ARW vs FSK
Fitness test and pay side by side. The published minimum fitness standards of ARW and FSK, event by event, with pay where we have it. Higher levels are in the paid report.
IRELANDArmy Ranger Wing (ARW) — Óglaigh na hÉireannSOFQ Module 1 — fitness test and loaded marches (Special Operations Forces Qualification)APPROXIMATElast verified 2026-10-18Open the calculator →
NORWAYForsvarets spesialkommando (FSK) — SpesialjegerSpesialjegeropptak — physical requirements (fysiske krav)OFFICIALlast verified 2026-10-18Open the calculator →Minimum standards, event by event
| Event | ARW | FSK |
|---|---|---|
| Pull-ups, overhand, no kipping (pull ups)FSK: Hang-ups, overhand (kroppsheving) | 7 | 8stricter |
| Sit-ups (sit up)FSK: Sit-ups in 2 min (magebøyinger) | 31 | 50stricter |
| Push-ups (push up)FSK: Push-ups (armhevninger) | 37 | 45stricter |
| 3.2 km run (3.2 km run) | 14:35only this unit | — |
| 12.8 km battle run with 25 kg (12.8 k Battle Run) | 109 minonly this unit | — |
| Back extensions (rygghev) | — | 25only this unit |
| Rundeløp — laps in 10 min (Polititesten) | — | 32only this unit |
| 30 km field march, about 28 kg (feltmarsj) | — | 280 minonly this unit |
| 400 m swim, first 25 m underwater (svømming) | — | 11:00only this unit |
Events in the same row are similar but not identical — read the event names.
Higher levels (e.g. competitive or elevated standards) and your gap to each are in the paid report.
Where the bar is higher
FSK sets the higher minimum in: hang-ups, sit-ups, and push-ups.
ARW tests 5 events, FSK tests 7 events.
Pay
Amounts are in each country’s own currency and are not converted.
Questions
Is ARW or FSK harder to get into?
FSK sets the higher minimum in: hang-ups, sit-ups, and push-ups. These are only the published fitness minimums; selection itself, medical and other requirements differ, and passing the minimum does not guarantee selection.
How do the ARW and FSK fitness tests differ?
ARW: 5 events (pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups, run 3.2k, battle run). FSK: 7 events (hang-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, back ext, rundeløp, march 30k, swim 400).
Does ARW or FSK pay more?
ARW: €68,691/year; FSK: NOK 470,000/year (default scenarios, gross). The amounts are in different currencies and depend on taxes and cost of living, so we do not rank them.
- Minimum — all candidates, men and women, every age — ARW HPP — Module 1 – Test Overview, Special Operation Forces – Qualification (SOFQ ECHO-TWO, September 2021), military.ie (2026-10-18)