Candidate Physical Ability Test

The pass-or-fail entry test used by many US fire departments, and the one where the clock never stops. Wearing a 50lb vest to simulate breathing apparatus and protective kit, candidates work through eight events in sequence: stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise and extension, forcible entry, search, rescue, and ceiling breach and pull. The whole course must be finished in 10 minutes 20 seconds, with an 85ft walk between events and no running allowed. The opening stair climb sets the tone: three minutes on a StepMill at 60 steps a minute with two extra 12.5lb weights on the shoulders. Train it as one continuous effort, because the short walks between events are the only recovery you get.