All proctors must check candidates in or mark them no show on the proctor portal by the end of the day of the exams.

Introduction

The Firefighter Mile is a standardized firefighter physical ability test designed to assess a candidate's readiness for the physical demands of firefighting.

In particular, the test is meant to demonstrate that they have sufficient stamina, strength, and agility to accomplish the critical job tasks. Research has shown that the most common causes of firefighter injury and even death are overexertion and stress. Ensuring the physical fitness of firefighters helps reduce their chance of injuries and even death, which in turn provides for the safety of both victims and other firefighters.

The Firefighter Mile consists of ten separate timed events that occur sequentially. Each event represents one or more duties that a firefighter might perform on an actual fire scene. Each is only a simulation, however, as the safety and fairness of the test is more important than perfectly replicating every job duty. The candidate's performance on the test is evaluated on a pass/fail basis.

Candidates should become as familiar with the test as they can before taking it to ensure that their success or failure on the exam is due solely to their physical capabilities and not a misunderstanding of the events.

Overview and Preparation

For all events in the Firefighter Mile, candidates will wear a weighted vest to simulate the weight of firefighter protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). They will also wear work gloves for their protection.

Overview

The events are arranged to simulate the progression of events at a fire scene while also allowing for recovery time between the more physically demanding tasks. As the candidate moves from event to event, a proctor will give them instructions on how to perform each event.

A proctor will also notify the candidate if they perform any actions that constitute a warning or immediate disqualification. A warning will be announced verbally with “WARNING” and the reason for the warning will be given. If a warning is given, the candidate must immediately correct their action before continuing. Too many warnings for certain actions result in disqualification from the test. If this occurs, or if they perform a single action that immediately constitutes disqualification, the proctor will call “TIME,” end the test, and escort the candidate to the rehabilitation area.

Preparation

Candidates must arrive to the test wearing:

• Long or short sleeve shirt

• Long pants

• Close-toed shoes

• No watches or loose jewelry are permitted

It is recommended to candidates that they drink plenty of fluid before arriving at the testing center. Sports drinks or other liquids containing electrolytes such as salt or sugar are recommended. Eating a healthy meal beforehand will also reduce the chance of dizziness or sickness during the test and ensure adequate energy levels. Water will be provided on-site.

How Candidates Are Evaluated

This test is evaluated on a pass/fail basis. There is no overall time limit for the test. Events are individually timed and candidates must complete each event within a specified time limit to continue to the next event. To pass, they must not only successfully complete all 10 events within their respective time limits, but obtain at least 8 out of 10 possible points.

One point may be earned per event. To earn the point, candidates must complete the event within the Max Time for 1 point. If they do not complete the event within that time, they may still continue the test without earning a point as long as they finish within the time range for Passing with 0 points. However, if the candidate does not finish before the Disqualification Time is reached, then they will be disqualified from the test.

Because candidates only need 8 out of 10 possible points to pass, they may exceed the max time for 1 point for up to two events and still pass the test. However, if they receive zero points on three or more events, the candidate will be disqualified from the test. After each event, proctors will inform the candidate if they were above or below the Max Time for 1 point. It is up to the candidate to complete subsequent events within this time if they have lost too many points.

There are a number of disqualifying actions the candidate can perform during the test. If they perform any of these actions, they are disqualified from the test. Some actions only result in a warning; however, too many warnings from a particular action will also constitute disqualification. The following are actions that constitute warnings or disqualification at any point during the test:

• Running between events constitutes a WARNING. The second time the candidate runs, “TIME” is called and the test is ended.

• Stopping between events constitutes a WARNING. The second time the candidate stops, “TIME” is called and the test is ended.

• Removing gloves constitutes a WARNING. The second time this occurs, “TIME” is called and the test is ended.

• If the candidate takes off their vest at any time, “TIME” is called and the test is ended.

Firefighter Mile Events

Event 1: High Rise Carry

Event 2: Paced Walk

Event 3: Charged Hose Advance

Event 4: Equipment Haul

Event 5: Paced Walk

Event 6: Blind Crawl

Event 7: Forcible Entry Tire Strike

Event 8: Paced Walk

Event 9: Rescue Drag

Event 10: CPR