Candidate Physical Ability Test (C.P.A.T.)

When you register for a session, the fee covers five (5) sessions. You will receive an email with the five dates. You can take a timed test during the first (Orientation) session. If you pass this timed test, it will count as successful completion, and you will be issued your CPAT card that day. If you don’t pass the timed test or choose to use the first session as a practice session, you will return on the next scheduled date. You will receive an email reminding you of the upcoming session. You must reply to the email regarding your attendance. If you don’t reply to the email, you forfeit a session. Over the next three (3) sessions, you have the option of either taking a timed test or practicing the CPAT. Again, if you successfully complete a timed session, it will count as successful completion, and you will be issued your CPAT card that day. On the final (5th session), you must successfully complete a timed test. If you do not pass a timed test by the 5th and final session, you must register for another CPAT session and pay the applicable fee at that time. You must complete your five sessions within a year of the start date.

The fee for the test is $150.00. All fees are non-refundable. Payment is due PRIOR to the first session. A 3% service fee is added to all card sales. Personal checks & cash are not accepted. (A 35′ ladder climb is available for an additional $10.00. Please let us know in advance if you need a ladder climb.

Your CPAT card is valid for one year (expiration date is shown on the card). The fee for a replacement card is $10.00.

Attire/dress: long pants (no shorts), athletic shoes & t-shirt.

St. Louis County Fire Academy provides convenient, professional administration of the Candidate Physical Ability Test for firefighter candidates.  The Candidate Physical Ability Test is the new minimum requirement for the position of Firefighter at many fire departments in the St. Louis Metropolitan area.  It is also a requirement for certification.  The St. Louis County Fire Academy provides the Candidate Physical Ability Test according to the IAFF/IAFC Joint Labor-Management Wellness/Fitness Initiative.

The C.P.A.T. consists of eight (8) critical physical tasks that simulate actual job duties on the fire ground.  This test is physically demanding and requires you to be physically fit to succeed.  This test, as well as the job of a firefighter, requires high levels of cardiopulmonary endurance, muscular strength, and muscular endurance.  The CPAT is a sequence of events requiring you to progress along a pre-determined path from event to event in a continuous manner. This test was developed to allow fire departments to obtain pools of trainable candidates who are physically able to perform essential job tasks at fire scenes.