Candidate Physical Ability Test©
The Fire Service Joint Labor Management
Wellness/Fitness Initiative Candidate Physical
Ability Test© consists of eight separate events. 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.
CPAT Orientation Guide (Adobe Acrobat required)
CPAT Test Preparation Guide (Adobe Acrobat
required)
See below for descriptions and pictures of the
eight separate events.
(Text Only)
This is a pass/fail test based on validated
maximum total time of 10 minutes and 20 seconds.
In these events, the candidate wears a 50 pound
vest to simulate the weight of self contained
breathing apparatus (SCBA) and fire fighter
protective clothing. An additional 25 pounds, using
two 12.5 pound weights that simulate a high rise
pack (hose bundle), is added to the shoulders for
the stair climb event.
Throughout all events, the participant must wear
long pants, a hard hat with chin strap, work gloves
and footwear with no open heel or tow. Watches and
loose or restrictive jewelry are not permitted.
All props were designed to obtain the necessary
information regarding physical ability. The tools
and equipment were chosen to provide the highest
level of consistency, safety and validity in
measuring the candidate's physical abilities. A
schematic drawing of the CPAT is included in this
orientation material; however, the course layout may
vary in order to conform to the fire department's
test area. The events and distances between events
are always the same.
The events are placed 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.
To ensure scoring accuracy, two stopwatches are
used to time the CPAT. One stopwatch is designated
as the official test time stopwatch, 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
countdown from 10 minutes and 20 seconds. If time
elapses prior to the completion of the test, the
test is concluded and the participant fails the
test.
Test Forms
Prior to taking the CPAT, each candidate must
present valid identification, sign a number of
forms, complete a waiver and release form and and a
sign in form. Candidates are 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 the forms results in failure of the CPAT.
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