Always verify requirements directly with New Zealand Police or NZDF Recruiting. Standards adjust with age and may change between intakes.
New Zealand Police
New Zealand Police use the beep test as part of their fitness assessment for recruits. The NZ Police standard is notably higher than many comparable countries — particularly relative to the UK standard — and requires serious preparation for most candidates.
NZ Police (Male, under 30)
One of the higher police standards globally. Train to level 10 for a solid buffer.
NZ Police (Female, under 30)
Requirements adjust with age. Train to level 9 for a comfortable margin.
Requirements adjust upward and downward with age. If you are over 30, confirm the age-adjusted requirement for your category directly with NZ Police recruiting. The direction of adjustment and the increments used vary.
If you are preparing for NZ Police selection, a training target of level 10 for males and level 9 for females gives you a meaningful buffer above the minimum under-30 standard. Do not train to the minimum — train above it.
New Zealand Defence Force
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) uses the beep test within their NZDF Fitness Assessment. Entry requirements vary by service and role.
NZDF General Entry (Male)
Varies by service branch. Confirm the specific target for your chosen branch.
NZDF General Entry (Female)
Approximately 1 to 1.5 levels below the male equivalent depending on role.
How to Prepare
For NZ Police at level 8.8 (male) or 7.6 (female): plan for 8 to 12 weeks of structured preparation from a solid aerobic base. The 6 week plan on this site will take most candidates a significant way towards these targets. For candidates starting from a lower base, extend the plan and focus heavily on the threshold and overload sessions in weeks 3 to 5.
New Zealand standards reward genuine aerobic fitness developed over time. Do not leave preparation until the last 4 weeks. Start early and build progressively.