The job of a firefighter is one of the most physically demanding jobs in the world. It requires high levels of cardiopulmonary endurance, muscular strength and muscular endurance. The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) consists of eight critical physical tasks that simulate actual job duties on the fire ground. The Fort Wayne Fire Department uses the CPAT to evaluate a candidate's physical ability to perform essential job tasks.
The CPAT is a sequence of events requiring the candidate to progress along a predetermined path from event to event in a continuous manner. This test was developed to allow fire departments a means for obtaining pools of trainable candidates who are physically able to perform essential job tasks at fire scenes. A run through of the test course will be available for applicants to familiarize themselves with the test process 8-weeks prior to the actual test date. These practice runs will not only help applicants become more familiar with the tasks and equipment, they may also help applicants identify areas that may need more physical development prior to the final test date.
The CPAT Test consists of:
- Stair Climb
- Hose Drag
- Equipment Carry
- Ladder Raise and Extension
- Forcible Entry
- Search
- Rescue
- Ceiling Breach and Pull
This is a pass/fail test based on a validated maximum total time of 10 minutes and 20 seconds.
The test is physically demanding and requires you to be physically fit to be successful. Click here to learn more about the CPAT test. Click here for a CPAT Preparation Guide.
