CPAT Overview |Fire Fighter Testing | UW Fitness

CPAT Overview

What is the CPAT?

The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) was developed to test fire fighter candidates on their ability to perform simulated tasks consistent with the duties of a fire fighter. The test is designed to ensure that candidates possess the physical ability to complete the critical and essential tasks of fire fighting.

The CPAT consists of eight (8) separate events performed in a continuous manor.

The CPAT test is a pass/fail event.

The CPAT must be completed in 10 minutes 20 seconds (or less) with each event completed correctly.

CPAT Weights and Clothing

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, the candidate 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.

CPAT Tools and Equipment

All props were designed to obtain the necessary information regarding your physical ability to complete fire fighting tasks. The tools and equipment were chosen to provide the highest level of consistency, safety and validity in measuring the candidate’s physical abilities.

CPAT Event Sequence and Timing

The events of the CPAT are placed in a sequence that best simulates their use in a fire scene. A schematic layout of the CPAT events is located here. The test consists of a series of eight events separated by an 85 foot (25.91 m) walk between each event. This walk allows you approximately 20 seconds to recover and regroup before each event. To ensure the highest level of safety and to prevent you from hitting exhaustion, no running is allowed between events.

To ensure scoring accuracy by eliminating timer failure, 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 a pass/fail time and count down from 10 minutes and 20 seconds. If time elapses prior to the completion of the test, the test is concluded and you fail the test.

Preparing for the CPAT

The CPAT simulates the physically demanding tasks of fire fighting. As such, successful completion of the CPAT requires a high degree of physical fitness in the areas of aerobic and anaerobic power, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and balance. In order to ensure successful completion of the CPAT all candidate’s should view the CPAT Orientation videos (click on the icon of the video camera beside title of each event) , review the CPAT Orientation Guide, and attend scheduled Orientations and/or Timed Trials prior to their scheduled test date. The CPAT Candidate Preparation Guide provides information on how to physically prepare for the CPAT test. It is the responsibility of all candidates to arrive at their scheduled test date familiar with the CPAT sequence of events, requirements of each event and the criteria which constitute a pass or fail at each event. Candidates interested in improving their fitness level prior to the CPAT may contact the UW Fitness to arrange an appointment with a certified personal trainer.

It is your responsibility to ask questions if you do not understand any part of the CPAT events or procedures.