Physical Ability Tests (CPAT/PAT)
Physical Ability Tests (CPAT/PAT)
The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is a fitness assessment used to evaluate entry-level firefighter candidates. To include the CPAT as part of your hiring process through National Testing Network (NTN), your agency must hold a valid CPAT license issued by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). This license verifies that the CPAT is an appropriate and approved measure of physical fitness for your organization. NTN is required to confirm that your agency’s CPAT license is valid before administering the test to candidates.
CallTaker Video Test
This video-based exam portrays a variety of emergency calls and focuses on situational judgment. It was specifically designed for emergency communications personnel. Candidates watch video scenarios portraying call takers in different situations and take notes. The notes you take during this test segment will be used to answer questions in a later test segment. Each call is taken to a critical decision point where candidates must choose the best course of action in a multiple-choice format. The test items play without stopping. The NTN Emergency Communications Testing System was developed to measure specific aptitudes important to emergency communications occupations. All information needed to answer a question is provided in the test. The test is not designed to be a test of policy or technical components. Candidates are only asked to know what is stated during the tests.
Recording Pertinent Information Test (Note-Taking Test)
For this test, candidates read statements about the calls they took notes on and use their notes to determine if the statement presented is Correct, Incorrect, or if they are Unsure. Each statement is associated with a call from the CallTaker Video Test.
Dispatcher Test
The Dispatcher Video Test looks at basic multitasking skills, key for learning and performing the job. Candidates don’t need any dispatching experience. Candidates are presented with moving situations and keep track of four police units. When new calls come in, candidates will decide which units to send based on two things: where the units are, and what they’re currently doing. Candidates decide:
- Which units to send
- If units need to be sent immediately
- If medical also needs to be sent
The Medic Mile (MM) is a physical ability test for EMTs and Paramedics. It is designed to evaluate entry level medic candidates on the essential physical capabilities required to satisfactorily perform their job duties. MM is based on decades of research in physical ability testing and extensive job analysis data collected from various departments.
The MM consists of 8 events designed to simulate critical, physically demanding tasks faced by medics during an emergency. Each event has a separate time limit, and the test overall lasts approximately 20 minutes.
The Firefighter Mile (FFM) is a physical ability test for firefighters. It is designed to evaluate entry level firefighter candidates on the essential physical capabilities required to satisfactorily perform their job duties. FFM is based on decades of research in physical ability testing and extensive job analysis data collected from various fire departments.
The FFM consists of 10 events designed to simulate critical, physically demanding tasks faced by firefighters during an emergency. Each event has a separate time limit, and the test overall lasts approximately 20 minutes.
The Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT) is a hybrid physical ability-job sample physical ability assessment process. It is designed to evaluate entry level police officer candidates on the essential physical capacities required to satisfactorily perform their job duties. ORPAT was originally based on data taken from the Canadian RCMP PARE research and tests as well as multiple Job Task Analysis (JTA’s) for the Oregon police, and corrections officers.
ORPAT was designed to replicate critical and essential physical tasks and demands faced by police officers in the normal performance of their duties. Both specific tasks and overall physical demands are replicated in the ORPAT through the use of a carefully designed and validated, timed “obstacle course.”
The Washington State Physical Abilities Test (WAPAT) includes three components: push-ups, sit-ups and squat thrusts. Not all departments accept re-test PAT results. Some departments require 6 months between submitting PAT results. Check the department requirements on this site or check with the departments you are applying to.
Candidates must meet the requirements of the job at the time of scheduling their exam. Currently, all of our jobs posted require an applicant to be at least 18 years of age.
The Physical Ability Test score for each portion of the test (push-ups, sit-ups and squat thrusts) is recorded on the individual participant’s sheet.
