Testing will be offered on the last Thursday of most months (dates are subject to change). Call the MFRD Training Academy at (251) 208-2863 for additional information.
Candidate Physical Ability Test: Standard for Firefighter I Training
To register for a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), click here.
This Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) consists of eight separate events:
· Stair Climb
· Hose Drag
· Equipment Carry
· Ladder Raise and Extension
· Forcible Entry
· Search
· Rescue
· Ceiling Breach and Pull
The Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness/Fitness Initiative Candidate Physical Ability Test © (CPAT) was developed to test firefighter candidates on their ability to perform simulated tasks consistent with the duties of a firefighter. It is designed to ensure that candidates possess the physical ability to complete critical tasks effectively and safely.
The CPAT is a standardized test that consists of a sequence of eight (8) separate critical events completed in a predetermined path from one event to another in a continuous manner. This is a pass/ fail test based on a maximum total time of 10 minutes and 20 seconds.
During the test, candidates wear a 50-pound vest to simulate the weight of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and firefighter protective clothing (“turnouts”). In addition, two 12.5-pound weights are placed on the candidate’s shoulders during the Stair Climb Event only, to simulate carrying a highrise pack (hose bundle).
Throughout all events, the participant must wear long pants, a hard hat with chin strap, work gloves and footwear with no open heel or toe. Watches and loose or restrictive jewelry are not permitted.
The eight (8) events are administered in a sequence that best simulates fire scene events while allowing an 85-foot walk between events. To ensure the highest level of safety and to prevent exhaustion, no running is allowed between events. This walk allows approximately 20 seconds to recover and regroup before each event.
The job of a firefighter is one of the most physically demanding jobs in North America, and requires high levels of aerobic endurance, muscular strength and muscular endurance. The Candidate Physical Ability Test consists of eight (8) critical physical tasks designed to simulate the job duties of a firefighter on the fireground. This test is physically demanding and requires that one be physically fit to be successful.
A CPAT Candidate Preparation Guide is available for all candidates who wish to prepare themselves for this test. Click on the link below to obtain the Preparation and Orientation Guides. Every candidate should begin preparing in advance for this physical test.
The job of a firefighter is one of the most physically demanding jobs in North America, and requires high levels of aerobic endurance, muscular strength and muscular endurance. The Candidate Physical Ability Test consists of eight (8) critical physical tasks designed to simulate the job duties of a firefighter on the fireground. This test is physically demanding and requires that one be physically fit to be successful.
A CPAT Candidate Preparation Guide is available for all candidates who wish to prepare themselves for this test. Click on the link below to obtain the Preparation and Orientation Guides. Every candidate should begin preparing in advance for this physical test.
Candidates who are referred to participate in the CPAT phase of the hiring process will have an opportunity to attend a CPAT orientation eight weeks prior to the actual test date. During this orientation, candidates will receive the CPAT Orientation Guide and will be shown the CPAT Orientation Video. Candidates will also be given time to practice test tasks and receive valuable physical training tips from Division of Fire Peer Fitness Trainers.
While the CPAT orientation is not required, it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for all candidates who receive an invitation to and plan on taking the CPAT test. Candidates who choose not to attend the orientation program should review the CPAT Orientation Guide and Candidate Preparation Guide prior to taking the test.
Special Note: The Firefighter CPAT is very strenuous. If you have had a recent illness, injury, surgery, or are under medication, consult with your healthcare provider to determine if you should participate in the CPAT.
· Must present valid identification
· Will need to sign a number of forms including:
· Waiver
· Release form
· Sign-in form
· Will be provided an opportunity to review a video detailing the CPAT and the failure points
· It is the candidate’s responsibility to ask questions if any part of the test events or procedures
are not understood
At the conclusion of the CPAT, the candidate must sign the CPAT Evaluation Form and complete and sign the Rehabilitation Form. Failure to complete and sign any of these forms results in failure of the CPAT.
PLEASE NOTE that this information is a general summary of the test events. It does not include the full description of each event, nor does it include failure points. More detailed information about the CPAT is available through the links below (Preparation Guide and Orientation Guide).
CPAT Orientation Guide(pdf)
Candidate Preparation Guide(pdf)
Overview
Using a stair-climbing machine, this event is designed to simulate the critical task of climbing stairs in full protective clothing while carrying a high-rise pack (hose bundle) and firefighter equipment.
This event challenges aerobic capacity, lower body muscular endurance and the ability to balance.
The Test
· Participants wear a 12.5-pound weight on each shoulder to simulate the weight of a highrise pack
· Immediately following a 20-second warmup period at a rate of 50 steps per minute, the timed part of the test starts as indicated by a proctor
· There is no break in time between the warm-up period and the actual timing of the test
· During the warm-up period, dismounting, grasping the rail, or holding the wall to establish balance and cadence is permitted
· The timed part of the test lasts three minutes at a stepping rate of 60 steps per minute
· Failure can occur by falling or dismounting three times during the warm-up period, or by falling or dismounting after the timed CPAT begins
· During the test, the participant is permitted to touch the wall or handrail for balance only momentarily; if that rule is violated more than twice during the test, failure will result
Overview
This event is designed to simulate the critical tasks of dragging an uncharged hose line from a fire apparatus to a structure and pulling an uncharged hose line around obstacles while remaining stationary.
This event challenges aerobic capacity, lower body muscular strength and endurance, upper back muscular strength and endurance, grip strength and endurance, and anaerobic endurance.
