The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is a test that you must pass to move forward in the hiring process. This is a pass/fail test that must be completed within a total time of 10 minutes and 20 seconds.
The events are meant to simulate physical activities that you would have to do when responding to a fire. There are eight sequential CPAT events.
To prepare, we recommend you read our CPAT Preparation Guide(PDF, 773KB) and attend conditioning classes.
Timing
Two stopwatches are used to time the CPAT. One stopwatch is designated as the official test time stop watch, the second is the backup stopwatch. If mechanical failure occurs, the time on the backup stopwatch is used.
The stopwatches are set to the pass/fail time and count down from 10 minutes and 20 seconds. If time elapses prior to the completion of the test, the test is concluded and the candidate fails the test.
Between Events
The sequencing of the events is designed to simulate a fire scene, while allowing an 85-foot (25.91-m) walk between events. The walk gives you 20 seconds to recover and regroup before each event.
To ensure the highest level of safety and to prevent exhaustion, no running is allowed between events.
Testing Gear
During the CPAT events, you will be given the following to wear:
- a 50-pound (22.68-kg) vest - to simulate the weight of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and firefighter protective clothing
- an additional 25 pounds (11.34 kg), using two 12.5-pound (5.76-kg) weights during the Stair Climb event - to simulate a high-rise pack (hose bundle).
- long pants
- a hard hat with chin strap
- work gloves
- footwear with no open heel or toe
Watches and loose or restrictive jewelry are not permitted.
Purpose of Evaluation
This event is designed to simulate the critical tasks of climbing stairs in full protective clothing while carrying firefighting equipment, specifically a high-rise pack (hose bundle). This event challenges the candidate's aerobic capacity, lower body muscular endurance, and ability to balance. This event affects the aerobic energy system as well as the following muscle groups:
- quadriceps
- hamstrings
- glutes
- calves
- lower back stabilizers
Event Description
During this timed event, the candidate is required to wear two 12.5-pound (5.67-kg) weights on the shoulders to simulate the weight of a high-rise pack.
Prior to the start of the event, the candidate has a 20-second warm-up on the StepMill at a set stepping rate of 50 steps per minute [Level 3]. During this warm-up period:
- the candidate is permitted to dismount, grasp the rail, or hold the wall to establish balance and cadence.
- if the candidate falls or steps off the StepMill during the 20-second warm-up period, the candidate is required to remount the StepMill and restart the entire 20-second warm-up period.
- the candidate is allowed to restart the warm-up period twice.
There is no break in time between the warm-up period and the actual timing of the test. The timing of the test begins at the end of this warm-up period when the proctor calls out "START."
For the test:
- candidates are required to walk on the StepMill at a set stepping rate of 60 steps per minute [Level 4] for 3 minutes. This concludes the event.
- the two 12.5-pound (5.67-kg) weights are removed from the candidate’s shoulders.
- the candidate walks 85 feet (25.91 m) within the established walkway to the next event.
Failures
The candidate fails the test under the following conditions:
- if the candidate falls or dismounts the StepMill three times during the warm-up period.
- if the candidate falls, grasps any of the test equipment, or steps off the StepMill after the CPAT begins, the test time is concluded, and the candidate fails the test.
- during the test, the candidate is permitted to touch only momentarily the wall or the handrail for balance. However:
- if the wall or handrail is grasped or touched for an extended period of time or if the wall or handrail is used for weight bearing, the candidate is warned.
- only two warnings are given. The third infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded, and the candidate fails the test.
Purpose of Evaluation
This event is designed to simulate the critical tasks of dragging an uncharged hoseline from the fire engine to the fire occupancy and pulling an uncharged hoseline around obstacles while remaining stationary. This event challenges the candidate’s:
- aerobic capacity
- lower body muscular strength and endurance
- upper back muscular strength and endurance
- grip strength and endurance
- anaerobic endurance
It affects the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems as well as the following muscle groups:
- quadriceps
- hamstrings
- glutes
- calves
- lower back stabilizers
- biceps
- deltoids
- upper back
- muscles of the forearm and hand (grip)
Equipment
- 200 feet (60 m) of double jacketed 1 ¾-inch (44-mm) hose, marked at:
- 8 feet (2.44 m) past the coupling at the nozzle
- 50 feet (15.24 m) past the coupling at the nozzle
- automatic Nozzle (6 lbs. [± 1 lb.] / 3 kg [± 0.5 kg])
- two 55-gallon [US] (208.2-liter) drums secured together. The bottom drum is filled with water or other ballast for weight.
Event Description
During this event:
- the candidate grasps an automatic nozzle attached to 200 feet (60 m) of 1 ¾-inch (44-mm) hose.
- the candidate places the hoseline over the shoulder or across the chest, not exceeding the 8-foot (2.44-m) mark.
- the candidate drags the hose 75 feet (22.86 m) to a pre-positioned drum, makes a 90° turn around the drum, and continues an additional 25 feet (7.62 m).
- the candidate is permitted to run during the hose drag.
