CPAT

Introduction

The following manual is produced based on the information provided by the International Association of Fire Fighters. All of the material in this instruction guide is based on the IAFF Candidate Physical Ability Test Manual (CPAT manual):

Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness/Fitness Initiative “Candidate Physical Ability Test” of the International Association of Firefighter’s and the International Association of Fire Chief’s, Copyrighted 1999 ISBN 0-942920-41-4.

This guide is intended to be a comprehensive study guide for CPAT proctors. All of the material in this guide is in agreement with the material in the CPAT manual. For more information related to the development and validation of the CPAT refer to the CPAT Manual.

This manual introduces the basics of being a CPAT proctor. You will learn about the candidate orientation, practice tests and proper test administration. The CPAT is used as a test for hiring fire professionals so it is critical that the test is run consistently and according to all testing standards. CPAT proctors have a very important job. They evaluate candidates during the CPAT test and confirm that candidates perform everything properly. Proctors must know what is permissible and what constitute warnings and failures. A proctor’s call may impact a department’s decision on hiring candidates.

Preparation and Orientation

A preparation guide for candidates is included in the CPAT Manual. As a proctor, you need to be familiar with the guide. Make the preparation guide available to all candidates. Encourage them to review it whether or not they are current firefighters, have already taken the CPAT or feel that they are in shape. By taking these actions, you will provide a fairer test experience and avoid failing candidates who are physically capable, but did not know how to prepare. The preparation guide includes information on:

The physical demands of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).

• The necessity of proper hydration.

• Basic training principles.

• Warm up techniques.

• Flexibility techniques.

• Muscular strength/endurance techniques.

• Cardiovascular endurance techniques.

• Training techniques for those without a gym or specialized equipment.

Orientation

Give test takers the opportunity to go through orientation at least eight weeks before their test date. This allows candidates time to physically prepare for the CPAT and properly arrange their schedules. Candidates are required to take the orientation unless they a sign a waiver. Candidates should always be strongly encourage to participate in all preparation events, including the orientations. During orientation, candidates watch the CPAT Orientation Video and walk through the eight events with a proctor. Make the actual test day easier, for you and the test takers, by holding orientations at the testing site, if possible.

Classroom Orientation

Play the Candidate Physical Ability Test Orientation Video and offer a copy of the Candidates Physical Ability Test Orientation Guide and the CPAT Preparation Guide. Encourage candidates to review the orientation and preparation guides to get familiar with all elements of the test even if they have already taken the CPAT.

Course Orientation

If you are an instructor taking candidates through full course orientation, you need to be fully trained and knowledgeable of all events. If you are monitoring only one of the eight events, you must be fully trained and knowledgeable on that event.

Cover the following information during orientation:

• Proper test attire

• Proper performance of test events

• Actions constituting warnings

• Actions constituting failures

• How the test is timed

• Descriptions of test props

• Fitness routines designed to strengthen muscles used in fire fighting

• Walking between events

Responsibilities

Remember, consistency is key. Give all candidates the same opportunities and spend about the same amount of time with each. No candidate should leave an orientation lacking information other candidates received.

During orientation, demonstrate each event. Clearly describe actions that result in warnings and those that result in failure.

Discuss the fitness exercises in the CPAT - Preparation Guide, during each event. Emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle and continued fitness. Make available The Candidate Physical Ability Test Orientation Guide (Appendix 3-1 in the CPAT Manual) and CPAT – Preparation Guide to all candidates.

Allow candidates a reasonable amount of exposure at each event during the course orientation. A reasonable amount of exposure is considered the amount of time it takes for candidates to understand what actions are performed at each event and what actions lead to warnings or failures. Candidates are allowed to try events to better their understanding during orientation, but are not allowed to try the events with the intent of practicing or becoming proficient. Tell the candidates they can practice the events during a practice test. This keeps the whole CPAT process fair for all candidates. Spend a uniform amount of time at each event with candidates during course orientation. Stay as fair and consistent as possible with all candidates.

There are Two Types of Proctors:

1. Lead Proctors

If you are lead proctor, follow candidates through the whole test. Make sure they always follow the correct path, walk around designated cones and never run between events. Stop candidates and instruct them to go around traffic cones when missed.

