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There have been some changes to the preparatory period for the CPAT mandated by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), which UW Fitness will be implementing effective September 2006. Consistent with these changes, all candidates must be provided an opportunity to attend at least 2 CPAT Orientation sessions within the 8 week period preceeding a scheduled CPAT (fee-for-service). During these Orientations, candidates will receive "hands on" familiarity with the test appartus and technique and training tips to help them prepare for the test. Also, within 30 days prior to the CPAT, each candidate must be given the opportunity to perform 2 Timed Trials or practice runs of the CPAT (fee-for-service). At UW Fitness, the Timed Trial will be conducted exactly as the official CPAT, in that if a candidate passes the Timed Trial, they can elect to use their passing score as an official CPAT time. The only difference between a Timed Trial and an actual CPAT is that if a candidate fails/times out during a Timed Trial, they will be allowed to practice the rest of the course (on a scheduled CPAT day, if a candidate fails/times out, the test is stopped). If a candidate does not complete all 4 training opportunities (2 Orientations and 2 Timed Trials), they must sign a waiver prior to attempting the CPAT that acknowledges that the practice sessions were made available to them and that they voluntarily waived the opportunity to participate in all sessions.
See "Upcoming Test Dates" page for dates available for all Orientations and Timed Trials. See "Register" page for costs associated with Orientations and Timed Trials.
UW Fitness provides the foremost opportunity for applicants to prepare for the CPAT. Applicants are strongly encouraged to participate in scheduled Orientation sessions within eight weeks prior to their CPAT date. As well, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the test by reading the CPAT Orientation Guide and by viewing the virtual CPAT videos. The on-site UW Fitness Orientation session provides you the opportunity to view the CPAT events, talk with instructors, physically examine test equipment, tools and props and practice. The Orientations are conducted in small groups and pre-registration and payment is required. Remember that it is the responsibility of the applicant to be familiar with CPAT procedures and expectations prior to your scheduled CPAT date. Since CPAT guidelines specify that all applicants must be given an oppourtunity to attend 2 Orientation sessions within eight weeks prior to scheduled CPAT, any individual choosing not to attend 2 Orientations must complete the Waiver of Orientations and Timed Trials Form, acknowledging that the practice sessions were made available to them and that they voluntarily waived the opportunity to participate in all sessions.
All candidates will be given an opportunity to attend 2 Timed Trials within 30 days of their scheduled CPAT. At UW Fitness, the Timed Trials are conducted exactly as the official CPAT with verbatim instructions being read and protocol being followed exactly. The only difference with the Timed Trials will be that if a candidate fails any event or runs out of time, they will be allowed to attempt/complete the rest of the test events for practice purposes but will obviously not be able to get a pass on the CPAT; if a candidate passes a Timed Trial at UW Fitness, they will receive a PASS certificate for CPAT. On days set for official CPAT (rather than Timed Trials), if a candidate fails any event or runs out of time, they are not allowed to continue. Pre-registration and payment is required to participate in Timed Trials. Since CPAT guidelines specify that all applicants must be given an oppourtunity to attend 2 Timed Trials within 30 days prior to scheduled CPAT, any individual choosing not to attend 2 Timed Trials must complete the Waiver of Orientations and Timed Trials Form, acknowledging that the practice sessions were made available to them and that they voluntarily waived the opportunity to participate in all sessions.
You must present valid photo identification and sign a number of forms before taking the Timed Trials or CPAT.
Prior to your scheduled Timed Trial or CPAT, you are required to complete a PAR-Q health screening form. If you answer "yes" to questions 1,2,3 or 6 on the PAR-Q form, you must take the PARmed-X form to your physician and obtain medical clearance prior to taking the CPAT. It is your responsibility to download, print and complete the PAR-Q form (or PARmed-X form if necessary) and bring it with you on the day of your scheduled Timed Trial or CPAT. If you are unable to do so, contact UW Fitness.
