Candidate Physical Ability Test

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is a standardized physical examination used by fire departments and law enforcement agencies across the United States to assess the physical fitness and ability of prospective firefighters and law enforcement officers. The test is designed to simulate the physical tasks and challenges that a firefighter or law enforcement officer may encounter in the line of duty.

Overview

The CPAT consists of eight events that must be completed in a specific order, within a set time limit. These events are designed to simulate the physical tasks that a firefighter or law enforcement officer may encounter in the line of duty. The events include: stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise and extension, forcible entry, search, rescue, and ceiling breach and pull.

Events

Stair Climb

The Stair Climb event simulates the critical task of climbing stairs in full protective clothing while carrying a high-rise pack (hose bundle).

Hose Drag

The Hose Drag event simulates the critical task of dragging an uncharged hose line from the fire apparatus to the fire occupancy and pulling the uncharged hose line around obstacles while remaining stationary.

Equipment Carry

The Equipment Carry event simulates the critical task of removing power tools from a fire apparatus, carrying them to the emergency scene, and returning the equipment to the fire apparatus.

Ladder Raise and Extension

The Ladder Raise and Extension event simulates the critical task of placing a ground ladder at a fire structure and extending the ladder to the roof or a window.

Forcible Entry

The Forcible Entry event simulates the critical task of using force to open a locked door or window or breach a wall.

Search

The Search event simulates the critical task of searching for a fire victim with limited visibility in an unpredictable area.

Rescue

The Rescue event simulates the critical task of removing a victim or partner from a fire scene.

Ceiling Breach and Pull

The Ceiling Breach and Pull event simulates the critical task of breaching and pulling down a ceiling to check for fire extension.

Scoring

The CPAT is a pass/fail test based on the completion of all eight events within a set time limit. The candidate's performance on each event is not individually scored; rather, the overall time to complete all eight events is the determining factor for passing or failing the test.

See Also

• Physical fitness
• Firefighter
• Law enforcement officer
• Physical examination

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