The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) - Considering a career as a fire fighter? Take the CPAT to see if you are physically able to perform tasks required of fire fighters. CHIP, LLC is an IAFF Licensed CPAT Facility. Individuals who pass our test receive a CPAT Certification
Register for a Test:
The CPAT (Challenge Test) is a one-day event. The test will occur on the date you select from the schedule below. Prior to taking the test you are walked through the course, so that you are familiar with the course layout.
The CPAT 5-Day Course includes two orientations, two practice tests, and a final test. Each orientation costs an extra $20 and allows you to familiarize yourself with the course. The Orientation Sessions are available to individuals who select the 5 Day option and can be accessed by clicking on "Tests" from your dashboard once you have register. The practice tests follow CPAT guidelines. If you finish your practice test within 10:20, you’ll earn your CPAT Certification. If not, you can retake the test twice at no extra cost. Once you register for the course, you’ll be able to select an orientation session which is held every Wednesday morning. The test date you choose from the schedule is your first practice test, so pick a date that allows you to attend your orientation sessions. If you don’t pass during your first attempt, you can schedule your second practice test. Based on your performance you can determine how much time you need to train before retaking the test. This approach takes into consideration that every individual is at a different physical fitness level and it provides flexibility so that you can train sufficiently before retaking the test.
| Type | Date | Time | Location | Registration Deadline | Test Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPAT | May 31, 2025 | TBD | Q River Complex - North Haven, CT | May 24, 2025 | $165 | Full |
| CPAT | June 6, 2025 | TBD | Q River Complex | June 1, 2025 | $165 | Register |
| CPAT | June 13, 2025 | TBD | Q River Complex | June 8, 2025 | $165 | Register |
| CPAT | June 23, 2025 | TBD | Q River Complex | June 17, 2025 | $165 | Register |
| CPAT | June 28, 2025 | TBD | Q River Complex | June 22, 2025 | $165 | Register |
| CPAT | July 3, 2025 | TBD | Q River Complex | June 27, 2025 | $165 | Register |
| CPAT | July 3, 2025 | TBD | Q River Complex | June 27, 2025 | $165 | Register |
| CPAT | July 9, 2025 | TBD | Q River Complex | July 3, 2025 | $165 | Register |
| CPAT | July 16, 2025 | TBD | Q River Complex | July 10, 2025 | $165 | Register |
| CPAT | July 19, 2025 | TBD | Q River Complex | July 13, 2025 | $165 | Register |
| CPAT | July 23, 2025 | TBD | Q River Complex | July 17, 2025 | $165 | Register |
| CPAT | August 13, 2025 | TBD | Q River Complex | August 6, 2025 | $165 | Register |
| CPAT | August 20, 2025 | TBD | Q river Complex | August 10, 2025 | $165 | Register |
| CPAT | August 27, 2025 | TBD | Q River Complex | August 20, 2025 | $165 | Register |
What the CPAT involves
This is a pass/fail test based on a validated maximum total time of 10 minutes and 20 seconds.
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1. Stair Climb
This event uses a StepMill stair climbing machine. The machine is positioned with one side up against a wall and an elevated proctor platform on the side opposite the wall. A single handrail on the wall side is available for you to grasp while mounting and dismounting the StepMill. Additional steps are placed at the base of the StepMill to assist you in mounting the StepMill.
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2. Hose Drag
This event uses an uncharged fire hose with a hoseline nozzle. The hoseline is marked at 8 feet (2.24 m) past the coupling at the nozzle to indicate the maximum amount of hose you are permitted to drape across your shoulder or chest. The hoseline is also marked at 50 feet (15.24 m) past the coupling at the nozzle to indicate the amount of hoseline that you must pull into a marked boundary box before completing the test.
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2. Equipment Carry
This event uses two saws and a tool cabinet replicating a storage cabinet on a fire truck.
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4. Ladder Raise & Extension
This event uses two 24-foot (7.32-m) fire department ladders. For your safety, a retractable lanyard is attached to the ladder that you raise.
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5. Forcible Entry
This event uses a mechanized device located 39 inches (1 m) off the ground that measures cumulative force and a 10-pound (4.54-kg) sledgehammer.
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6. Search
This event uses an enclosed search maze that has obstacles and narrowed spaces.
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7. Rescue
This event uses a weighted mannequin equipped with a harness with shoulder handles.
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8. Ceiling Breach & Pull
This event uses a mechanized device that measures overhead push and pull forces and a pike pole. The pike pole is a commonly used piece of equipment that consists of a 6-foot long pole with a hook and point attached to one end.
General Test Information
- In these events, you wear a 50-pound (22.68-kg) vest to simulate the weight of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and fire fighter protective clothing. An additional 25 pounds (11.34 kg), using two 12.5-pound (5.67-kg) weights that simulate a high-rise pack (hose bundle), is added to your shoulders for the stair climb event.
- Throughout all events, you must wear long pants, a hard hat with chin strap, work gloves and footwear with no open heel or toe. Watches and loose or restrictive jewelry are not permitted.
- All props were designed to obtain the necessary information regarding your physical ability. The tools and equipment were chosen to provide the highest level of consistency, safety and validity in measuring your physical abilities. A schematic drawing of the CPAT is included in this orientation material; however, the course layout may vary in order to conform to the fire department's test area.
- The events and distances between events are always the same. The events are placed in a sequence that best simulates fire scene events while allowing an 85-foot (25.91-m) walk between events.
- To ensure the highest level of safety and to prevent exhaustion, no running is allowed between events. This walk allows you approximately 20 seconds to recover and regroup before each event. To ensure scoring accuracy by eliminating timer failure, two stopwatches are used to time the CPAT. One stopwatch is designated as the official test time stopwatch, the second is the backup stopwatch. If mechanical failure occurs, the time on the backup stopwatch is used. The stopwatches are set to the pass/fail time and count down from 10 minutes and 20 seconds. If time elapses prior to the completion of the test, the test is concluded and you fail the test.
What You Need On the Day of the Test
Identification
In order to participate in the CPAT, you must bring on form of photo ID. Any of these are accepted:
- Drivers license
- Government-issued photo identification
- Military photo identification
- Current passport
Appropriate Attire
- Candidates are required to wear long pants or sweatpants.
- Closed toe / heel shoes MUST be worn.
- Watches and loose or restrictive jewelry are NOT permitted.
Medical and Waiver Forms
All forms must be printed out, signed and brought with you on the day of the test.