Firefighter Physical Ability Test

The physical ability test (PAT) consists of ten (10) continuously-timed events.  The candidate will watch a brief video explaining each event plus a thorough walk-through prior to testing.

PAT Candidate Demonstration Video:

The validated maximum time allowed to complete the course is 6 minutes and 10 seconds; any candidate that completes a time greater than 6:10 will fail the PAT and will not be allowed to continue in the application process. Each of the ten events are validated by Fire & Police Selection, Inc. and based on basic firefighter skills & abilities.

Supplied mandatory equipment consists of (structure) gloves, helmet, turnout coat, knee pads, and breathing apparatus (weighing no more than 31.50 pounds).  The candidate may wear appropriate PT clothing to include shorts and T-shirt (no tank tops) and footwear (no open heel or toe).

Candidates are not allowed to run between test events. However, candidates may run, safely, within each event.

Event 1: Dry Hose Deployment

Candidate advances pre-connected 1.75-inch dry hose line for 95 feet. Each 50-foot section weighs 15 pounds, for a total of 30 pounds of dry weight. This event simulates extending a dry offensive hose line from an apparatus to a fire scene for firefighting operations.

Event 2: Charged Hose Deployment

Candidate advances pre-connected 1.75-inch charged hose line for 70 feet. This event simulates extending a charged offensive hose line to the seat of a fire for firefighting operations.

Event 3: Halyard Raise

Candidate raises and lowers the fly section of a 24-foot aluminum extension ladder with a halyard. The pull resistance of the ladder is approximately 26 pounds. This event simulates raising and lowering the fly of a 24-foot aluminum extension ladder in order to access higher floors for rescue, ventilation, and other firefighting operations.

Event 4: Roof Walk

Candidate ascends and descends a 10-foot distance walking/ crawling on the rungs of a 14-foot roof ladder while carrying a 15-pound chain saw. This event simulates walking on a roof ladder with the appropriate equipment in order to perform ventilation operations.

Event  5: Attic Crawl

Candidate crawls a distance of 20 feet across a simulated attic area while carrying a flashlight in his/her hands. This event simulates walking/crawling on joists in an attic to search for the extension of a fire.

Event 6: Roof Ventilation

Candidate stands on a pitched rooftop and strikes the roof 30 times with an 8-pound sledge hammer. This event simulates making a ventilation opening in a roof with an axe or sledge hammer in order to ventilate a fire.

Event 7: Victim Removal

Candidate carries or drags a 165 pound dummy for 20 feet. This event simulates removing an injured or unconscious victim from a hazardous area.

Event 8: Ladder Removal/Carry

Candidate removes a 14-foot aluminum roof ladder from mounted hooks, carries the ladder 57 feet around a diamond shaped course, and replaces the ladder to the mounted hooks. The weight of the ladder is 28 pounds. This event simulates removing a straight ladder from an apparatus, carrying it to the site of use, and replacing it to the apparatus.

Event 9: Crawling Search

Candidate crawls on the ground floor for a distance of 35 feet.  This event simulates crawling while conducting search and rescue, hose deployment, or attic operations in a burning structure.

Event 10: Stair Climb with Hose

Candidate ascends and descends three flights of stairs with a 53-pound hose bundle.  This event simulates climbing stairs with a hose bundle in order to fight fires in multiple-story buildings.