Fire Science Technology CPAT | Pikes Peak State College

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)

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 is physically demanding and requires that you be physically fit to be successful. This test consists of eight separate events that require you to progress along a predetermined path from event to event in a continuous manner. CPAT was developed to allow fire departments to obtain pools of trainable candidates who are physically able to perform essential job tasks at fire scenes.

CPAT standards require that each candidate have the opportunity to attend 2 orientations and at most 2 practice runs using actual CPAT apparatus and completing the entire course. A candidate may waive all of the aforementioned program components and be eligible to participate in a CPAT test. However, candidates choosing to waive any of orientations or timed practice runs must sign a waiver acknowledging that the orientation and practice program was made available and that the candidate is voluntarily and knowingly waiving their right to participate in the orientation and/or practice program.

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Information

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
Applicants must show a government-issued photo identification (i.e. driver's license, government or military ID, passport, or visa). Candidates without a photo ID will not be allowed to take the CPAT and will forfeit their test fee.
Per IAFF, you MUST wear long pants and footwear with no open heel or toe throughout all events. If you show up to a practice session or a test date in shorts and/or open toe/heel footwear you WILL NOT be allowed to participate in the practice session or take a test.

$135 – includes your choice of one orientation session, up to 2 timed practice session and the test.
A fee will be paid when you register online.

PPSC will issue a full refund to your original form of payment if cancellation notification is made prior to 10 business days of the registered CPAT Session Date. The CPAT Session Date is the earliest date identified in the chosen registration options (Orientation, Practice Run, or Official CPAT Exam). To cancel a CPAT Session registration, please contact Jamie Gutschick at Jamie.Gutschick@pikespeak.edu. Failure to notify PPSC prior to 10 business days of the registered CPAT Session Date, as defined above, will result in forfeiture of payment as non-refundable.
We will not reschedule orientation or practice runs if the candidate fails to attend. Failure to attend your scheduled time for the final test will result in a forfeiture of the $135 fee.

Successful candidates will be issued a certificate of completion valid for one year.

Report times for practice and tests will be sent in your email that was given 5 days prior to the event.

*Report times on average are early to mid morning. Please allow 2 hours for the event.

An opportunity to view the CPAT orientation video
A peer fitness trainer will be available to give an overview of the CPAT test and familiarization with each task and apparatus and advise all candidates concerning specific conditioning regimens and techniques to help them prepare for the CPAT.

Candidates are highly encouraged to attend one of the orientation sessions. However, if a candidate elects not to participate in one of the orientation sessions, the candidate must sign a waiver that acknowledges that they are voluntarily and knowingly waiving their right to participate.

CPAT Handouts

CPAT Orientation Guide
CPAT Preparation Guide

Two (2) practice runs will be offered within 30 days of the official CPAT test. The timed practice runs will provide the candidate with the following:

A timed practice run that will allow the candidate to evaluate their level of preparedness.
Advice from CPAT instructors/proctors on how the candidate can improve their performance and conditioning.
Per IAFF, you MUST wear long pants and footwear with no open heel or toe throughout all events. If you show up to a practice session or a test date in shorts and/or open toe/heel footwear you WILL NOT be allowed to participate in the practice session or take a test.

Candidates are highly encouraged to attend one of the practice runs. However, if a candidate elects not to participate in one or both of the practice runs, the candidate must sign a waiver that acknowledges that they are voluntarily and knowingly waiving their right to participate.

If a candidate completes and passes the CPAT during a Practice Run, they will be issued their certificate and will not have to attend the assigned test date.

The test is held on the tennis courts located at the North West corner of the campus.

Candidates will be emailed a live online link for Orientations.
Candidates are to report to the tennis courts for Practice sessions.
Candidates are to report to the assigned classroom for Test dates