The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is a requirement for application to the Lenexa Fire Department. The CPAT is a physically intensive test consisting of eight separate events designed to test a candidate’s physical ability to perform fire service-related tasks. The CPAT is used nationwide at a large number of fire departments who have seen the value of a universal physical testing process, eliminating the need for each department to administer its own physical agility test. The CPAT is typically offered at area and regional testing sites, often at community colleges with fire service training programs.

The CPAT involves a sequence of events in which you are required to progress along a predetermined path from event to event in a continuous manner. The events include: Stair Climb, Hose Drag, Equipment Carry, Ladder Raise and Extension, Forcible Entry, Maze Search, Victim Drag, and Ceiling Breach and Pull. This is a pass/fail test based on a validated maximum total time of 10 minutes and 20 seconds. During the events, you wear a 50-pound vest to simulate the weight of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and firefighter protective clothing, a helmet and gloves. An additional 25 pounds, using two 12.5-pound weights which simulate a high-rise pack (hose bundle), is added to your shoulders for the stair climb event only. Throughout all events, you must wear long pants, footwear with no open heel or toe, a provided hard hat with chinstrap and provided work gloves. Watches and loose or restrictive jewelry are not permitted.

All props are designed to obtain the necessary information regarding your physical ability. The tools and equipment were chosen to provide the highest level of consistency, safety and validity in measuring your physical abilities. The events and distances between events are always the same. The events are placed in a sequence that best simulates fire scene events while allowing an 85-foot walk between events. To ensure the highest level of safety and to prevent exhaustion, no running is allowed between events. This walk intentionally allows approximately 20 seconds to recover and regroup before each event.

For more information
You may obtain information and register locally for the CPAT by calling Johnson County Community College's Continuing Education Registration line at 913.469.2323 or the Western Missouri Regional Fire Academy at 816.220.6700.