Physical Ability Test: CPAT-Style Events and Pacing
Domain 2 measures whether you can complete CPAT-style work safely and continuously while wearing a 50-pound vest. The clock rewards steady movement, not bursts.
Events and standards
- Stair climb: 3 minutes 20 seconds at 60 steps per minute.
- Hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise and extension, forcible entry, search, rescue drag, ceiling breach and pull.
- Stay within each event’s lane and time limit; unsafe technique or losing control of a tool can end the test.
Technique that saves energy
- Stair climb: stand tall, use the whole foot, and keep a metronome-like cadence. Do not sprint the first minute.
- Hose drag: keep the hose low and close, drive with your legs, and avoid wrapping it around your body.
- Ladder raise: hand-over-hand and controlled; never let the ladder fall.
- Forcible entry: short, controlled strikes; let the tool do the work.
- Search: stay low, sweep with the tool, and protect your air source.
- Rescue drag: keep your back neutral and pull with your legs.
Worked example
The course limit is 10:20, or 620 seconds. If the first four events take 4:30 (270 seconds), 350 seconds remain for the last four-87.5 seconds each on average. That is a pacing check, not a guarantee: if one event runs long, make up time with smooth transitions, not by skipping safety.
Traps
- Going out too fast on the stair climb and losing cadence.
- Letting the ladder or tool drop, which is a safety failure.
- Standing upright during search and exposing yourself to simulated heat and smoke.
- Resting on the clock instead of using controlled breathing while moving.