The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is the standard assessment for measuring an individual's ability to handle the physical demands of being a
firefighter
A firefighter (or fire fighter or fireman) is a first responder trained in specific emergency response such as firefighting, primarily to control and extinguish fires and respond to emergencies such as hazardous material incidents, medical in ...
.
The CPAT is a timed test that measures whether candidates are physically able to do eight separate tasks, designed to mirror essential job functions that firefighters would be expected to perform at fire scenes.
Details
During the test, candidates are required to complete eight separate tasks (referred to as "events") in a total time period of 10 minutes and 20 seconds or less. The candidate walks 85 feet between each event, which gives some time to recover. The eight events must be completed in sequential order as follows:
* Stair Climb (climbing stairs while carrying an additional 25-pounds)
* Hose Drag (stretching uncharged hose lines, advancing lines)
* Equipment Carry (removing and carrying equipment from fire apparatus to fire ground)
* Ladder Raise and Extension (placing a ground ladder at the fire scene and extending the ladder to the roof or a window)
* Forcible Entry (penetrating a locked door, breaching a wall)
* Search (crawling through dark unpredictable areas to search for victims)
* Rescue (removing a victim or partner from a burning building)
* Ceiling Breach and Pull (locating a fire and pulling down a ceiling to check for fire extension).
During the test, candidates are required to wear long pants, a hard hat with chin strap, work gloves, and a 50-pound weighted vest. This is designed to simulate the weight of a firefighter's
personal protective equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or other garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer's body from injury or infection. The hazards addressed by protective equipment include physical, elect ...
. For the Stair Climb event, candidates are required to carry an additional 25 pounds of weight (one 12.5 pound weight on each shoulder), which simulates the carrying of a
hose pack
A hosepack is a backpack containing fire hose in a preconfigured arrangement, sometimes completely made from fire hose without a bag, which is used to quickly facilitate the construction of a hose lay. In the context of wildland fire fighting, hose ...
into a high-rise fire.
Candidates are accompanied by a test proctor, who calls out directions and scores the candidate's successful completion of each event, while monitoring the time elapsed. Each event of the CPAT must be completed as directed. If a candidate fails any component of the test or does not complete the test within the 10 minute and 20 second time limit, they will fail the entire test.
The test is scored as Pass or Fail.
See also
*
United States Army Physical Fitness Test
The Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) was a test designed to measure the muscular strength, endurance, and cardiovascular respiratory fitness of soldiers in the United States Army. The test contained three events: push-ups, sit-ups, and a run ...
References
External links
CPAT Orientation VideoCPAT Frequently Asked Questions{{Firefighting
Fitness tests
Firefighter training