CPAT
ALL candidates must be wearing long pants, closed-toe shoes and a modest top. All other testing equipment will be provided.
This candidate physical ability test (CPAT) consists of eight separate events.
The CPAT is a
sequence of events requiring you to progress along a predetermined path from
event to event
in a continuous manner. This test was developed to allow fire departments to
obtain pools of
trainable candidates who are physically able to perform essential job tasks at
fire scenes.
This is a pass/fail test based on a validated maximum total time of 10
minutes and 20
seconds.
In these events, you wear a 50-pound (22.68-kg) vest to simulate the weight of
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 to your shoulders 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 events are placed in a sequence that best simulates fire scene events while
allowing an
85-foot (25.91-m) walk between events. To ensure the highest level of safety and
to prevent
exhaustion, no running is allowed between events. This walk allows you
approximately 20
seconds to recover and regroup before each event.
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 the 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.
Event 1 Stair Climb
Equipment
This event uses a StepMill stair climbing machine. The machine is positioned
with one side
up against a wall and an elevated proctor platform on the side opposite the
wall. A single
handrail on the wall side is available for you to grasp while mounting and
dismounting the
StepMill. Additional steps are placed at the base of the StepMill to assist you
in mounting the
StepMill.
For this event, you must wear two 12.5-pound (5.67-kg) weights on your shoulders
to simulate
the weight of a high-rise pack. Prior to the initiation of the timed CPAT, there
is a 20-second
warm-up on the StepMill at a set 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 dismount the StepMill during the 20-second warm-up
period,
you must remount the StepMill and restart the entire 20-second warm-up period.
You are
allowed to restart the warm-up period twice. The timing of the test begins at
the end of this
warm-up period when the proctor who calls the word “START.” There is no break in
time
between the warm-up period and the actual timing of the test. For the test, you
must 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.
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 dismount the StepMill after the
timed CPAT
begins, the test is concluded and you fail the test. During the test, you are
permitted to touch
the wall or handrail for balance only momentarily. 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 concluded and you fail the test.
Event 2 Hose Drag
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.
For this event, you must grasp a hoseline nozzle attached to 200 feet (60 m) of
1 3/4-inch
(44-mm) hose. Place the hoseline over your shoulder or across your chest, not
exceeding
the 8-foot (2.24-m) mark. You are permitted to run during the hose drag. Drag
the hose 75
feet (22.86 m) to a pre-positioned drum, make a 90° turn around the drum, and
continue an
additional 25 feet (7.62 m). Stop within the marked 5 foot x 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
crosses the finish line. During the hose pull, you must keep at least one knee
in contact with
the ground and knee(s) must remain within the marked boundary lines. This
concludes the
event. 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 of the
marked path
(cones), 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
hose pull, you
are warned if your knees go outside the marked boundary line. The second
infraction
constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test.
Event 3 Equipment Carry
This event uses two saws and a tool cabinet replicating a storage cabinet on a
fire truck.
For this event, you must remove the two saws from the tool cabinet, one at a
time, and place
them on the ground. 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 your grip. Upon return to the tool cabinet,
place the
saws on the ground, pick up each saw one at a time, and replace the saw in the
designated
space in the cabinet. This concludes the event. 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 receive one warning for running. The second infraction constitutes
a failure,
the test time is concluded and you fail the test.
Event 4 Ladder Raise and Extension
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.
For this event, you must 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. 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 x 36 inches (91.44 cm x
91.44 cm),
and extend the fly section hand over hand until it hits the stop. Then, lower
the fly section
hand over hand in a controlled fashion to the starting position. This concludes
the event.
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 released your 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 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 do not
maintain control of the
ladder in a hand over hand manner, or let the rope halyard slip in an
uncontrolled manner,
your test time is concluded and you fail the test.
Event 5 Forcible Entry
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.
For this event, you must use a 10-pound (4.54-kg) sledgehammer to strike the
measuring
device in the target area until the buzzer is activated. During this event, you
must keep your
feet outside the toe-box at all times. After the buzzer is activated, place the
sledgehammer
on the ground. This concludes the event. 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 release it 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.
Event 6 Search
This event uses an enclosed search maze that has obstacles and narrowed spaces.
For this event, you must crawl 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 90°
turns. At a
number of locations in the tunnel, you must navigate around, over and under
obstacles. In
addition, at two locations, you must 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 of the maze. Upon exit from the maze, the event is concluded. Walk
85 feet
(25.91 m) within the established walkway to the next event.
Failures
A request for assistance that requires 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.
Event 7 Rescue
This event uses a weighted mannequin equipped with a harness with shoulder
handles.
For this event, you must grasp a 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 180° 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 your grip. The entire mannequin must be dragged until it
crosses the
marked finish line. This concludes the event. 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.
Event 8 Ceiling Breach and Pull
This event uses a mechanized device that measures overhead push and pull forces
and 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.
For this event, you must 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. Fully push up the 60-pound hinged door in the
ceiling with the
pike pole three times. Then, hook the pike pole to the 80-pound ceiling device
and pull the
pole down five times. Each set consists of three pushes and five pulls. Repeat
the set four
times. You are permitted to stop and, if needed, adjust your grip. Releasing
your grip or
allowing the pike pole handle to slip, without the pike pole falling to the
ground, does not
result in a warning or constitute a failure. You are permitted to re-establish
your 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.
This event
and the total test time ends when you complete the final pull stroke repetition
as indicated
by a 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, you
must pick it up without proctor assistance and resume the event. The second
infraction
constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test. If 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.
Test Forms
You must present valid identification and sign a number of forms before taking
the CPAT.
Prior to the start of the CPAT you must complete the Sign-in Form. You are
provided an
opportunity to review a video detailing the CPAT and the failure points. It is
your responsibility
to ask questions if you do not understand any parts of the test events or
procedures. You are
required to complete the Waiver and Release 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.
To help you prepare for the CPAT, check out the CPAT Preparation Guide.
NOTE: The primary purpose of FESS is to screen candidates for employment with one of the 14 participating fire departments. If you wish to receive a CPAT certificate that you can present to fire departments outside FESS, there will be an additional fee imposed by Volusia County Fire Services. Contact VCFS at (386) 239-6427 for information regarding the cost of a CPAT certificate.