How long does IPPT take
How Long Does IPPT Take
Duration, timing and what to expect at the FCC from start to finish
- Quick answer: how long is the IPPT test
- IPPT timing breakdown station by station
- Full IPPT duration at the FCC
- IPPT start time and available slots
- IPPT reporting time: do not be late
- How long does IPPT take at different FCCs
- IPPT schedule: plan your visit
- How long to train before your window
- How many days rest before IPPT
- Can you retake IPPT if you fail
- Frequently asked questions
Quick Answer: How Long Is the IPPT Test
The actual IPPT test takes about 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish.
But your full visit to the FCC is longer. Most NSmen are in and out within 1.5 to 2 hours when you include reporting time, registration and waiting.
Not sure what score you will get? Use the free IPPT score calculator to check your estimate before you go.
30 to 45 mins
Actual test duration
1.5 to 2 hrs
Full FCC visit
15 to 30 mins
Report before test time
3 stations
Push-ups, sit-ups, 2.4km
IPPT Timing Breakdown: Station by Station
Here is how the time breaks down for each part of the IPPT.
Push-ups
You get 1 minute to do as many push-ups as you can. The station itself takes about 5 to 10 minutes including the briefing, getting into position and the actual set.
The ELISS machine counts your reps. Your arms must lock out fully at the top for each rep to register. Most guys lose 5 to 10 counts on test day because their arms are not fully straight. Practice this in training before you go.
Sit-ups
Same format. 1 minute, max reps. Allow around 5 to 10 minutes for this station from start to finish.
Both elbows must touch the sensor pad on every rep. If only one side makes contact, the machine skips that rep. Pacing yourself evenly across the full minute gives you more total reps than going hard in the first 20 seconds and slowing badly at the end.
2.4km Run
This is the longest part. The run itself takes between 9 minutes for faster NSmen and up to 18 minutes for those still building their pace. Most NSmen finish somewhere between 11 and 15 minutes.
The run is 6 laps around a standard 400m track. Use the 2.4km lap pacer to set your per-lap target before you go so you do not start too fast and blow up at lap 4 and 5.
Full IPPT Duration at the FCC: What to Expect
The test time is just one part of your visit. Here is what actually happens from the moment you arrive.
Reporting Time
You are given a specific reporting time when you book your IPPT slot. Most FCCs ask you to report 15 to 30 minutes before your actual test time.
Do not be late. If you miss your slot you may need to rebook. Check your booking confirmation for the exact reporting time at your FCC. Maju Camp, Bedok FCC and other locations may have slightly different timings.
Registration and Admin
When you arrive you check in, verify your identity and get tagged to your test slot. This takes around 10 to 15 minutes depending on the queue. Busy FCCs on weekend mornings can have longer queues.
Warm Up
Most FCCs run a short group warm up before the test starts. This is around 5 to 10 minutes. Do not skip it. Going into push-ups cold is how people pull muscles and score lower than they should.
The Actual Test
Push-ups, sit-ups and the 2.4km run. Total test time is about 30 to 45 minutes. There are short rest periods between stations.
Post-Test Admin
After the run you wait for your score to be confirmed and recorded in the system. This takes around 5 to 10 minutes. Your result is linked to your NS account.
| Part of visit | Estimated time |
|---|---|
| Reporting and check-in | 15 to 30 minutes |
| Registration and admin | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Group warm up | 5 to 10 minutes |
| Push-ups station | 5 to 10 minutes |
| Rest between stations | 5 minutes |
| Sit-ups station | 5 to 10 minutes |
| Rest before run | 5 minutes |
| 2.4km run | 9 to 18 minutes |
| Post-test admin | 5 to 10 minutes |
| Total | About 1.5 to 2 hours |
IPPT Start Time: What Slots Are Available
Most FCCs in Singapore offer IPPT slots in the morning and afternoon. Common start times are 8am, 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. Some FCCs also have evening and Saturday slots.
