What is the CPAT?

The CPAT stands for Candidate Physical Ability Test. It is the Fire Department's gauge of whether you have the the physical strength and endurance to complete basic fire ground tasks. Fire departments used to hold their own tests as part of the testing process. To save money most departments now require you to have a CPAT card, which you can obtain from a private company or organization that administers the test. The most common CPAT test includes these following events:

Stair Climb
Hose Drag
Equipment Carry
Ladder Raise & Extension
Forcible Entry
Search
Rescue
Ceiling Breach & Pull

During the CPAT, you must follow a predetermined path from one event to the next in a continuous manner. Participants wear a 50-pound vest to simulate the weight of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and firefighter protective clothing. An additional 25 pounds is added to your shoulders to simulate a high-rise pack (hose bundle), during the stair climb event. The time limit is 10 minutes and 20 seconds to complete all eight tasks.

Most departments when testing require you to have a current CPAT card within the past year of the test date. It is a good idea to train for the CPAT. Training should include both endurance and strength workouts. It is also just as much technique as strength for the events. The testing centers offer practice sessions. If you have never taken a CPAT test it would be a good idea to do a practice session to get a feel for what techniques are best for you. Here is a good reference on techniques. http://www.fireagility.com/index.php.