SPECOPSLAB

KSK vs KCT

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

GERMANYKommando Spezialkräfte (KSK) — KommandosoldatPFV Phase 1 — minimum standards (Kommandosoldat)OFFICIALlast verified 2026-10-18Open the calculator →NETHERLANDSKorps Commandotroepen (KCT)KCT information day — basic physical requirementsOFFICIALlast verified 2026-10-18Open the calculator →

Minimum standards, event by event

EventKSKKCT
Pull-ups (overhand, from dead hang)KCT: Strict pull-ups (no time limit)7stricter6
Sit-ups (30 s)KCT: Sit-ups (2 min, 1 rep every 2 s)2040stricter
Push-ups, hand-release (30 s)KCT: Push-ups (2 min, 1 rep every 2 s)2230stricter
Coordination course2:00only this unit—
Casualty transport (approx. 38 m, 2 obstacles)2:00only this unit—
200 m swim in combat uniform (+ undress in water)7:30only this unit—
20 km march with 20 kg210 minonly this unit—
Run distance in 12 min (Cooper test)—2,800 monly 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

KSK sets the higher minimum in: pull-ups.

KCT sets the higher minimum in: sit-ups and push-ups.

KSK tests 7 events, KCT tests 4 events.

Pay

KSK
€4,541 / monthWhat a KSK commando soldier (Kommandosoldat) earns · Oberfeldwebel (A 7) · Stufe 3 · default scenario, grosspartly provisional
KCT
€3,499 / monthWhat a KCT commando earns · Korporaal · trede 1 · default scenario, gross

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

Questions

Is KSK or KCT harder to get into?

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

KSK: 7 events (pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups, coord, casualty, swim 200, march 20k). KCT: 4 events (cooper, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups).

Does KSK or KCT pay more?

KSK: €4,541/month (Oberfeldwebel (A 7) · Stufe 3); KCT: €3,499/month (Korporaal · trede 1) (default scenarios, gross). The default scenarios use different ranks and seniority, so this is not a like-for-like comparison — set the same rank in the pay calculator on each unit page.

Sources:
KSK
KCT