Check the NS portal to see available IPPT slots at your preferred FCC. Slots fill up fast especially near the end of the IPPT window. Book early and do not leave it to the last few weeks.
IPPT Reporting Time: Do Not Be Late
Every FCC has a specific reporting time for each slot. This is usually 15 to 30 minutes before the test starts.
If your IPPT start time is 9am, your reporting time might be 8.30am or 8.45am. Check your booking carefully.
Arriving late can mean you lose your slot. You may have to rebook and that takes more time out of your IPPT window.
How Long Does IPPT Take at Different FCCs
The test duration is the same across all FCCs. Push-ups, sit-ups and the 2.4km run do not change based on location. What can vary is how long the admin and waiting takes.
Maju Camp IPPT Timing
Maju Camp is one of the most popular FCCs in Singapore. Slots here can be busy especially on weekends. Allow the full 2 hours for your visit. Check the Maju Camp IPPT reporting time in your booking confirmation before you go.
Bedok Camp IPPT Timing
Bedok FCC is a common choice for NSmen in the east. Similar to Maju, slots on weekends fill up fast. Book early and check your Bedok Camp IPPT reporting time from your confirmation.
Other FCCs
Smaller FCCs may have shorter queues and faster admin. If you want to get in and out quickly, try booking at a less crowded FCC during off-peak hours on a weekday.
IPPT Schedule: Plan Your Visit Properly
Here is a simple step by step for test day.
How Long to Train for IPPT Before Your Window
Now you know how long the test takes. The bigger question is how long you need to train before your window opens.
Most fitness coaches recommend starting 8 to 12 weeks before your IPPT window. That gives you enough time to fix one or two weak stations properly.
If you only have 4 weeks, focus on your weakest station only. Do not try to fix everything at once. Use the IPPT calculator to check which station is pulling your total down the most.
| Time before window | What to focus on |
|---|---|
| 12 weeks out | Check your baseline score. Start training all 3 stations. Build a weekly routine. |
| 8 weeks out | Identify your weakest station using the score breakdown. Train that station harder. |
| 4 weeks out | Run IPPT simulations once a week. Push-ups, sit-ups and a timed 2.4km run back to back. |
| 1 week out | Reduce training volume. Rest more. Sleep well. Your body needs to peak on test day, not in training. |
How Many Days Rest Before IPPT
Do not train hard the day before your IPPT. Your muscles need time to recover and perform at their best.
Most NSmen take 1 to 2 full rest days before test day. Light walking or stretching is fine. No heavy training.
Sleep well the night before. Eat a proper meal 1.5 to 2 hours before you report. Show up rested, not sore.
Can You Retake IPPT If You Fail
Yes. If you fail your IPPT you can retake it within your current window if slots are still available. The format is the same every time. All three stations. Push-ups, sit-ups and the 2.4km run.
If your window closes before you pass, you go into NS FIT. That is 10 mandatory sessions. After completing NS FIT you get another window to attempt IPPT again.
Know Your IPPT Score Before Test Day
Use the free IPPT Calculator at ipptcalculatorns.com to check your current score estimate. Enter your push-up reps, sit-up reps and 2.4km timing. See your total points and award level based on your actual age group.
Free to use. Works for NSF, NSman and pre-enlistees across all age groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Know the Time, Plan the Visit
The IPPT test is 30 to 45 minutes. Your full FCC visit is 1.5 to 2 hours. Now you know what to expect so there are no surprises on test day. Use the free IPPT calculator to check your score before you go.
What to do before your test:
- Book your IPPT slot early. Do not wait until the last few weeks of your window.
- Check your reporting time from your booking confirmation the night before.
- Eat a light meal 1.5 to 2 hours before you report.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before your reporting time.
- Do 15 to 20 easy push-ups during the warm up to get your muscles ready.
- Hold your planned pace at every station. Do not rush the start and die at the end.
Show up prepared. No surprises. Execute what you have trained for.