The CPAT (Candidate Physical Aptitude Test) will eventually become the standard fitness assessment test throughout Canada. CPAT uses a pass/fail method of grading each candidate; this is based on the completion of each event in concession as well as completing all events within the allowed time frame of 10 minutes and 20 seconds. CPAT is unique because each prop used has been clinically tested to insure consistency, safety as well as providing fire departments an accurate assessment of simulated firefighting tasks. Throughout the duration of the test each candidate must wear additional weights to simulate bunker gear (50 lbs or 22.8 kilogram vest) and firefighting equipment (self contained breathing apparatus). To simulate a high-rise pack the stair climb is the only event where additional 25 lbs or 11.3 kilograms is used.

Each candidate participating in the fitness test will be assigned an evaluator to provide guidance as well as time and evaluate each event. Mimicking in order the sequence of actual fire ground activities each candidate must complete each job task. Between each event the candidate is provided with an 85-foot (25.91-m) walk. Use this time (20 seconds) to recover and prepare for the next event.

CPAT consists of 8 events (in order):

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

1. Stair Climb

This event is designed to simulate climbing four flights of stairs in full protective clothing while carrying a high-rise pack.

• Must carry an additional 25 lbs (simulate high-rise pack). 
• You will be given a 20 second warm-up period on the stepmill. (The rate will be approximately 50 steps/min)
• Once warm-up is completed the 3 minute test of 60 steps per minute will begin. Candidates may only use the hand rails during the test to re-establish balance. 
• Walk 85 feet to the next event.

2. Hose Drag

This event simulates the dragging of an uncharged hoseline from the fire apparatus to the fire.

• Candidates must drag a 200 foot length of 1 ¾ inch fire hose.
• Drape a nozzle attached to 100 feet of 1 ¾ inch hose over your shoulder or across your chest and dragging in 75 feet make a 90 degree turn and continue dragging the hose an additional 25 feet to a mark indicated on the ground. 
• Candidates must then stop and pull 50 feet of hose towards themselves from the kneeling position past the mark on the ground.
• Walk 85 feet to the next event.

3. Equipment Carry

This event simulates the retrieval of power tools from the fire apparatus, carrying them to the emergency scene and returning them to the fire apparatus.

• Candidate removes two power saws from a cabinet one at a time and sets them on the ground.
• Pick-up saws and carry them 75 feet to a marker, turn around the marker and carry them back to the cabinet.
• Place tools back in the cabinet.
• Walk 85 feet to the next event.

4. Ladder Raise and Extension

This event simulates the placing of a ground ladder at a structure fire and extending the ladder to the roof or a window.

• Event consists of two 24 foot extension ladders.
• Candidate must first raise a 24 foot extension ladder by placing the butt of the ladder against the wall and lifting the ladder over his/her head at the opposite end. Walk towards the wall using a hand-over-hand method, gradually raising the ladder until it is upright (vertical).
• Once first ladder is raised, the candidate must quickly take hold of the second 24 foot extension ladder and extend the fly of the ladder to reach a predetermined height and then bed (or lower) the ladder back to its original position.
• Walk 85 feet to the next event.

5) Forcible Entry

This event simulates forcing a locked door or the breaching of a wall.

• Candidates use a 10 pound sledge hammer to strike the side of a device mounted 39 inches off the ground.
• Buzzer indicates when you are to stop.
• Place the sledge hammer on the ground.
• Walk 85 feet to the next event.

6. Search

This event simulates searching for a fire victim with limited visibility in an unpredictable area.

• Start off crawling through a dark tunnel 3 feet high by 4 feet wide.
• The tunnel is 64 feet in length with two 90 degree turns.
• Candidate must advance through this tunnel navigating over and under obstacles along the way. There are two locations in the tunnel where candidates must crawl through narrow space.
• Once exiting the tunnel at the other end the event is over. 
• Walk 85 feet to the next event.

7. Rescue

This event simulates the removal of a victim or injured firefighter from a fire. 

• Candidates must drag a weighted mannequin 45 feet to a marker and then make a 180 degree turn around the marker and return 35 feet to the finish line.
• You may release the mannequin to get a better grip.
• To complete the course the mannequin must be brought completely across the finish line.
• Walk 85 feet to the next event.

8. Ceiling Breach and Pull

This event is designed to simulate the breaching and pulling down of a ceiling to check for fire extension.

• Remove the pike pole from bracket.
• Stand under simulated ceiling and extend the tip of the pike pole to push open a 60 lb hinged door 3 times.
• Then using the hook you must pull down an 80 lb device from the ceiling 5 times.
• You must complete 4 revolutions of the event.

Test day is not to be taken lightly; make sure you are there on time. Failure to do so could cause you to miss important instructions regarding the test or worse, disqualify you. Having water and a source of energy such as a nutritional bar with you for your test is a good idea. Quite often shower facilities are available for you to use on site. Bringing a towel and a change of clothing is recommended.

Don't have the mentality that you are in this alone. It will be a long day waiting around by yourself. Be positive, make a friend or two; it's always nice to have someone encouraging you when you're performing in an event. The camaraderie is sometimes overwhelming – that is what firefighting is all about. Chances are, not everyone taking the test that day is taking it for the first time. For some, it may be the third or fourth time, so if you have any questions, chances are someone with more experience will be able to help you.

Make certain that you fully understand every instruction given, Listen very carefully and concentrate! If you are uncertain about a detail, it is better to be centered out and show your confidence by asking a question than it is to perform the event incorrectly.

If the equipment you have chosen doesn't fit you right, get some that does. If you fail an event or a task because your equipment failed you; you will regret it. Make your first try the only one needed. You must control the things that you can. If you are prepared in mind and body, the greater will be your chance for success.

** For more information regarding physical fitnes test preperation and procedures, refer to the book The Complete Guide to Becoming a Firefighter