On your scheduled Timed Trial or CPAT test day, pre-exercise heart rate and blood pressure will be measured. If pre-exercise heart rate >110 bpm or pre-exercise blood pressure >160 /> 100 mmHg, you will not be allowed to proceed with the CPAT. Please be advised that certain substances may elevate heart rate and blood pressure (caffeine, smoking, some over the counter cold medications) and it is recommended to avoid these substances the day of your Timed Trial/CPAT test.
On your scheduled Timed Trial/CPAT day, you will complete the Sign-In Form and the Waiver of Claim for Injury Form. If you have not attended 2 Orientations and 2 Timed Trials within the recommended time frames listed, you will also complete the Waiver of Orientations and Timed Trials Form. At the conclusion of the CPAT, you must sign the CPAT Evaluation Form. Additionally, prior to leaving the rehabilitation area, you must complete and sign the Rehabilitation Form. If you fail to complete and sign any of these forms you fail the CPAT. All of these forms will be provided by UW Fitness.
The entire CPAT is completed while wearing a 50 pound (22.68 kg) vest to simulate the weight of the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and fire fighter protective clothing. An additional 25 pounds (11.34 kg), using two 12.5 pound (5.67 kg) weights that simulate a high-rise pack (hose bundle), is added only for the stair climb event.
Throughout all events, you must wear long pants, a hard hat with chin strap, work gloves and footwear with no open heel or toe. Watches and loose or restrictive jewelry are not permitted.
The CPAT consists of eight separate events in sequence requiring you to progress along a predetermined path from event to event in a continuous manner.
The CPAT test is a pass/fail event. A failure results if the candidate is unable to complete the test in a validated time of 10 minutes and 20 seconds or less, or complete an event correctly.
Equipment
This event is completed on a StairMaster StepMill. The StepMill is positioned against a wall with one handrail removed and the other handrail available for the candidate to grasp while mounting and dismounting the StepMill.
Purpose of Evaluation
This event is designed to simulate the critical task of climbing stairs in full protective clothing while carrying fire fighter equipment.
Event
During the StepMill event you are required to wear two 12.5 pound (5.67 kg) weights on
your shoulders to simulate the weight of a high-rise pack (hose bundle). Prior to starting the timed CPAT, you will have a 20 second warm-up on the StepMill at a stepping rate of 50 steps per minute. During this warm-up period, you are permitted to dismount, grasp the rail or hold the wall to establish balance and cadence. If you fall or step off the StepMill during the 20 second warm-up period, you are required to remount the StepMill and restart the 20 second warm-up period. You are allowed to restart the warm-up period twice. There is no break in time between the warm-up period and the actual timing of the test. The timing of the test begins at the end of the warm-up period when the proctor calls out “START.” For the test, you are required to walk on the StepMill at a set stepping rate of 60 steps per minute for 3 minutes. This concludes the event. The two 12.5 pound (5.67 kg) weights are removed from your shoulders and you will walk 85 feet (25.91 m) within the established walkway to the next event.
Failures
If you fall or dismount the StepMill three times during the warm-up period, you fail the test.
If you fall, grasp any of the test equipment or step off the StepMill after the timed CPAT begins, the test time is concluded and you fail the test.
During the test, you are permitted to touch only momentarily the wall or handrail for balance. However, if the wall or handrail is grasped or touched for an extended period of time or if the wall or handrail is used for weight bearing, you are warned. Only two warnings are given. The third infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is stopped and you fail the test.
Equipment
This event uses an uncharged fire hose with a hoseline nozzle. The hoseline is marked at 8 feet (2.24 m) past the coupling at the nozzle to indicate the maximum amount of hose you are permitted to drape across your shoulder or chest. The hoseline is also marked at 50 feet (15.24 m) past the coupling at the nozzle to indicate the amount of hoseline that you must pull into a marked boundary box before completing the test.
Purpose of Evaluation
The hose drag event is designed to simulate the critical tasks of dragging an uncharged hoseline from the fire apparatus to the fire occupancy and pulling an uncharged hoseline around obstacles while remaining stationary.
