The Student Room Group

Comparing results between 15m and 20m bleep test

Is there any difference in difficulty between the 15m and 20m bleep test? I understand that the legnth of time between the bleeps on the former is reduced to take into account the fact that you are running 5m less between each bleep, and that this is designed to compensate for the fact that the distance is shorter.

My gym offers the former of these as we have limited space, the PT who does it says that there is no difference in the final result and that all things being equal this will convert into the same when I go and run the 20m. Can anyone confirm this, and if it is not true what do I need to do to convert a score from the 15m test into an approx. score on the 20m test? I know it would be best to train for the 20m test which is what the armed forces use, but in bad weather this is not an option.

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Reply 1
There are tapes designed for both. If they've got the correct tape then you'll get the correct score.
I'd guess it'll be roughly the same, but each bleep test varies anyway, and the fact that you're making more turns per metre run must make some difference- there's no way it's perfectly synced for everybody.
Reply 3
I was using the 15m version with the correct recording and got 11.1. Probably could have gone to 11.5 if I really pushed it.

I am going to see if I can hit 12 over the next few weeks.
Reply 4
Mark9
I know it would be best to train for the 20m test which is what the armed forces use, but in bad weather this is not an option.


Why? A little bit of rain and wind will make it tougher and it will be easier when you eventually do it indoors!
Reply 5
Captainusa
Why? A little bit of rain and wind will make it tougher and it will be easier when you eventually do it indoors!


Safety issues - bleep test involves quick turns and (at the higher levels) sprinting. Not something you want to be attempting on an icey and slippery carpark.
Mark9
Safety issues - bleep test involves quick turns and (at the higher levels) sprinting. Not something you want to be attempting on an icey and slippery carpark.


Are you really cut out for the army?
Reply 7
Good bloke
Are you really cut out for the army?


lol :biggrin:
Mark9
I was using the 15m version with the correct recording and got 11.1. Probably could have gone to 11.5 if I really pushed it.

I am going to see if I can hit 12 over the next few weeks.

What are the army requirements? That's pretty fit, I just got 13.5 on the 20 metre version but I train seriously.
I meant to ask that. My son got 13 on the 20 metre version when he was 15 but he is a very fit highly-rated badminton player. 11 does not sound very high for an undergraduate in comparison.
Reply 10
hmmmm

wikipedia

The minimum level required for Royal Air Force Officers is 9.2, Army officers at selection is 10.2, and Royal Marine Officers at least 11.0. The Royal Navy has no set level, however a maximal effort must be demonstrated.
Reply 11
The RAF have put it up to 9.10.

As for the comment am I really cut out for the army the answer is yes, and I don't want to delay my application by attempting the bleep test in stupid conditions.

You will find that they do the same down at Welbeck - if it is raining or icey they will move the test indoors.
Mark9
The RAF have put it up to 9.10.

As for the comment am I really cut out for the army the answer is yes, and I don't want to delay my application by attempting the bleep test in stupid conditions.

You will find that they do the same down at Welbeck - if it is raining or icey they will move the test indoors.


You could always run on grass?
What if when your in the RAF they ask you to go for a run in the cold? will you say no i might slip over?
Reply 14
Captainusa
You could always run on grass?


Running the bleep test on the grass does not produce an accurate result.
Reply 15
seb.a.james
What if when your in the RAF they ask you to go for a run in the cold? will you say no i might slip over?


That isn't what I said. I said that I had safety concerns over doing a best-effort bleep test, that involves sprinting and sharp turns, in either ice or on a very wet surface.

As a result I am taking appropriate measures my taking the test inside, which prompted my enquiry as to if the 15m test with the correct shorter bleep was still ok to practice on.

I really don't see what the issue is, you wouldn't do a best effort bleep on an icey surface and niether would anyone expect you to. So why criticise others for deciding against doing it?
Reply 16
If you can't practise the bleep test, it really doesn't matter. As long as you're fit, and doing some speed work, you'll get through. As for turns, you can practise those in a very short space of just a few metres.

Out of curiosity, why is a bleep test run on grass inaccurate?
Well obviously because... erm... the grass is springy and absorbs your speed... :smile:
Mark9


I really don't see what the issue is, you wouldn't do a best effort bleep on an icey surface and niether would anyone expect you to.


You seriously misunderstand what being in the army is all about. Picture the scene:

It is 6 June 1944, 6:15am, just off the coast of Normandy. Mark9 is on a landing craft. "Sir, I can't go ashore - the ramp will be slippery because of the sea water and I might slip over; I could bark my shins."
Reply 19
Good bloke
You seriously misunderstand what being in the army is all about. Picture the scene:

It is 6 June 1944, 6:15am, just off the coast of Normandy. Mark9 is on a landing craft. "Sir, I can't go ashore - the ramp will be slippery because of the sea water and I might slip over; I could bark my shins."


1) I thought Mark9 was applying for the RAF?

2) If you've nothing contructive to input, shut up.

Totally dragging this one on and exaggerating on all fronts here...

How about this one: "Hey STAFF (you know that's what potential/ officers call subordinates, right? Seeing as you know everything else), mind if I take my shoes and socks off to run the beep test? I like making things awkward for myself, subsequently making it harder for me give a "best effort" attempt."

Fact is, Mark9 is making a good call by training for the beep test - in an appropriate surrounding. Even if it was summer, it is still advisable that you should train indoors - since you'll be doing it for real INDOORS.

This thread has gone on long enough, get a grip. Mark9, the times for turning has been taken into consideration on both the 15 and 20m tapes. The result is as accurate if you do it on the 15m or 20m.