Analysis of Physical Ability Tests in the Recruitment Process of Civil Servants in Burkina Faso

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Résumé

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

Mots-clés

Physical Ability Test, Physical Fitness, Civil Servant Recruitment, Active Job, Burkina Faso