Event
During the hose drag event, you grasp an automatic nozzle attached to 200 feet (60 m)
of 1 ¾ inch (44 mm) hose. The hoseline is placed over the shoulder or across the chest, not exceeding the 8 foot (2.44 m) mark. During the hose drag you are permitted to run. You must drag the hose 75 feet (22.86 m) to a pre-positioned drum, make a ninety degree turn around the drum and continue an additional 25 feet (7.62 m). Next, you stop within the marked 5 foot by 7 foot (1.52 m x 2.13 m) box, drop to at least one knee and pull the hoseline until the hoseline’s 50 foot (15.24 m) mark is across the finish line. During the hose pull, you must keep at least one knee in contact with the ground and your knee(s) must remain within the marked boundary lines. This concludes the event, you then walk 85 feet (25.91 m) within the established walkway to the next event.
Failures
During the hose drag, if you fail to go around the drum or go outside the marked path, the test time is concluded and you fail the test.
During the hose pull, you are warned if at least one knee is not kept in contact with the ground. The second infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test.
During the hose pull, you are warned if the knee goes outside the marked boundary line. The second infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test.
Equipment
This event uses two saws and a tool cabinet replicating a storage cabinet on a fire truck.
Purpose of Evaluation
The equipment carry event is designed to simulate the critical tasks of removing power tools from a fire apparatus, carrying them to the emergency scene and returning the equipment to the fire apparatus.
Event
During the equipment carry event, you remove two saws from the tool cabinet, one at a
time, and place them on the ground. Next, you pick up both saws, one in each hand, and carry them while walking 75 feet (22.86 m) around the drum, then back to the starting point. You are permitted to place the saw(s) on the ground and adjust the grip. Upon return to the tool cabinet, you place the saws on the ground, and then picking up each saw one at a time, replace the saw in the designated space in the cabinet. This concludes the event, you then walk 85 feet (25.91 m) within the established walkway to the next event.
Failures
If you drop either saw on the ground during the carry, the test time is concluded and you fail the test.
You will receive one warning for running. The second infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test.
Equipment
This event uses two 24-foot (7.32-m) fire department ladders. For your safety, a retractable lanyard is attached to the ladder that you raise.
Purpose of Evaluation
The ladder raise and extension event is designed to simulate the critical tasks of placing a ground ladder at a fire structure and extending the ladder to the roof or window.
Event
During the ladder raise and extension event, you walk to the top rung of the 24 foot
(7.32 m) aluminum extension ladder, lift the unhinged end from the ground, and walk it up until it is stationary against the wall. This must be done in a hand over hand fashion, using each rung until the ladder is stationary against the wall. You must not use the ladder rails to raise the ladder. Next you immediately proceed to the pre-positioned and secured 24 foot (7.32 m) aluminum extension ladder, stand with both feet within the marked box of 36 inches by 36 inches (91.44 cm x 91.44 cm) and extend the fly section hand over hand until it hits the stop. You then lower the fly section hand over hand in a controlled fashion to the starting position. This concludes the event you then walk 85 feet (25.91 m) within the established walkway to the next event.
Failures
If you miss any rung during the raise, one warning is given. The second infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test.
If you allow the ladder to fall to the ground or the safety lanyard is activated because you completely release the grip on the ladder, the test time is concluded and you fail the test.
If during the ladder extension, your feet do not remain within the marked boundary lines, one warning is given. The second infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test.
If you fail to maintain control of the ladder in a hand over hand manner, or let the rope lanyard slip in an uncontrolled manner, your test time is concluded and you fail the test.
Equipment
This event uses a mechanized device located 39 inches (1 m) off the ground that measures cumulative force and a 10-pound (4.54-kg) sledgehammer.
Purpose of Evaluation
The forcible entry event is designed to simulate the critical tasks of using force to open a locked door to breach a wall.
Event
During the forcible entry event, you will use a 10 pound (4.54 kg) sledgehammer and
strike a measuring device in the target area until a buzzer signal is activated. Your feet must remain outside the toe-box. After the buzzer is activated, you place the sledgehammer on the ground. This concludes the event you then walk 85 feet (25.91 m) within the established walkway to the next event.
