The C.P.A.T. consists of 8 critical physical tasks that simulate actual job duties on the fire ground. (Stair Climb, Horse Drag, Equipment Carry, Ladder Raise and Extension, Forcible Entry, Search, Rescue, Ceiling Breach and Pull.) The CPAT fee is $150.00. This fee is subject to change.
Applicants with current CPAT certification shall have priority over those without CPAT certification for entry into the St. Louis County Fire Academy.
Applicants without CPAT certification will be allowed entry into the Fire Academy but must pass the CPAT in order to graduate with their respective class. It is suggested that applicants obtain CPAT certification prior to applying to the Fire Academy.
To view a video of the C.P.A.T. and for a detailed booklet on this test, visit the dedicated C.P.A.T page.
Candidates who do not pass the CPAT by the end of the course will not be eligible to sit for any of the final exams, will not graduate with their class, and must repeat the entire course at their own expense to obtain St. Louis County certification.
There are 3 classes held each year.
Classes begin in January, April and September.
All required items must be submitted by the following deadlines to be eligible for the rostering of the specific class mentioned.
- January Class – Last Monday in October
- April Class – Second Monday in January
- September Class – Last Monday in June
Required items are as follows:
- Complete application packet (background check MUST be submitted with your application.)
- Proof of qualifying points
There are 43 different fire departments and fire protection districts in St. Louis County. Each agency does their own hiring and has their own individual hiring requirements. Therefore, you would need to contact them directly regarding employment.
To work at any of the 43 Fire Service agencies in St. Louis County, you must be certified through the St. Louis County Fire Academy.
There are two ways to go through the Academy.
One way is to be hired as a full-time, paid firefighter by a Fire Department or Fire Protection District in St. Louis County. Anyone hired as such must attend the St. Louis County Fire Academy’s Basic Firefighter Training Program within six (6) months of their hire date. Therefore, new hires receive first priority in seating in each Academy class.
While some of the 43 agencies will hire an individual and send them through the Academy, others will only hire those individuals who have already been through the Academy. In addition, you will find that the majority of those agencies which do hire and send through the Academy require a Paramedic license for employment.
For your information, there are approximately 1,551 firefighters presently working at the 43 different agencies in St. Louis County. Of those, 82% are Paramedics, 12% are E.M.T.s (Emergency Medical Technician), and 6% have no E.M.S. Licensure whatsoever.
As you can see, a Paramedic license is very important when seeking employment within the St. Louis County Fire Service.
Again, you would need to contact the individual agencies regarding employment.
After you’re enrolled in a recruit class, you must submit a Fitness for Class/Training Physician’s form, which will be provided by the Academy.
