SPECOPSLAB

KCT vs HRT

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

NETHERLANDSKorps Commandotroepen (KCT)KCT information day — basic physical requirementsOFFICIALlast verified 2026-10-18Open the calculator →UNITED STATESFBI Hostage Rescue Team (HRT)FBI Physical Fitness Test (2025 version)OFFICIALlast verified 2026-10-18Open the calculator →

Minimum standards, event by event

EventKCTHRT
Run distance in 12 min (Cooper test)2,800 monly this unit—
Push-ups (2 min, 1 rep every 2 s)HRT: Push-ups, untimed30same30same
Sit-ups (2 min, 1 rep every 2 s)40only this unit—
Strict pull-ups (no time limit)HRT: Pull-ups, untimed6stricter2
300 m sprint—52.4 sonly this unit
1.5-mile run—12:24only 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

KCT sets the higher minimum in: pull-ups.

Same minimum: push-ups.

KCT tests 4 events, HRT tests 4 events.

Pay

KCT
€3,499 / monthWhat a KCT commando earns · Korporaal · trede 1 · default scenario, gross
HRT
$13,037 / monthWhat an HRT operator earns · GS-13 (GS-1811 Special Agent, L058) · Step 1 · default scenario, gross

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

Questions

Is KCT or HRT harder to get into?

KCT sets the higher minimum in: pull-ups. Same minimum: 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 KCT and HRT fitness tests differ?

KCT: 4 events (cooper, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups). HRT: 4 events (pull-ups, 300 m, push-ups, 1.5 mi run).

Does KCT or HRT pay more?

KCT: €3,499/month; HRT: $13,037/month (default scenarios, gross). The amounts are in different currencies and depend on taxes and cost of living, so we do not rank them.

Sources:
KCT
HRT