CANDIDATE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST (CPAT)
DOWNLOAD a FREE copy of the CPAT Test Preparation Guide HERE!

The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is a new minimum requirement for the position of Firefighter. The job of a Firefighter is one of the most physically demanding jobs in North America. It requires high levels of cardiopulmonary endurance, muscular strength and muscular endurance. The CPAT consists of eight critical physical tasks that simulate actual job duties on the fire ground. Candidates must have a current passing score on the CPAT in order to be scheduled for an interview and at the time of certification for hiring consideration. The City of Los Angeles will only accept the Candidate Physical Ability Test. The Consolidated Physical Ability Test (formerly known as the Biddle Test) or any other physical ability test will not be accepted.

1. What is the CPAT?
The CPAT is a standardized test that is NOT administered by the City of Los Angeles. (See Question #2 for a list of agencies that administer the test.) The CPAT is a timed pass/fail test that consists of eight separate events:

During the CPAT, you must progress along a predetermined path from one event to the next in a continuous manner. Participants wear a 50-pound (22.68-kg) vest to simulate the weight of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and firefighter protective clothing. An additional 25 pounds (11.34 kg), using two 12.5-pound (5.67-kg) weights that simulate a high-rise pack (hose bundle), is added to your shoulders for the stair climb event. You have 10 minutes and 20seconds to complete all eight tasks. It is your responsibility to schedule and pay for your own CPAT.

2. What is the age requirements:
Applicants must be 18 years of age and must show government issued photo identification (i.e. drivers license, school, or military ID; or a passport or visa). Candidates without a photo ID will not be allowed to take the CPAT

3. Where can I take the CPAT? How much does it cost?
The following agencies currently administer the CPAT in Southern California. Please contact the agencies directly to obtain further information and to schedule a test. Before taking the CPAT, LAFD offers free training sessions on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month. The training sessions are held at Frank Hotchkins Memorial Training Center.

CPAT Testing Center
626 N. Eckhoff St.
Orange, CA 92868
cpat@cpf.org
(877) 648-2728
Cost: $150.00

CPAT ONLINE Registration Available!

Oxnard College Fire Technology

101 Durley Ave .
Camarillo, Ca 93010
(805) 384-8109
Cost: $150.00

www.oxnardcollege.edu/departments/academic/fire_technology/cpat.shtml

4. Is there simulated CPAT testing available?
Yes. The LAFD’s Recruitment Unit administers a free practice CPAT, allowing candidates to evaluate themselves before paying to take the official test. The course is set up on the drill deck of the Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center. CPAT practice is on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 8:00am until 1:00pm. Please call the LAFD Recruitment Unit at (213) 485-8032 and make your reservation today!

Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center
Los Angeles Fire Department

1700 Stadium Way
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 485-8032

After passing the written test, candidates must provide proof of successfully completing and achieving a passing score on the CPAT to be scheduled for the oral interview. You will not be scheduled for the oral interview until you pass the written test and submit valid proof of passing the CPAT.

A handbook-sized, fully illustrated copy of the Preparation Guide for theCPAT is available from the CFFJAC for only $5.00, including tax and shipping. To get a copy of this helpful preparation guide, send a check or money order for $5.00 to:

California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee
1780 Creekside Oaks Drive, Suite 201
Sacramento, CA 95833

DOWNLOAD a FREE copy of the CPAT Test Preparation Guide HERE!

5. How can I physically prepare for a firefighting career?

The job of Firefighter is one of the most labor intensive and physically demanding jobs around. Firefighters face uncertain and in many cases, dangerous conditions on a regular basis. Personal safety depends on proper training and the degree of each Firefighter’s physical fitness. You can download an LAFD Fitness Log to help you prepare for the Academy.

6. Can I get a guided, proctor-supervised practice session of the CPAT?
For $25.00, the CPAT Testing Centers will allow you to schedule a supervised practice on the CPAT course with a proctor. Your session is designed to meet your individual needs. A session may include: Training on the CPAT equipment, watching the instructional video, going through the course in its entirety. You also receive the benefit of mentoring: Our CPAT Proctors will provide techniques, expert evaluation and conditioning advice.