04 Jan Candidate Physical Agility Test
Our department utilizes a Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT) for our hiring process. The CPAT consists of eight (8) separate events, including: a stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise and extension, forcible entry, search, rescue, and ceiling breach and pull. You are required to progress from event to event in a continuous manner. This is a pass/fail test based on a validated maximum total time of 10 minutes and 20 seconds. This test was developed to allow fire departments to obtain pools of trainable candidates who are physically able to perform essential job tasks at fire scenes.
To review the full CPAT Orientation Guide, which lists event descriptions, equipment, evaluations, and failures, visit: https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/cpat_info.cfm.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT)
Those invited to participate in the CPAT will be emailed a CPAT orientation guide/preparation manual and the option to go through an orientation and practice session prior to the final test date. Candidates may also wish to view YouTube videos of the CPAT in order to prepare.
YOU WILL NEED TO BE PHYSICALLY PREPARED FOR THIS EXAM.
THIS IS THE MOST COMMONLY FAILED COMPONENT OF THIS NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED TESTING STANDARD.
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT YOU SHOULD BE IN GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAM TO PREVENT INJURY OR AGGRAVATION OF ANY EXISTING CONDITION THAT YOU MAY HAVE. ALL CANDIDATES WILL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN A RELEASE OF LIABILITY.