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Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
Vincennes University Gibson Center

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The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is the nationally-recognized standard for measuring an individual’s ability to handle the physical demands of the firefighting profession.
The timed test consists of (8) separate events and are designed to simulate physical activities common to firefighters.
Test Details
Participants in the CPAT must navigate eight separate events on a closed course within a span of 10 minutes and 20 seconds. Each event simulates a physical skill or function that firefighters experience on the job.
Stair Climb
Event 1: candidate will be wearing 75-lbs (50-lb vest plus two 12.5-lb weights on each shoulder. Candidate will walk on the stair climber for a total of 3 minutes, 20 seconds. The first 20 seconds is the "warm-up" period, during which the candidate will maintain a step rate of 50 steps per minute. At the end of this warm-up period, the step rate quickens to 60 steps per minute, and the candidate must maintain this rate for the remaining 3 minutes.
Hose Drag
Event 2: candidate will find a nozzle that is attached to 200 feet of firehose. The candidate will then place the nozzle end of this hoseline over the shoulder and then proceed quickly 75 feet to a drum; candidate will then make a 90-degree turn around the drum and proceed another 25 feet to a 5 x 7 marked area. Dropping to a one knee position within the box, the candidate will then pull the hoseline until a marked section of the hose passes the line of the box. The candidate then proceeds 85 feet to the next event.
Equipment Carry
Event 3: candidate must remove both saws, one at a time, from the cabinet. After each saw makes contact with the floor, the candidate must carry them (one in each hand) 75 feet around a drum and then back to the cabinet. Candidate must then place each saw back in the cabinet and then proceed 85 feet to the next event.
Ladder Raise and Extension
Event 4: beginning with the top rung of the prone ladder, the candidate must lift the unhinged end from the floor; without skipping any rungs, candidate must walk the ladder up (hand-over-hand) until it is leaned against the wall. Candidate then proceeds to the other pre-positioned ladder; while standing in the marked area, the candidate must use the rope halyard to fully extend the ladder upward. After hitting the stop, the candidate must lower, hand-over-hand, the ladder extension back down to the starting position. Candidate then proceeds 85 feet to the next event.
Forcible Entry
Event 5: candidate will use a 10-lb sledgehammer to strike a measuring device until a buzzer is activated. The candidate then proceeds 85 feet to the next event.
Search
Event 6: candidate must crawl through a zero-visibility, U-shaped tunnel maze that is approximately 3 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 64 feet long. The candidate then proceeds 85 feet to the next event
Rescue Drag
Event 7: candidate grasps a 165-lb rescue mannequin by the handle(s) on the shoulder(s) of the harness (one or two hand grip is allowed); candidate then must drag the mannequin 35 feet around a pre-positioned drum and then drag the mannequin 35 feet back across a marked finished line. The candidate then proceeds 85 feet to the next event.
Ceiling Breach and Pull
Event 8: using a 6-ft pike pole, the candidate must place the pole's tip on a 60-lb hinged door and fully push it up three times (must contact the stopper on each push). Candidate then moves over to the overhead handle; using the pole's hook, the candidate must hook the 80-lb handle and pull device down five times (must contact stopper on each pull). Candidate must complete four sets; each set consists of three pushes and five pulls. After completing this event, the candidate exits the course.
During the entire test, candidates wear a protective helmet, gloves, and a 50-lb weight vest, designed to simulate the weight of firefighter PPE. Candidates will be accompanied by proctors, who will call out directions for the test events, monitor the candidate's testing time, and ensure that each event is completed correctly.
Each event must be completed exactly as prescribed – if a candidate cannot physically complete any component of the test, the candidate will fail the entire test; if a candidate commits specific mistakes during any event, the candidate fails the entire test. A candidate also fails if all eight events are not completed within the 10-minute, 20-second time limit.
Scheduling Your CPAT
To request a specific time and date for testing, call 812-888-2817.
