Bleep / Beep Test Levels
Chart & Level 5.4
Level 5.4 is the police pass mark: 35 shuttles, 525 metres, about 3 minutes 35 seconds on the 15m test. Below: the full 15m police levels chart, the standard 20m chart, and how to tell whether you are on track. Updated 30 September 2026.
Level 5.4
35
525m
~3m 35s
~9.9 km/h
Level 5.4 means finishing levels 1 to 4 and the first 4 shuttles of level 5 on the 15-metre police bleep test, keeping up with every bleep. That is 35 shuttles, 525 metres in about 3 minutes 35 seconds, with the final shuttles run at roughly 10 km/h (about 5.4 seconds per shuttle).
"5.4" is level-and-shuttle notation, not a decimal score. The College of Policing gives Level 5.4 as the standard for officers who need personal safety training, and force recruitment guides use the same figures. Specialist roles are set higher (for example 6.3 for Police Support Unit, 9.4 for Armed Response Vehicle). Source: College of Policing job-related fitness standards.
15m Bleep Test Levels Chart (Levels 1 to 13)
Every level of the 15-metre police version: the speed, the time you get per shuttle, how many shuttles the level contains, and the running totals at the end of each level. Rows containing a police pass mark are highlighted.
| Level | Speed (km/h) | Seconds / shuttle | Shuttles in level | Cumulative shuttles | Cumulative distance | Elapsed time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 7.9 | 6.83s | 7 | 7 | 105m | 0m 48s |
| Level 2 | 8.5 | 6.36s | 8 | 15 | 225m | 1m 39s |
| Level 3 | 8.8 | 6.11s | 8 | 23 | 345m | 2m 28s |
| Level 4 | 9.4 | 5.75s | 8 | 31 | 465m | 3m 14s |
| Level 5 5.4 pass mark | 9.9 | 5.43s | 9 | 40 | 600m | 4m 02s |
| Level 6 6.3 PSU | 10.5 | 5.13s | 9 | 49 | 735m | 4m 49s |
| Level 7 7.6 AFO | 10.9 | 4.97s | 10 | 59 | 885m | 5m 38s |
| Level 8 | 11.3 | 4.78s | 10 | 69 | 1035m | 6m 26s |
| Level 9 9.4 ARV | 11.8 | 4.59s | 10 | 79 | 1185m | 7m 12s |
| Level 10 10.5 Dynamic Intervention AFO | 12.3 | 4.39s | 11 | 90 | 1350m | 8m 00s |
| Level 11 | 13.0 | 4.16s | 11 | 101 | 1515m | 8m 46s |
| Level 12 | 13.8 | 3.92s | 12 | 113 | 1695m | 9m 33s |
| Level 13 | 14.0 | 3.85s | 12 | 125 | 1875m | 10m 19s |
Cumulative columns show the total at the end of each level. Speed is worked out from the shuttle time (15 m divided by the time, converted to km/h). Published bleep audio files vary by a few hundredths of a second per shuttle, so treat speeds as approximate. Method and sources are set out at the bottom of this page. Training in a gym? The treadmill training guide turns these levels into treadmill speeds in km/h and mph.
What Score Do You Need For The Police?
The College of Policing's job-related fitness standards page sets Level 5.4 for officers who need personal safety training and higher levels for specialist roles. Here is what each mark works out to on the chart.
| Role | Level | Shuttles | Distance | Time to reach it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Officers requiring personal safety training (the standard constable test) | 5.4 | 35 | 525m | 3m 35s |
| Police Support Unit (public order) | 6.3 | 43 | 645m | 4m 18s |
| Authorised Firearms Officer (AFO) | 7.6 | 55 | 825m | 5m 18s |
| Armed Response Vehicle (ARV) | 9.4 | 73 | 1095m | 6m 44s |
| Dynamic Intervention AFO | 10.5 | 84 | 1260m | 7m 34s |
The same page places other specialist roles between 5.4 and 7.2: CBRN and marine units 5.4, dog handlers and mounted branch 5.7, cyclists 5.8, air support 6.4, divers 6.8 and marine tactical skills 7.2. Requirements can differ by force and unit, so always confirm yours with your force. For role-by-role detail see our specialist fitness standards guide and for serving officers the annual fitness test guide.
