Physical fitness is an essential criterion of hiring in many physical demanding jobs. The purpose of this study is to analyze physical ability tests used in the recruitment process of civil servants in Burkina Faso. Sixty-seven administrative documents dealing with physical fitness tests, consisting of communiqués, orders, decrees and laws on the organization of competitions and jobs in the civil service in force between 2022 and 2024, were used. A content analysis was conducted to identify the physical ability tests and the concerned jobs, as well as their characteristics. The results revealed five types of physical ability tests, including running, a test common to the twenty-two jobs identified. These tests are compulsory for all jobs covered by the direct competition as well as civilian professional jobs, and discretionary for paramilitary jobs. All of the tests do not meet the criteria for the validity of a physical fitness test in connection with a job. Their description, justifications and the health risks are not specified. These results established the inadequacy of current physical fitness tests to the requirements of the jobs. They recommend adapting them and strengthening the prevention of health and safety risks related to these tests.
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