Mesa Fire Department Candidate Physical Ability Test©

Event 1: Stair Climb

Using a StepMill 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.

Participants wear a 12.5 pound weight on each shoulder to simulate the weight of a high-rise pack.  Immediately following a 20 second warm up 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 period, 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 (3) 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 the StepMill 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.