Failures
If you do not maintain control of the sledgehammer and it releases from both hands while swinging, it constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test.
If you step inside the toe-box, one warning is given. The second infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test.
Equipment
This event uses an enclosed search maze that has obstacles and narrowed spaces.
Purpose of Evaluation
The search event is designed to simulate the critical task of searching for a fire victim with limited visibility in an unpredictable area.
Event
During the rescue event, you crawl on hands and knees through a tunnel maze that is
approximately 3 feet (91.44 cm) high, 4 feet (121.92 cm) wide and 64 feet (19.51 m) in length with two ninety degree turns. At a number of locations in the tunnel, you navigate around, over and under obstacles. In addition, at two locations, you crawl through a narrowed space where the dimensions of the tunnel are reduced. Your movement is monitored through the maze. If for any reason, you choose to end the event, call out or rap sharply on the wall or ceiling and you will be assisted out. Upon exit from the maze, the event is concluded you then walk 85 feet (25.91 m) within the established walkway to the next event.
Failures
Your request for assistance, requiring the opening of the escape hatch or opening of the entrance/exit covers, constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test.
Equipment
This event uses a weighted mannequin equipped with a harness with shoulder handles.
Purpose of Evaluation
The rescue event is designed to simulate the critical task of removing a victim or injured partner from a fire scene.
Event
During the rescue event, you grasp the 165 pound (74.84 kg) mannequin by the 
handle(s) on the shoulder(s) of the harness (either one or both handles are permitted), drag it 35 feet (10.67 m) to a pre-positioned drum, make a one hundred and eighty degree turn around the drum, and continue an additional 35 feet (10.67 m) to the finish line. You are not permitted to grasp or rest on the drum. It is permissible for the mannequin to touch the drum. You are permitted to drop and release the mannequin and adjust the grip. The entire mannequin must be dragged past the marked finish line. This concludes the event you then walk 85 feet (25.91 m) within the established walkway to the next event.
Failures
If you grasp or rest on the drum at any time, one warning is given. The second infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test.
Equipment
This event uses a mechanized device that measures overhead push and pull forces when using a pike pole. The pike pole is a commonly used piece of equipment that consists of a 6-foot long pole with a hook and point attached to one end.
Purpose of Evaluation
The ceiling breach and pull is designed to simulate the critical task of breaching and pulling down a ceiling to check for fire extension.
Event
During the ceiling breach and pull event, you remove the pike pole from the bracket, 
stand within the boundary established by the equipment frame, and place the tip of the pole on the painted area of the hinged door in the ceiling. You then fully push up the hinged door in the ceiling with the pike pole three times. Next, you hook the pike pole to the ceiling device and pull the pole down five times. Each set consists of three pushes and five pulls, the set is repeated four times. You are permitted to stop and, if needed, adjust the grip. Releasing the grip or slipping from the pike pole handle, without the pike pole falling to the ground, does not result in a warning or constitute a failure. You may re-establish the grip and resume the event. If you do not successfully complete a repetition, the proctor calls out “MISS” and you must push or pull the apparatus again to complete the repetition. The event and the total test time ends when you complete the final pull stroke repetition as indicated by the proctor who calls out “TIME.”
Failures
One warning is given if you drop the pike pole to the ground. If you drop the pike pole, it must be picked up without proctor assistance and the event is resumed. The second infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test.
The following is a sequential checklist of things you need to do if interested in taking the CPAT:
1. View CPAT Orientation Guide and CPAT Orientation Videos for detailed description of CPAT
2. Register for Orientations and Timed Trials (have to sign waiver if do not attend all 4 training sessions) and CPAT with UW Fitness. Payment must be made at time of registration.
3. Fill out PAR-Q form and have physician complete PARmed-X form if needed .
4. Review CPAT Candidate Preparation Guide for how to prepare physically for CPAT.
5. Attend scheduled Orientations and Timed Trials with the following items and appropriate clothing
6. Attend scheduled CPAT with the following items and appropriate clothing
UW Fitness
Lyle Hallman Institute for Health Promotion
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1
519-885-1211
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