All CPAT participants must be at least 18 years of age and submit state-issued photo identification. CPAT tests must be scheduled online in advance -- test-day registration or rescheduling is not accepted.
General Fee Information
VU CPAT Fees: $135.00 per test. Testing fee must be paid in-full during registration. Fee includes the following:
- (2) orientations and (2) practice tests.
- An official CPAT exam
Test Support Services
CPAT Equipment Rental: contact VU Gibson at 812.888.2871
Test Reschedule or Cancellation
Test Rescheduling: Candidates may reschedule their test date up to (10) business days before official test date without penalty. Schedule changes made within (10) business days before a scheduled official CPAT will be subject to a $50 fee.
Cancellations: Candidates may cancel their official CPAT up to (10) business days before official test date with 100% refund. Cancellations made within (10) business days will not be eligible for a testing fee refund.
Attendance for official tests: If you do not show up on your scheduled official test day, your testing fee is forfeited. If you want to schedule another test day, you will have to pay the full fee again.
Fee Waiver Information
Candidates who qualify may apply for a testing fee waiver. Interested candidates should download the application and then complete and submit with requested documentation. See application for submission instructions.
Fee Waiver Guidelines
CPAT Fees: The fee waiver can cover all testing costs which includes (2) orientations and (2) practice tests. Candidates who qualify for a fee waiver must attend at least (1) orientation and (1) practice session prior to commencing an official test.
Financial Hardship Waiver: For candidates who were awarded a fee waiver under the financial hardship guidelines, the waiver is valid for (12) months from the award date. If these candidates did not successfully complete their CPAT within that time, they must re-apply for another waiver (candidates may qualify for up to 3 waivers).
Loss of Subsequent Waivers: waiver awardees forfeit all eligibility considerations for future waivers if the awardee falls under either category:
- Candidate failed to appear for the scheduled official test
- Candidate did not attend at least (1) orientation and (1) practice session
CLICK HERE TO VIEW A SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING TEST DATES
Preparing to Take the CPAT
Orientation
The IAFF/IAFC standards for the Candidate Physical Ability Test states that each candidate must have the opportunity to attend at least two orientation sessions within eight (8) weeks prior to taking the test.
During orientation, candidates will receive instruction on the test and the test events, and will have the opportunity to try out the CPAT testing equipment to better understand what will be required.
Participation in one or more orientation sessions is strongly encouraged. Candidates who take advantage of orientation consistently have a higher passage rate than those who do not. The two orientation sessions are included in the $135.00 testing fee.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE IAFF/IAFC CPAT ORIENTATION GUIDE
Practice
In addition to orientation, candidates have the option to sign up for at least two (2) timed practice runs prior to the test itself. A practice test is a full-scale simulation of an official test. Like orientation, candidates who complete at least one practice test consistently pass at a higher rate.
If you choose not to participate in this pre-test program, you will be required to sign a waiver acknowledging that you are aware of the pre-test program and have declined to include it in your preparations to complete the CPAT.
Getting in Shape to Take CPAT
Like firefighting, the key to success in the CPAT is preparation.
- Physical demands of the test
- Training strategies
- Techniques for building flexibility, strength and cardiovascular endurance
- Hydration and training strategies
Test Support Services
CPAT Equipment Rental: contact VU Gibson at 812.888.2871
CLICK HERE FOR IAFF/IAFC CPAT PREPARATION GUIDE
Day of the Test
On test day, you will be required to show proper government-issued identification.
For the safety of candidates and proctors, a strict dress code is enforced:
- Long Pants to the ankle (pockets must be emptied prior test commencement)
- T-Shirt or sweatshirt
- Closed-toe/heel footwear
- No loose jewelry allowed
Candidates must meet the required dress code before participating in any CPAT event.
Additional Information
If you have additional questions about the CPAT, check out our CPAT FAQ. If you still have questions, contact the VU Gibson Center at 812-888-2871.