The first step in creating a legally defensible fitness test is ___________.

Conducting a Job Task Analysis (JTA) is fundamental in creating a legally defensible fitness test. A JTA involves a systematic process of identifying and detailing the specific duties, tasks, and physical requirements necessary for a job role. This analysis ensures that the fitness test is directly related to the actual job functions, allowing for a valid measurement of the physical capabilities required for the position.

By aligning the fitness test with the tasks identified in the JTA, organizations can demonstrate that their testing procedures are essential for successful job performance and are not arbitrary. This connection helps to provide a framework that supports the legitimacy of the test and reduces the risk of challenges based on claims of unfairness or discrimination, making it a cornerstone of legal defensibility in fitness assessments.