- the candidate then stops within the marked 5 foot x 7 foot (1.52 m x 2.13 m) box, drops to at least one knee, and pulls the hoseline until the hoseline’s 50-foot (15.24-m) mark is across the finish line.
- during the hose pull, the candidate must keep at least one knee in contact with the ground, and knee(s) must remain within the marked boundary lines. This concludes the event.
The candidate walks 85 feet (25.91 m) within the established boundary to the next event.
Failures
The candidate fails the test under the following conditions:
- during the hose drag, if the candidate fails to go around the drum or goes outside of the marked path (cones), the test time is concluded and the candidate fails the test.
- during the hose pull, the candidate is warned if at least one knee is not kept in contact with the ground. The second infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded, and the candidate fails the test.
Purpose of Evaluation
This event is designed to simulate the critical tasks of removing power tools from a fire engine, carrying them to the emergency scene, and returning the equipment to the fire apparatus. This event challenges the candidate's:
- aerobic capacity
- upper body muscular strength and endurance
- lower body muscular endurance
- grip endurance
- balance
It affects the aerobic energy system as well as the following muscle groups:
- biceps
- deltoids
- upper back
- trapezius
- muscles of the forearm and hand (grip)
- glutes
- quadriceps
- hamstrings
Equipment
- rescue circular saw: 32 ± 3 lbs (14.5 ± 1.3 kg)
- chain saw: 28 ± 3 lbs (12.7 ± 1.3 kg), blades guarded, fluids drained, spark plugs removed
- tool cabinet
- 55-gallon [US] (208.2-liter) weighted drum
Event Description
During this event:
- the candidate removes the two saws from the tool cabinet, one at a time, and places them on the ground.
- the candidate then picks up both saws, one in each hand, and carries them while walking 75 feet (22.86 m) around the drum, then back to the starting point.
- the candidate is permitted to place the saw(s) on the ground and adjust the grip.
- upon return to the tool cabinet, the candidate places the saws on the ground, then picks up each saw one at a time, and replaces the saw in the designated space in the cabinet.
This concludes the event. The candidate walks 85 feet (25.91 m) within the established walkway to the next event.
Failures
The candidate fails the test under the following conditions:
- if the candidate drops either saw on the ground during the carry, the test time is concluded, and the candidate fails the test.
- the candidate receives one warning for running. The second infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded, and the candidate fails the test.
Purpose of Evaluation
This event is designed to simulate the critical tasks of placing a ground ladder at a fire structure and extending the ladder to the roof or window. This event challenges the candidate’s:
- aerobic capacity
- upper body muscular strength
- lower body muscular strength
- balance
- grip strength
- anaerobic endurance
It affects the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems as well as the following muscle groups:
- biceps
- deltoids
- upper back
- trapezius
- muscles of the forearm and hand (grip)
- glutes
- quadriceps
- hamstrings
Equipment
- two 24-foot (7.32-m) aluminum ground ladders
- pivoting bracket for ladder raise
- retractable Safety Lanyard for ladder raise
- attaching brackets for ladder extension
Event Description
During this event:
- the candidate walks to the top rung of the 24-foot (7.32-m) aluminum extension ladder, lifts the unhinged end from the ground, and walks it up until it is stationary against the wall.
- this must be done in a hand-over-hand fashion, using each rung until the ladder is stationary against the wall. The candidate must not use the ladder rails to raise the ladder.
- the candidate immediately proceeds to the pre-positioned and secured 24-foot (7.32-m) aluminum extension ladder, stands with both feet within the marked box of 36 inches x 36 inches (91.44 cm x 91.44 cm), and extends the fly section hand-over-hand until it hits the stop.
- the candidate then lowers the fly section hand-over-hand in a controlled fashion to the starting position. This concludes the event.
The candidate walks 85 feet (25.91 m) within the established walkway to the next event.
Failures
The candidate fails the test under the following conditions:
- if the candidate misses any rung during the raise:
- One warning is given.
- The second infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded, and the candidate fails the test.
- if the candidate allows the ladder to fall to the ground or the safety lanyard is activated because the candidate completely releases the grip on the ladder, the test time is concluded, and the candidate fails the test.
- if during the ladder extension, the candidate's feet do not remain within marked boundary lines:
- one warning is given.
- the second infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded, and the candidate fails the test.
- if the candidate fails to maintain control of the ladder in a hand-over-hand manner, or lets the rope lanyard slip in an uncontrolled manner, the test time is concluded, and the candidate fails the test.
Purpose of Evaluation
This event is designed to simulate the critical tasks of using force to open a locked door or to breach a wall. This event challenges the candidate's:
- aerobic capacity
- upper body muscular strength and endurance
- lower body muscular strength and endurance
- balance
- grip strength and endurance
- anaerobic endurance
It affects the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems as well as the following muscle groups:
- quadriceps
- glutes
- triceps
- upper back
- trapezius
- muscles of the forearm and hand (grip)
Equipment
- forcible entry machine
- 10-pound (4.54-kg) sledgehammer
- toe-box
Event Description
During this event:
- the candidate uses a 10-pound (4.54-kg) sledgehammer and strikes the measuring device in the target area until the buzzer signal is activated.
