Fitness Testing
Fitness Testing > Tests > Aerobic Endurance > Beep > FAQ
Beep Test FAQ
> for more information, see the Beep Test Home
Here are some common questions and answers about the beep test. If you have your own questions which are not answered on this or other beep test pages, please contact me. See also the general fitness testing FAQ.
- Where can I purchase a beep test tape/cd?
- Should I use a tape or cd version?
- How do I calibrate the tape?
- What is the formula for the beep test calculator?
- Can I download an .mp3 or .wav file of the beep test
- Do I begin running after the man has said 'level ...' or do I start at sound of the beep?
- Is it OK running ahead of the beeps in the early stages?
- What is a good score?
- Can I convert my result from the 15 meter test to the 20 meter test?
Where can I purchase a beep test tape/cd?
Should I use a tape or cd version?
The cd (or mp3 or other digital format) is the preferred format as the tape is prone to stretching and deteriorate over time, and audiotape players can also vary in the playback speed.
How do I calibrate the tape?
If you have the audio cassette tape version of the test, there are instructions at the beginning of the tape for calibrating. For further details, see more about the Tape Version.
What is the formula for the beep test calculator?
A table with the shuttle run test scores and the corresponding predicted VO2max score is provided with the test CD or tape (well my copy is anyway). The calculator on this site is derived from this table. Due to each level of the test having variable number of shuttles, it is a complex formula to derive the results. If you understand javascript, you may be able to look at the code of the calculator page and work it out. More information on the test is available on the beep test details page.
Can I download an mp3 or wav file of the beep test?
The following link from the Australian Army provides a copy of the beep test sound file: http://www.defence.gov.au/army/1_19RNSWR/fitness.htm Another link that I have come across for a downloadable beep test is the following. Unfortunately, reading the details of this test, it is only conducted over 15 meters. Therefore, the timing may be different to the 20m beep test. Use and interpret the results with caution. http://www.policecareer.co.uk/fitnessmedical/thebleeptest.asp I am not sure about the legality of this copy, and also not sure whether it is comparable to the standard version. If you want to make sure you have the correct version, and also would like the instructions and other information that comes with it, you can buy the CD or tape yourself. Many of the listing of the beep test on eBay is for an audio file download, see Purchasing the Beep Test.
Do I begin running after the man has said 'level ...' or do I start at sound of the beep?
The test starts at the sound of the beep, as does each new shuttle and level. The verbal announcement of the level and stage numbers is just to let you know what each of the beeps was indicating.
Is it OK running ahead of the beeps in the early stages?
Some athletes, particularly those lacking in speed, may find it beneficial to get a little ahead of the recording early on in the test, to put a little distance 'in the bank' for later when the pace gets faster. It may not seem like a big deal to let the athlete get ahead of the tape early on, but it changes the test procedure and may mean that the results are not valid. It is hard to control such actions, so next time the test is performed it may not be done the same way, resulting in poor reliability of the test too. So I would not let an athlete get ahead of the recording (just as you don't let them get behind).
What is a good score?
What is considered a good score not only depends on your age and sex, but also which sport you are involved in. In a sport that aerobic fitness is not important, getting a low score could be just as good as getting a high score if you sport is distance running or some other sport in which aerobic fitness is very important. To get an idea of what results sports people are getting in this test, see the page about Athlete Beep Test Score.
Can I convert my result from the 15 meter test to the 20 meter test?
Some groups perform the 15 m test rather than the commonly used 20 m version (see more about Beep Test Variations). I do not know of any formula to convert the results of one to the other. A rough conversion could be done by calculating the distance traveled in one test (e.g. 20 meters x the total number of shuttles), then see what level would have been achieved if the same distance was covered in the other version of the test.
Related Pages
- other Fitness Test Results
- Maximizing Your Score - to get the most out of the beep test.
- References for the beep test
- Test Procedure - Detailed instructions for conducting the beep test. Also video examples.
- Calculating Your Score - calculator to determine your VO2max equivalent score
- Ask a question - the beep section of the fitness testing message board.Read the beep section of the fitness testing message board.
- Purchasing the cd
- calibrating you beep test tape
- Beep Shuttle Listing - a listing of the number of runs for each level
