USA Fire Departments
The US Fire Department requires new recruits to undergo fitness assessments as part of the recruitment process. Below is some information about the fitness requirements and standards. This information is presented for discussion and may be out of date - for the latest information see official sources.
CPAT Assessment Test
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) unveiled several years ago the new Joint Fire Service Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). This unprecedented, innovative and equitable physical ability test for fire fighter candidates is designed to help fire departments measure the physical ability of candidates to perform routine fire fighting tasks. It consists of eight events:
- A stair climb
- Hose drag
- Equipment carry
- Ladder raise and extension
- Forcible entry
- Search maze
- Rescue simulation
- Ceiling breach and pull.
fire fighting equipmentIt is a pass-fail test that is content-valid based on fire fighter job tasks, but avoids the pitfalls of testing candidates on specific fire fighting skills that require academy training. The test was designed to be both reliable and valid, meaning the test will produce consistent results and will measure an applicant's ability to display job-relevant characteristics and skills. It has been through an extensive validation process, including scientific, legal, and fire service review.
Related Pages
- See also testing for Florida, Texas
- See the pages on fitness testing for: Navy, Army, Air Force, Law Enforcement (Police), and general forces tests.
- Poll: Should women have the same fitness testing standards as men?
- Video of forces fitness testing
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