Know your level. Now test it.
Try the free tools first
Run the real 15m pacing in the free simulator, or estimate where you would finish with the free readiness calculator. The core of each is free and needs no account; the deeper analysis is part of the paid Suite.
Want a structured plan as well? The Fitness Pass Suite adds an AI six-week plan built from your starting level, plus pacing and turn diagnostics. £19.99 once, lifetime access.
See the Suite →How The Levels Work
You run back and forth between two lines 15 metres apart, reaching each line as the next bleep sounds. Each level is a block of shuttles at a fixed interval. When a level ends, the interval between bleeps gets shorter, so you have to run faster to stay in time. A level lasts roughly 45 to 51 seconds on this chart.
A score is written as level.shuttle. Level 5.4 is the 4th shuttle of level 5; level 6.3 is the 3rd shuttle of level 6. Because levels contain different numbers of shuttles (7, then 8, then 9 and so on), the gap between two marks in shuttles is not the same as the gap in level numbers. That is why the running totals in the chart are the fairest way to compare scores.
Your score is the last shuttle you completed in time. How missed bleeps and warnings are handled, and whether there is a warm-up first (some forces run to the start of level 3 and then restart at level 1), is set by the force, so follow the instructor on the day. Pacing each level, turning on the line and what to ask about missed bleeps are covered in how to pass the police bleep test.
15m vs 20m Bleep Test Levels
School, sports and military versions usually run on a 20-metre track. The police test uses 15 metres, and the level numbers are not interchangeable.
| Reaching level 5.4 | Police 15m test | Standard 20m test |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttles | 35 | 36 |
| Distance | 525m | 720m |
| Approximate time | 3m 35s | 4m 36s |
| Speed in level 5 | ~9.9 km/h | 10.5 km/h |
| Seconds per shuttle in level 5 | ~5.4s | 6.9s |
The 20m figures come from the standard 20m multistage protocol (start at 8.5 km/h, add 0.5 km/h each level; 7, 8, 8, 9 and 9 shuttles in levels 1 to 5), worked out the same way as the 15m chart. Two practical points follow. A 20m result cannot be used to show you would pass the police test, and at any given running speed the 15m track makes you turn 33% more often (20 divided by 15), which is why many fit runners find the police version harder than they expect.
The full standard 20m chart is below for anyone using the school, sports or military version. Do not read police standards off it: the police pass mark of 5.4 is a 15m score only.
For the full mechanics of turning and braking, read our 15m vs 20m bleep test guide.
Standard 20m Bleep Test Levels Chart (Levels 1 to 21)
| Level | Speed (km/h) | Shuttles in level | Cumulative shuttles | Cumulative distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 8.5 | 7 | 7 | 140m |
| Level 2 | 9.0 | 8 | 15 | 300m |
| Level 3 | 9.5 | 8 | 23 | 460m |
| Level 4 | 10.0 | 9 | 32 | 640m |
| Level 5 | 10.5 | 9 | 41 | 820m |
| Level 6 | 11.0 | 10 | 51 | 1020m |
| Level 7 | 11.5 | 10 | 61 | 1220m |
| Level 8 | 12.0 | 11 | 72 | 1440m |
| Level 9 | 12.5 | 11 | 83 | 1660m |
| Level 10 | 13.0 | 11 | 94 | 1880m |
| Level 11 | 13.5 | 12 | 106 | 2120m |
| Level 12 | 14.0 | 12 | 118 | 2360m |
| Level 13 | 14.5 | 13 | 131 | 2620m |
| Level 14 | 15.0 | 13 | 144 | 2880m |
| Level 15 | 15.5 | 13 | 157 | 3140m |
| Level 16 | 16.0 | 14 | 171 | 3420m |
| Level 17 | 16.5 | 14 | 185 | 3700m |
| Level 18 | 17.0 | 15 | 200 | 4000m |
| Level 19 | 17.5 | 15 | 215 | 4300m |
| Level 20 | 18.0 | 16 | 231 | 4620m |
| Level 21 | 18.5 | 16 | 247 | 4940m |
How Far Am I From Level 5.4?
