Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) – What to Expect

Firefighting is one of the most respected and challenging careers one can pursue.   Daily job duties of a firefighter demand a high level of strength and conditioning.  In order to earn a position with the Newport News Fire Department, applicants must pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).  CPAT was developed by the International Association of Firefighters/International Association of Fire Chief’s Joint Labor Management Task Force as a validated tool to enable fire departments to select candidates who are physically capable to perform the job of a firefighter. The CPAT consists of eight (8) job related events that must be performed sequentially. This is a pass/fail test based on a maximum time of 10 minutes and 20 seconds. During the entire test, the candidate must wear a 50 lb. weighted vest (simulating the weight of a firefighter’s protective clothing and equipment). The eight events are:

• Stair Climb
• Ladder Raise/Extension
• Hose Drag
• Equipment Carry
• Forcible Entry
• Search
• Rescue
• Ceiling Breech and Pull