State “follow the line” when candidates finish an event before reading the verbal instructions for the next event. Read the verbal instructions verbatim while following candidates from event to event. When walking from event to event, candidates set the pace. Follow behind them, so as not to interfere. Do not allow candidates to run between events.

Keep track of all warnings called by event proctors. Stop the test when candidates’ actions constitute failures, declared by an event proctor. At the end of each test, sign the evaluation form and ensure candidates sign the form.

All candidates are offered and encouraged to take the practice test where they can ask any questions. When testing, you cannot answer any questions that are not answered in the instructions. Any additional explanation or clarification is not allowed. You cannot tell the candidate what their time is or how much time they have left during testing.

As a lead proctor, you carry the lead stopwatch and start it at the beginning of each test. Use the stopwatch to determine whether or not candidates finish the course within the designated time of 10 minutes and 20 seconds.

Additionally, a second stopwatch is started at the beginning of testing. This stopwatch is for back up and is only used if there is a malfunction or failure with the lead stopwatch. As the lead proctor, you can carry the second stopwatch or another proctor may carry it. Start the stopwatches at the first event when the event proctor calls out “START.” Stop both stopwatches when the event proctor calls “TIME” or when candidates finish the test.

2. Event Proctors

As an event proctor, you watch the activity of candidates and call out any warnings or failures. When calling out a warning or failure, follow up by declaring which action merited the infraction. You must be near the candidates to view their actions but not so close as to obstruct movement or interfere with testing.

As with lead proctors, you cannot converse with the candidates. You only declare infractions. Call out “WARNING” if candidates lose any of their personal equipment (helmet, gloves, etc). If candidates continue without retrieving their personal equipment, call “TIME” and end the test. The minimum number of event proctors must be at each event when candidates are performing at the event.

Testing Venue

Testing consistency is essential to a good testing program. Keeping testing consistent from candidate to candidate creates a fair testing environment for everyone. Strictly follow policies and procedures. Follow them from the time a person signs up for testing to the end of their test.

The environment can have a significant impact on candidates’ performances during testing and must be considered before testing any candidates. If testing outside, the temperature must be between 45°F (7°C) and 95°F (35°C) and winds are less than 20 mph (32 kph). Do not conduct any testing when it is raining. A light drizzle is okay as long as working surfaces are safe to walk on and props, tools and equipment are kept dry.

Every testing location must have a rehabilitation area for candidates. Rehabilitation areas are out of the sun, give candidates the opportunity to re-hydrate and have their vital signs checked if medically indicated. Take all candidates to the rehabilitation area at the end of their test, whether they passed or not.

All test props must be in full working order and up to specifications before every test.

• Check props and equipment regularly.

• Calibrate props and equipment that can be calibrated.

• Check any equipment bolted down or anchored for fatigue or loosening of bolts or anchors.

• Each piece of equipment must have ample space around it for candidates to safely and properly perform the needed actions at each event.

• Check that all pathways from event to event are clearly marked.

Give the candidates the opportunity to reschedule their test if any equipment breaks or malfunctions during their test.

CPAT Overview

The CPAT test consists of eight events arranged in a specific order. Candidates are tested on a pass/fail basis and never rank ordered. Candidates pass the test if they perform all the events correctly, in the proper order and within the 10 minute 20 second time frame.

Additional Information:

• Candidates are required to wear a 50 pound (22.68 kg) vest during the test to simulate the weight of firefighter equipment and protective clothing. Help candidates put on the weighted vest.

• During the first event, the stair climb, all candidates wear an additional 12.5 pounds (5.67 kg) on each shoulder for a total of 75 pounds (34.02 kg) with the vest. This additional weight on the shoulders is to simulate the weight of a high rise pack a firefighter would carry up flights of stairs.

• Candidates must wear long pants, shoes with no open toes or open heels, a hard hat with chin strap and work gloves. Watches and loose or restrictive jewelry are not permitted.

• All props and equipment must meet the particular specifications in Appendix 5 of the CPAT Manual.

• The walking distance between each event is 85 feet (25.91 m). Do not allow candidates to run between events. This helps prevent the exhaustion of candidates.

CPAT Events

Event 1: Stair Climb

Event 2: Hose Drag

Event 3: Equipment Carry

Event 4: Ladder Raise and Extension

Event 5: Forcible Entry

Event 6: Search

Event 7: Rescue

Event 8: Ceiling Breach and Pull