Passing the Fire Fighter Physical Agility Test

Since 1995, the Firefighter Physical Agility Testing program at Cuyahoga Community College’s Public Safety Center of Excellence has screened thousands of candidates for the requisite physical abilities necessary for a career in the fire service.

The Physical Agility Test, or PAT, is a valid and reliable measure of an applicant’s ability to perform the most critical and physical tasks of firefighting.

The PAT consists of five tasks, completed sequentially against a running clock.

The College will issue a certificate of completion for a time of seven minutes or less. The certificate is valid for one year.

While testing, candidates wear a fire helmet, gloves, SCBA air pack and five-pound ankle weights on each leg.

The Firefighter Physical Agility Test consists of the following tasks:

• Stair climb/equipment shuttle
• Equipment hoist
• Forcible entry simulation
• Hose drag/advance and
• Victim rescue

The Fire Training Academy offers a PAT prep course that provides functional training and hands-on instruction designed to improve candidate performance. Questions? Visit the Fire Training Academy. 

January 24, 2019