The CPAT gives you 10 minutes 20 seconds. Train like it.

8 stations, one running clock, pass or fail. The Candidate Physical Ability Test is objective, measurable, and fully trainable with the right program.

Build my CPAT plan See the test standard

Starts with the free assessment. No account required.

The test at a glance

Stations	8
Total time cap	10:20
Stair climb	3 min @ 60 steps/min
Rescue drag	165 lb

Full event list and requirements in section 2 below.

A woman carries a coiled hose load over her shoulder across a wet training ground while a crew works behind her — Fig. 1. Hose load carry, live-fire training day.

Section 2 · Know the standard

CPAT: the Candidate Physical Ability Test

A pass/fail job simulation test used by fire departments nationwide. Every event mimics real firefighting demands.

Stair climb

Wearing 50 lb vest plus 25 lb shoulder weights

3 min @ 60 steps/min

Hose drag

200 lb hose pack

75 ft pull + 25 ft advance

Equipment carry

Two 30 lb saws from the cabinet

75 ft carry + return

Ladder raise and extension

Controlled force technique critical

Raise + extend aerial

Forcible entry

Horizontal swing, full power

Strike target to mark

Navigating obstacles by feel

70 ft dark tunnel crawl

Rescue drag

165 lb mannequin, one direction

35 ft drag

Ceiling pull

Weighted pike pole overhead

60 pushes + 60 pulls

Section 3 · Your training plan

What is inside the track.

Take a baseline assessment. Get a program built around the firefighter standard, your level, and your timeline. Track the work. Hit the standard.

Build my CPAT plan

1
12-week CPAT prep
Structured weekly training built around each CPAT station, progressing intensity toward your test date.
2
Stair climb specialization
The stair climb is the most failed event. We dedicate full training blocks to building the specific endurance it demands.
3
Weighted vest work
Train with vest loads that replicate CPAT conditions so you build the right kind of strength, not just general fitness.
4
Oral board and hiring prep
Physical readiness gets you to the interview. Interview prep gets you the offer. We cover both.

Section 4 · Occupational health

Enroll in the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer

Cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty death in the fire service, and women firefighters are dramatically underrepresented in the research that shapes prevention. The NFR is a CDC-run, opt-in registry: your data helps protect the firefighters coming up behind you. Free, about 10 minutes, and you are eligible the moment you are sworn in (or if you are already serving).

Enroll at nfr.cdc.gov

Run by the CDC and NIOSH. Open to current or former US firefighters, 18 and over.

A firefighter covered in debris lifts off her mask at night after working a structure fire — Fig. 2. Post-incident, before gross decon.

7-day free trial. No credit card.

Start your firefighter plan today.

Take the baseline assessment. See exactly where you stand. Get a program built around your career, your level, and your timeline.

Build my CPAT plan

No account required to take the assessment.