- the candidate's feet must remain outside the toe-box.
- after the buzzer is activated, the candidate places the sledgehammer on the ground. This concludes the event.
The candidate walks 85 feet (25.91 m) within the established walkway to the next event.
Failures
The candidate fails the test under the following conditions:
- if the candidate does not maintain control of the sledgehammer and releases it from both hands while swinging, it constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded, and the candidate fails the test.
- if the candidate steps inside the toe-box:
- one warning is given.
- the second infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded, and the candidate fails the test.
Purpose of Evaluation
This event is designed to simulate the critical task of searching for a fire victim with limited visibility in an unpredictable area. This event challenges the candidate's:
- aerobic capacity
- upper body muscular strength and endurance
- agility
- balance
- anaerobic endurance
- kinesthetic awareness
It affects the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems as well as the following muscle groups:
- muscles of the chest
- shoulder muscles
- triceps
- quadriceps
- abdominals
- lower back
Equipment
- search maze
- mannequin harness
Event Description
During this event:
- the candidate crawls on hands and knees through a tunnel maze that is approximately 3 feet (91.44 cm) high, 4 feet (121.92 cm) wide, and 64 feet (19.51 m) in length with two 90° turns.
- at a number of locations in the tunnel, the candidate navigates around, over, and under obstacles.
- at two locations, the candidate crawls through a narrowed space where the dimensions of the tunnel are reduced.
- the candidate's movement is monitored through the maze. If for any reason, the candidate chooses to end the event, the candidate calls out or raps sharply on the wall or ceiling and is then assisted out.
Upon exiting the maze, the event is concluded. The candidate walks 85 feet (25.91 m) within the established walkway to the next event.
Failures
The candidate fails the test under the following condition:
- the candidate's request for assistance, requiring the opening of the escape hatch or opening of the entrance/exit covers, constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded, and the candidate fails the test.
Purpose of Evaluation
This event is designed to simulate the critical task of removing a victim or injured partner from a fire scene. This event challenges the candidate's:
- aerobic capacity
- upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance
- grip strength and endurance
- anaerobic endurance
It affects the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems as well as the following muscle groups:
- quadriceps
- hamstrings
- glutes
- abdominals
- torso rotators
- lower back stabilizers
- trapezius
- deltoids
- latissimus dorsi
- biceps
- muscles of the forearm and hand (grip)
Equipment
- 165-pound (75.84-kg) Mannequin (unclothed)
- mannequin harness
- 55-gallon [US] (208.2-liter) weighted drum
Event Description
During this event:
- the candidate grasps a 165-pound (75.84-kg) mannequin by the handle(s) on the shoulder(s) of the harness (either one or both handles are permitted) and drags it 35 feet (10.67 m) to a pre-positioned drum.
- the candidate then makes a 180° turn around the drum and continues an additional 35 feet (10.67 m) to the finish line.
- the candidate is not permitted to grasp or rest on the drum. It is permissible for the mannequin to touch the drum.
- the candidate is permitted to drop and release the mannequin to adjust the grip as needed.
- the entire mannequin must be dragged past the marked finish line. This concludes the event.
The candidate walks 85 feet (25.91 m) within the established walkway to the next event.
Failures
The candidate fails the test under the following condition:
- if the candidate grasps or rests on the drum at any time:
- one warning is given.
- the second infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded, and the candidate fails the test.
Purpose of Evaluation
This event is designed to simulate the critical task of breaching and pulling down a ceiling to check for fire extension. This event challenges the candidate's:
- aerobic capacity
- upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance
- grip strength and endurance
- anaerobic endurance
It affects the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems as well as the following muscle groups:
- quadriceps
- hamstrings
- glutes
- abdominals
- torso rotators
- lower back stabilizers
- deltoids
- trapezius
- triceps
- biceps
- muscles of the forearm and hand (grip)
Equipment
- ceiling breach and pull device
- 6-foot (1.83-m) pike pole
Event Description
During this event:
- the candidate removes the pike pole from the bracket, stands within the boundary established by the equipment frame, and places the end of the pole on the painted area of the hinged door in the ceiling.
- the candidate fully pushes up the hinged door in the ceiling with the pike pole three times.
- the candidate then hooks the pike pole to the ceiling device and pulls the pole down five times.
- each set consists of three pushes and five pulls. The candidate repeats the set four times.
- the candidate is permitted to stop and, if needed, adjust the grip. Releasing the grip or slipping from the pike pole handle, without the pike pole falling to the ground, does not result in a warning or constitute a failure. The candidate may re-establish the grip and resume the event.
- if the candidate does not successfully complete a repetition, the proctor calls out "MISS" and the candidate must push or pull the apparatus again to complete the repetition.
- the event and the total test time end when the candidate completes the final pull stroke repetition as indicated by the proctor who calls out "TIME."
Failures
The candidate fails the test under the following conditions:
- one warning is given if the candidate drops the pike pole to the ground. If the candidate drops the pike pole, it must be picked up without proctor assistance, and the event is resumed.
- the second infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded, and the candidate fails the test.