The Test
· A hose line nozzle attached to 200 feet of hose is grasped and placed over the shoulder or across the chest up to eight feet
· While walking or running, the participant drags the hose 75 feet to a pre-positioned drum, makes a 90° turn, and continues an additional 25 feet
· After stopping within the marked box, the candidate drops to at least one knee and pulls the hose line until the 50-foot mark crosses the finish line
Failure
· During the hose drag, failure results if the participant does not go around the drum or goes outside of the marked path
· During the hose pull, a warning is given if at least one knee is not kept in contact with the ground or if the knees go outside the marked boundary line; a second warning constitutes failure
Overview
This event uses two saws and a tool cabinet replicating a storage cabinet on a fire truck. It simulates the critical tasks of removing power tools from a fire apparatus, carrying them to the emergency scene, and returning the equipment to the fire apparatus.
This event challenges aerobic capacity, upper body muscular strength and endurance, lower body muscular endurance, grip endurance, and balance.
The Test
• The candidate must remove the two saws from the tool cabinet, one at a time, and place them on the ground
• Then he/she picks up both saws (one in each hand) and carries them while walking 75 feet around a drum, then back to the starting point
• Placing the saws on the ground to adjust a grip is permitted
• Upon return to the tool cabinet, the saws are placed on the ground, then picked up one at a time, and replaced in the cabinet.
Failure
• Dropping either saw on the ground during the carry will result in immediate failure
• A warning will be given for running; a second warning constitute a failure
Overview
This event uses two 24-foot aluminum extension ladders and is designed to simulate the placement of a ground ladder at a fire structure and extending it to the roof or window.
This event challenges aerobic capacity, upper body muscular strength, lower body muscular strength, balance, grip strength, and anaerobic endurance.
The Test
· The participant must walk to the top rung of one ladder, lift the unhinged end from the ground, and walk it up hand over hand until it is stationary against the wall
· Then he/she immediately proceeds to the other pre-positioned ladder, stands with both feet within the marked box, extends the fly section hand over hand until it hits the stop, then lowers it in back to the starting position
Failure
· Immediate failure will result if the ladder is allowed to fall to the ground, if control is not maintained in a hand-over-hand manner, or if the rope halyard slips in an uncontrolled manner
· Missing any rung during the raise or allowing one’s feet to extend outside of the boundary results in a warning; a second warning constitutes a failure
Overview
This event uses a mechanized device that measures cumulative force and a 10-pound sledgehammer. It simulates the critical tasks of using force to open a locked door or to breach a wall.
This event challenges aerobic capacity, upper body muscular strength and endurance, lower body muscular strength and endurance, balance, grip strength and endurance, and anaerobic endurance.
The Test
· For this event, the candidate uses the sledgehammer to strike a measuring device in a target area until the buzzer activates
· Feet must be kept outside the toe-box at all times
Failure
· Failure results if the participant does not maintain control of the sledgehammer and releases it from both hands while swinging
· A warning is given for stepping inside the toe-box; a second warning constitutes a failure
Overview
This event uses an enclosed search maze that has obstacles and narrowed spaces. It simulates the critical task of searching for a fire victim with limited visibility in an unpredictable area.
This event challenges aerobic capacity, upper body muscular strength and endurance, agility, balance, anaerobic endurance, and kinesthetic awareness.
The Test
· For this event, the candidate crawls through a tunnel maze that is approximately 3 feet high, 4 feet wide, 64 feet in length, and has two 90° turns and multiple obstacles
· In addition, there are two locations where the dimensions of the tunnel are reduced
Failure
· If at any point the participant chooses to end the event, he/she can call out or rap sharply on the wall or ceiling and will be assisted out of the maze although doing so will result in failure of the event
· Failure also will occur if the candidate requests assistance that requires the opening of the escape hatch or opening of the entrance/exit covers
Overview
This event uses a weighted mannequin equipped with a shoulder harness to simulate the critical task of removing a victim or injured partner from a fire scene.
This event challenges aerobic capacity, upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance, grip strength and endurance, and anaerobic endurance.
The Test
· The participant grasps a 165-pound mannequin by the handles) on the shoulders of the harness (either one or both handles are permitted), drags it 35 feet, makes a 180° turn around a pre-positioned drum, and continues an additional 35 feet to the finish line
· Grasping or resting on the drum is not permitted, but the mannequin may touch the drum
· The candidate is permitted to drop and release the mannequin to adjust his/her grip
· The entire mannequin must be dragged across the finish line.
Failure
· Grasping or resting on the drum at any time results in a warning; a second warning constitutes a failure
Overview
This event uses a mechanized device that measures overhead push and pull forces and a pike pole. The pike pole is a commonly used piece of equipment that consists of a six-foot long pole with a hook and point attached to one end.
This event simulates the critical task of breaching and pulling down a ceiling to check for fire extension. It challenges aerobic capacity, upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance, grip strength and endurance, and anaerobic endurance.
The Test
· After removing the pike pole from the bracket, the participant places the tip of the pole on a 60-pound hinged door in the ceiling and pushes it three times while standing within the established boundary
· Then, the pike pole is hooked to a 80- pound ceiling device and pulled five times
· Each set consists of three pushes and five pulls; the set is repeated four times
· A pause for grip adjustment is allowed
Failure
· Releasing one’s grip or allowing the pike pole handle to slip does not result in a warning or constitute a failure
· The candidate may re-establish his/her grip and resume the event
· If a repetition is not successfully completed, the proctor calls out “miss” and the apparatus must be pushed or pulled again to complete the repetition
· This event and the total test time ends when the final pull stroke repetition is completed and the proctor calls “time”
· A warning is given for dropping the pike pole to the ground or for feet straying outside the boundaries; a second warning of either violation constitute a failure
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