SPECOPSLAB

JTF 2 vs NZSAS

Fitness test and pay side by side. The published minimum fitness standards of JTF 2 and NZSAS, event by event, with pay where we have it. Higher levels are in the paid report.

CANADAJoint Task Force 2 (JTF 2) — Special Operations AssaulterCANSOFCOM PFSE 1OFFICIALlast verified 2026-10-18Open the calculator →NEW ZEALAND1st New Zealand Special Air Service Regiment (NZSAS)NZDF Assessment Day (A-Day) — NZSAS trade-specific standardOFFICIALlast verified 2026-10-18Open the calculator →

Minimum standards, event by event

EventJTF 2NZSAS
Relative handgrip (both hands, % of body mass + 20 kg)100 %only this unit—
1.5 mi run9:45only this unit—
Push-ups (continuous, no time limit)NZSAS: Press-ups40stricter30
Pull-ups (continuous)5only this unit—
Sit-ups (1 min)40only this unit—
Standard load squats (72 kg, 42 bpm metronome)11only this unit—
Multi-Stage Fitness Test (beep test), level.shuttle — e.g. 11.09—12.01only 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

JTF 2 sets the higher minimum in: push-ups.

JTF 2 tests 6 events, NZSAS tests 2 events.

Pay

JTF 2
CA$12,391 / monthWhat a JTF 2 assaulter earns · Sergeant (pay level 6A) · Basic · default scenario, gross
NZSAS
NZ$82,481–NZ$98,846 / yearWhat an NZSAS operator earns · Corporal (CPL) · Other Ranks, Sector A Tier 1 – Sector D Tier 3 · Step 5 · default scenario, grosspartly provisional

Amounts are in each country’s own currency and are not converted.

Questions

Is JTF 2 or NZSAS harder to get into?

JTF 2 sets the higher minimum in: 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 JTF 2 and NZSAS fitness tests differ?

JTF 2: 6 events (grip, run 1.5mi, push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, squat 72). NZSAS: 2 events (beep test, press-ups).

Does JTF 2 or NZSAS pay more?

JTF 2: CA$12,391/month; NZSAS: NZ$82,481–NZ$98,846/year (default scenarios, gross). The amounts are in different currencies and depend on taxes and cost of living, so we do not rank them.

Sources:
JTF 2
NZSAS