Candidates selected from the results of the Eligible Register will be notified by mail of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) date, time and location.

The CPAT will be administered before each recruit class.  Candidates may be required to take the CPAT more than once prior to being hired.

The exam is comprised of eight stations that are completed in one continuous sequence. The test is Pass/Fail. The maximum time allowed for passing is 10 minutes and 20 seconds.

Candidates must wear the following during the test:

• Long pants
• A safety helmet with chinstrap
• gloves
• A 50-pound weighted vest during the entire exam
• An additional 25 pound weight will be added during the first event, but will be removed at the completion of that event

The CPAT is comprised of eight test elements.  Download/View the CPAT Orientation Guide (PDF - 101 kb) for detailed information about the test elements.

The following is a brief explanation of the eight test elements:

1. Stair Climb
   For this event, you must wear two 12.5-pound(5.67 kg) weights on your shoulders to simulate the weight of a high-rise pack. The candidate will be given a 20 second warm-up on the Stair Master StepMill at level three (50 steps per minute), then the timing for the test will begin as the candidate continues for an additional 3:00 at level four (60 steps per minute). Walk to the next event.
   
   
2. Hose Drag
   The candidate will place a 1-1/2” nozzle that is connected to 200 feet of 1-3/4” hose over their shoulder and drag hose out past a barrel that is 75 feet away, then make a 90o turn and pull the hose an additional 25 feet. The candidate will then turn, face the hose and pull the hose hand over hand toward themselves for an additional 50 feet. Walk to the next event.
   
   
3. Equipment Carry
   For this event you must remove two power saws from a storage cabinet, one at a time, and place them on the ground. You must then pick up both saws and carry them 75 feet around a marker and then back to the starting point and then place the saws, one at a time, back in the storage cabinet. Walk to the next event.
   
   
4. Ladder Raise & Extension
   This event uses two 24-foot fire department ladders. You must flat raise a 24 foot aluminum extension ladder with a hand over hand motion using each rung until the ladder is resting against the wall. Fully extend a 24-foot ladder that is fixed to the wall, then lower the fly completely in a controlled hand over hand motion. Walk to the next event.
   
   
5. Forcible Entry
   Strike the Forcible Entry Cumulative Force Measuring Device, using a horizontal swing with a 10-pound sledgehammer, until the buzzer signals. Walk to the next event.
   
   
6. Search
   Crawl through the sightless tunnel maze from the entrance to the exit, navigating around, over, and under obstacles that are placed at various points. Walk to the next event.
   
   
7. Rescue
   Pull a 165 pound Rescue Randy Dummy 35 feet, using the provided handles, to a barrel, make a 180o turn around the barrel and return to the finish line. Walk to the next event.
   
   
8. Ceiling Breach and Pull
   Using a 6 foot pike poll, fully push up the weighted, 60-pound ceiling door three times. Then hook the pike pole on the weighted ceiling pulling device and pull down five times. Repeat this sequence of three pushes and five pulls for a total of four sets. The test is then complete.

Special Note: The Firefighter CPAT is very strenuous. If you have had a recent illness, surgery or are under medication, verify with your healthcare provider whether or not it is safe for you to take the test.

Physical Conditioning to Prepare for the Ability and Strength Exam

The job of Firefighter requires an individual to be in peak physical condition and to maintain physical strength, agility, aerobic capacity and flexibility during one's entire career.

Individuals should engage in advanced physical training prior to the CPAT, targeting muscle groups used in lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, and other actions related to Firefighter tasks. A workout program may include distance running, sprints, rowing, stair climbing with weight pack and weight lifting to develop both the upper and lower body.

Download/View the Candidate Preparation Guide (File Size: 235 kb) for  information about specific physical training and weight lifting in preparation for the CPAT.