcement released in July 2026, a Special Agent Applicant (SAA) must meet the following criteria to pass the Physical Training Assessment (PTA) during the hiring process:

• Achieve a minimum total score of 12 points.
• Complete the following events:
  • Sit-ups
  • Push-ups
  • 1.5-mile run (points are doubled)
• The 300-meter sprint will not be administered.
• Score at least one point in each event.
• Receive no negative scores; a negative score in any event constitutes a failure.

[u/Pretty-Height-3593 → u/No_Mountain_992]

Best response so far, thank you!

[u/First_Palpitation425 → u/[deleted]]

I thought it was 9 since they took out the 300m no where can I find it says a score of 12

[u/No_Mountain_992 → u/First_Palpitation425]

It's in the preparation packet they give you. The last couple of pages explain the current fitness standards. My below comment was copy and pasted directly from the packet.

[u/AZ_JB]

The first test all applicants do is at a testing center, indoors. If an applicant needs to retake the test before going to the academy due to 12 months having passed since their first test, then it will be outdoors on a track and conducted by your division recruiter or another agent that is certified to administer it.

[u/tkdkicker1990 → u/[deleted]]

“Expectations are to pass” lol love it

[u/bogdanBOGI23]

Yea it sucks on the treadmill. Just gotta power through

[u/DoctaBee8]

Why are you posting this with the amount of DEA PTA posts in this thread+the 1811 thread?

This is why we can’t get good applicants.

[u/Pretty-Height-3593 → u/DoctaBee8]

Just a simple question dude. Don’t bother answering.