Find the level you last completed in practice, then read across to see how much of the pass distance you covered and how many shuttles are left.
| Your best score | Shuttles | Share of the 5.4 run | Gap to 5.4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4 | 19 | 54% | 16 shuttles short (about 92 seconds of running) |
| 4.4 | 27 | 77% | 8 shuttles short (about 45 seconds of running) |
| 5.1 | 32 | 91% | 3 shuttles short (about 16 seconds of running) |
| 5.4 | 35 | 100% | On the pass mark: no margin |
| 6.1 | 41 | 100%+ | 6 shuttles clear of the pass mark |
Being 5 to 10 shuttles short is a small gap in running time, but the last shuttles of a level are the hardest, so treat it as a real gap to close, not a rounding error. If you are on the pass mark itself, the risk is test day: nerves, footwear and floor grip can cost a couple of shuttles. Our own suggestion, not an official standard, is to be finishing practice runs around 6.1 or beyond, which is 6 shuttles clear. To close the gap, pick a 4, 8 or 12-week training plan by where you stopped.
Your practice score is only as reliable as your track and your audio, so measure 15 metres with a tape and use a 15m bleep file. The free readiness calculator estimates your likely level from your current fitness, and the is Level 5.4 hard? guide covers who finds it easy and who struggles.
Next Steps If You Are Short Of 5.4
How to train for Level 5.4 →
Session structure, turn practice and a six-week progression.
Training Plans4, 8 and 12-week plans →
Free plans to Level 5.4; pick one from your practice result.
TechniqueHow to pass the bleep test →
Pacing each level, turning on the line, breathing and warnings.
BeginnersStarting from zero →
A gentle route in if you do not run at all yet.
Test DayWhat happens on the day →
Warm-up, pacing and what to bring.
If It Goes WrongWhat happens if you fail →
Retake rules and how a fail affects your application.
Unprepared for the 15m Bleep Test?
Three tools built from your own answers for the police 15m bleep test (Level 5.4): a 6-week plan, a pass predictor and a weakness analysis. Practice aids, not a guarantee of a pass.
General training information, not medical advice. Stop if you feel pain, dizziness or chest discomfort, and see a GP before you start if you have a health condition, an injury or are pregnant. No tool can guarantee a pass.
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Bleep Test Levels FAQ
Straight answers on Level 5.4, shuttles, speeds and the 15m test.
What is 5.4 on the police bleep test?
Level 5.4 is the police pass mark on the 15-metre bleep test. It means you have completed all of levels 1 to 4 and the first four shuttles of level 5 without missing a bleep: 35 shuttles, 525 metres, in about 3m 35s. The College of Policing gives it as the standard for officers who need personal safety training.
Is the beep test the same as the bleep test?
Yes. Beep test, bleep test, multi-stage fitness test and shuttle run are different names for the same test: you run back and forth between two lines in time with recorded bleeps that get faster each level. UK forces usually say bleep test. Police recruitment uses the 15m version, with 5.4 as the pass mark, so use the 15m chart on this page rather than a generic 20m chart.
How many shuttles, how far and how long is level 5.4?
35 shuttles of 15 metres, which is 525 metres (0.525 km) in total. Levels 1 to 4 contain 7, 8, 8 and 8 shuttles (31 in all) and you then need 4 more shuttles at level 5. The whole run takes about 3 minutes 35 seconds.
What speed is level 5 on the 15m bleep test?
