CPATCandidate Physical Ability Testing

www.SUFD.org

CANDIDATE PHYSICAL

ABILITY TESTING

Southwest United Fire Districts

7550 Lyman Ave.

Darien, IL. 60516

630.910.2216 www.SUFD.org

A Great Partnership

The Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative in partnership with the International Association of Fire Fighters and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Together have developed a protocol which allows for uniform testing of potential firefighters.

Firefighter Candidate Testing

Firefighting requires above average aerobic and anaerobic power, muscular strength, endurance and flexibility.

The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is designed to identify individuals who have the physical attributes to perform the job of a firefighter.

Typical Firefighter Hiring Process

1. Application/ Administrative Processing

2. Orientation to Your Department

3. Written Testing

4. Physical Ability Testing5. Medical Evaluation

6. Background Checks

7. Hiring Process

WHY does your Fire Department

testing process need CPAT ?

CPAT qualified candidates meet IAFF/IAFC pre-employment standard as part of your hiring process. Saves time by conducting and validating the physical ability test before the hiring process begins. Places the responsibility for physical ability testing with the candidate. Saves your Fire Department much needed budget $ as the candidate will now pay for physical ability testing.

Easier on your BUDGET Require your firefighter candidates to obtain

Physical Ability Testing. The candidate can schedule and pay for the

CPAT as part of their application process. The CPAT simply becomes one of the

requirements to apply to your department. Budget money is saved because you do not

have to run physical ability testing at your department (overtime, set-up, materials, admin)

Candidate Responsibility Candidates must maintain a current

passing score on the CPAT from the time of application to the time of appointment as a Firefighter.

Candidates may apply provisionally if they are currently enrolled in a CPAT program Local agency determination

CPAT scores (pass/fail) are valid according to local authority

Agency Responsibility As part of employment process, establish

CPAT Eligibility as part of prerequisites Typically prior to written examination

Apply for IAFF/IAFC License agreement for CPAT process Conduct agency transportability study to

correlate CPAT to your agency Verify candidate possession of CPAT

Eligibility card during your testing process

Sample Board of Commissioners Hiring Language

Certification that a firefighter candidate has successfully, within the twelve months immediately proceeding the conduct of the written test, passed the CPAT, as licensed and approved by the IAFF/IAFC satisfies the candidate’s obligation to complete the “physical aptitude test” component of this examination process.

CPAT Eligibility Card Successful candidates are provided with

a CPAT Eligibility Card by from SUFD Photo ID with date of passing

Database kept by SUFD can be authenticated on request.

SUFD recommends that CPAT Eligibility Cards are valid for a period of one (1) year from date of test

Hiring Process Simplified Your Board of Fire Commissioners/ Fire Chief

Administrator adopts the CPAT as the physical ability test.

Candidates schedule and pay for the CPAT themselves.

No cost is incurred by the testing department for physical ability testing

The candidate simply provides an official copy of his/ her verification card upon applying to your Fire Department.

SUFD CPAT Testing CenterProvides Candidates

Mandatory Orientation Session Preparation guide available on-line Controlled practice environment with

Peer Fitness Trainers Verification of successful completion

provided to candidate via ID Card

Objective Validity Criteria The CPAT is a validated, legally defensible and

legitimate tool for assessing the firefighter candidates.

CPAT meets validation criteria established by: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) United States Department of Justice (DOJ) United States Department of Labor (DOL) Canadian Human Rights Commission.

Testing Fee Test fee per candidate is $110 for the

each test. Traditional testing schedules are also

available upon request. Fees vary with this option. Your agency may contract for individual

testing

Candidate Testing Program1. Attend Mandatory CPAT orientation

Administrative procedures Testing orientation Exercise program overview

2. Two Station practice sessions3. Two timed course practice sessions4. Challenge CPAT Test

Successful candidates receive a Eligibility Card Commissions should determine length of time that

eligibility card is valid through their testing process

The CPATTesting Overview

Key CPAT Information The CPAT consists of eight separate

events A sequence of events requiring the

candidate to progress along a predetermined path from event to event in a continuous manner.

Is a Pass/Fail test based on a validated maximum total time of 10 minutes and 20 seconds.

Sequencing of Events Events are placed in a sequence that best

simulates fire scene events while allowing an 85 foot walk between events.

To ensure the highest level of safety and to prevent exhaustion, no running is allowed between events.

This walk allows the candidate approx. 20 seconds to recover and regroup before each event.

Required Equipment Provided

50 pound weight vest simulates the SCBA

and firefighting protective bunker gear Additional 25 # added during stair climb

Hard hat simulating fire helmet doubles as PPE for the CPAT

Work gloves also provided

Order of CPAT Events

1. Stair Climb

2. Hose Drag

3. Equipment Carry

4. Ladder Raise and Extension

5. Forcible Entry

6. Search

7. Rescue

8. Ceiling Breach and Pull

STAIR CLIMB Designed to simulate

the critical tasks of climbing stairs in full protective clothing carrying firefighting equipment

2 compound weights are worn to simulate a high-rise pack.

HOSE DRAG 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.

EQUIPMENT CARRY Designed to simulate

the critical tasks of removing power tools from a fire apparatus, carrying them to the scene and returning the equipment to the fire apparatus.

LADDER RAISE AND EXTENSION

Simulates the critical tasks of placing a ground ladder at a fire structure and extending the ladder to the roof or window.

FORCIBLE ENTRY Designed to

simulate the critical tasks of using force to open a locked door or to breach a wall

SEARCH This event is

designed to simulate the critical task of searching for a fire victim with limited visibility in an unpredictable area.

RESCUE Event is designed

to simulate the critical task of removing a victim or injured partner from a fire scene.

CEILING BREACH AND PULL This event uses a

mechanized device that measures overhead push and pull forces and a Pike Pole.

SELECTION OF EVENTS All props were designed to obtain the

necessary information regarding the physical ability of your candidates.

Tools and equipment were chosen to provide the highest level of consistency, safety and validity in measuring the candidates’ physical abilities

CANDIDATE PHYSICAL

ABILITY TESTING

Southwest United Fire Districts

7550 Lyman Ave.

Darien, IL. 60516

630.910.2216 www.SUFD.org