Level 5 gives you about 5.4 seconds per 15-metre shuttle, which works out at roughly 9.9 km/h (about 10 km/h, or a little over 6 minutes per kilometre). Published timing tables differ by a few hundredths of a second, so treat the speed as approximate. The College of Policing quotes shuttle times falling from about 6.9 seconds at level 1 to about 5.5 seconds at level 5.
How many shuttles are in each level of the 15m bleep test?
Levels 1 to 13 contain 7, 8, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10, 11, 11, 12, 12 shuttles respectively. That is 7 in level 1, 8 in each of levels 2 to 4, 9 in levels 5 and 6, 10 in levels 7 to 9, 11 in levels 10 and 11, and 12 in levels 12 and 13. The full chart above adds the cumulative shuttles, distance and elapsed time.
What is the difference between the 15m and 20m bleep test levels?
They are different tests, so the same level number is not the same effort. The standard 20m test starts at 8.5 km/h and has 7, 8, 8, 9 and 9 shuttles in levels 1 to 5; reaching level 5.4 on it would mean 36 shuttles and 720 metres in about 4m 36s. The police 15m test reaches 5.4 after 35 shuttles and 525 metres, but at the same running speed you turn 33% more often on the shorter track. Only a score on the 15m test counts for police fitness.
How many levels are there on the bleep (beep) test, and how far is 5.4 in km?
The standard 20m multistage bleep test runs to level 21 (8.5 km/h rising by 0.5 km/h each level, 247 shuttles or 4940 metres in total); our 15m police chart covers levels 1 to 13. Level 5.4 on the police 15m test is 525 metres, which is 0.525 km, run in about 3m 35s.
What bleep test score do you need for the police?
Level 5.4 for the standard test. The College of Policing job-related fitness standards page also lists higher levels for specialist roles: 6.3 for Police Support Unit, 7.6 for Authorised Firearms Officers, 9.4 for Armed Response Vehicle officers and 10.5 for Dynamic Intervention AFOs, with other specialist roles in a range from 5.4 up to 7.2. Your force or unit sets the exact requirement for your role, so confirm it with them.
Is level 5.4 hard, and what score should I aim for in practice?
It is a moderate aerobic standard, but the constant braking and turning makes it feel harder than steady running. There is no official target above 5.4, but as our own suggestion (not a police standard) aim to finish practice runs at 6.1 or beyond. That is 6 shuttles of margin for test-day nerves, a slippery hall floor or a poor first few levels.
Where can I practise the 15m bleep test for free?
Use our free 15m bleep test simulator to run the real 15m pacing at home, and the free police fitness readiness calculator to estimate the level you are likely to reach. Practise on a tape-measured 15 metre track, not a 20m video. The paid Fitness Pass Suite (one payment of £19.99, lifetime access) is optional and adds a structured AI six-week plan and weakness diagnostics.
Sources and Method
- College of Policing: job-related fitness standards — Level 5.4 as the standard for officers requiring personal safety training (35 shuttles, 525 metres, about 3 minutes 35 seconds), the higher levels for specialist roles, and shuttle times from about 6.9 seconds (level 1) to about 5.5 seconds (level 5).
- Devon & Cornwall Police JRFT bleep test guide (PDF) — a force recruitment guide giving the same 5.4 definition and shuttles per level of 7, 8, 8, 8 and 4.
- Top End Sports: 15m bleep test table — the per-level shuttle counts and shuttle times used for the chart. We derived speeds, cumulative shuttles, distances and elapsed times ourselves; our totals for Level 5.4 match the official figures above.
Levels above 5 and the 20m comparison are calculated by us from these published protocols and are not quoted from a police document. Force audio files can differ slightly, and recruiting forces set the requirements for their own roles, so always confirm the standard for your own role and force. Last checked 30 September 2026.
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Independent Guidance
PolicePay.co.uk provides independent guidance. We are not affiliated with any police force or the College of Policing. Always confirm the fitness standard for your own role with your recruiting force.