@@kaidenpatterson4846 running is not allowed for the dummy drag. You can fast-walk, but, by definition, at least one foot has to be touching the ground at all times.
I've taken this evil test many times. For those who have, know this is an impressive time. Well done sir! Took me until I was 30 to get the badge! NEVER GIVE UP!
Thanks. I feel like the CPAT is just as much a mental test as it is a physical test. You have to have enough perseverance to keep pushing through to the end when you're tired and just want it to be over.
Strong work Karry. Anything under 7:00 is very solid. The naysayers who claim it's easy usually have not ever attempted a CPAT, much less ran a quick time. And even if you are capable of a 6min and change CPAT, there is no reason to not give props. People these days all about tearing each other down instead of building each other up, such a sad existence they lead.
Agree - Maybe passing the CPAT in 10:20 is “easy”, but doing it in 7:00 is very difficult. You must be very fit. I think the CPAT is a fantastic test overall; my only complaint would be that the 10:20 standard is a little too lenient.
Passed my CPAT test today in Connecticut! This was my second go at it-timed out the first time, but today I finished in 8:20. I watched your video a good 20 times to prepare. Huge thanks for making it! At 36, this was no joke, but I got it done!
Yes! Once you can get over the mental hurdles, you’ll be able to pass with time to spare. Your body keeps telling you that you need to slow down or need a break, but you just have to keep pushing through until you’re done.
The biggest thing for interviews is preparing answers to common FF interview questions and practicing with a friend or family member. If you have practiced answers on a wide range of categories, you’ll feel a lot more confident in the interview (especially if they ask you a question you’ve already practiced!). Make sure your delivery is confident, well spoken, and organized. And get feedback from your practice partner on nonverbal communication (tone, body language, eye contact) that you need to work on.
Just got through mine last week. Completed time was 8:42. I'm currently 223lbs 5'5". As far as preparation, I did your normal push/pull/legs weightlifting workout 3-4 times a week and 20 minutes stair master after every workout. (first 3:20 no touching rails to imitate the CPAT) Also, study the video for your facility. It's different everywhere. It may help to familiarize yourself with the layout. If I can do it, you can too. You have to really want it.
Yes, it is definitely helpful to see the exact layout for your testing facility. The events have to be in the same order and with the exact same distance between them, but the placement can vary from location to location. Knowing ahead of time where you'll be walking to next can help you focus on completing each event in the most efficient way possible. I'm sure after being used to doing 20 minutes on the stair master the actual CPAT stair event was nothing to you!
Watched this before I took my CPAT, did mine in 9:12 im 5’4” 160lbs the one thing I’ll say about this test is anyone can do it, it’s 100% mind over matter, there was points where I was telling myself I couldn’t do it but just kept going. Just keep going !!!
Firefighter Ambitions I finished it with 52 seconds to spare. I would say, a lot of it is just mental. I think we over think it, and can psyche ourselves out. Just go in there and once your hit the sledge hammer tell yourself your half way. After search and rescue just pull the dummy and tell yourself 1 more to go. Breaking it down really helped me out. I trained for it, but I’m also not the skinnest guy, I’m 5’10 and weight about 220 ish. I’m at the last step in the process with just the interview to go.
Glad to be able to help! Good luck on the test. As long as you have decent cardio fitness and have the mental strength to keep pushing through when it gets tough, you’ll do just fine.
I haven't ever followed any rigid workout programs, but I am a very active person. I probably do a "cardio workout" only 2-3 times per week, but I also get in a lot of cardiovascular endurance exercise in at work or just working around the house.
Gotta say, this test is a fairly humbling experience. If you’re about to take it, don’t take it lightly, train for it. If it’s too late to start training then just buckle in and embrace the suck
I agree, it is substantially harder than it appears. But, it’s also just as much of a mental game as a physical test. So like you said, if you just buckle in and embrace it, you can make it through.
This video definitely helped to give me some insight and that’s a killer time! Getting ready to take my test in two weeks… I can’t wait I’ve been waiting for this opportunity now that I’m 32 I know I’m ready! Good luck to all those in the same boat!
I just took the CPAT yesterday and completed it in 10:17. And I was pushing pretty damn hard. I think what kind of got me thought is it took me 14 hits with the hammer to make the buzzer go off, while in my previous practice runs I could do it in 10 or less.
Hey, you passed, and that's all that really matters! I've found that where you hit the wall breach simulator makes a big difference on how many hits it takes. If you hit it in the exact center every hit, I've seen it done in as little as 3 hits. But if you're hitting it off-axis, I've seen it take as many as 18.
When I did it, I just missed 7 minutes, had like 8 minutes and change. I was completely gassed, I don’t know how anyone gets anything under 8 minutes. My hats off to this guy.
Truth be told, I was so drained afterwards that I couldn’t even stand up for a solid 10 minutes. I attribute that time to how much I was on the stairmaster leading up to it (with a weight vest or two on). When I got off the stair climb event, my legs were feeling good enough to sprint with the hose line, although I would not recommended it for most people.
@@KarryJonescoming off the stairs my legs need to recover so I power walk and keep that pace for the duration. What has gotten me the couple of times I tested is getting thru the search part. By time I make my way out I’m extremely gassed with little reserves for the dummy. I believe the way u did the dummy will help me this weekend.
@@KarryJonesI really focused on the stair master as well. For my last couple weeks of training I was doing two vests for a total of 80lbs. I probably should’ve trained a little more legs as well, but in the end it didn’t really matter since I ultimately did not get hired. It was good experience though, I don’t regret it.
He definitely saved some time extending the ladder by just bending over and then pulling the dummy by facing toward the direction he was pulling instead of backing out. Nice work.
Yes! And thanks! After proctoring quite a few of these tests, I actually made a video of tips that I've seen that will save time when doing the CPAT test: ua-cam.com/video/QQqiuYPLBWM/v-deo.html
Wow, thanks for the memories! It was a little different in 1982. I'd forgotten I had done this as part of a volunteer firefighter competitive exam 40 years ago!
This particular test/course was developed by the IAFF in 1999, then revised to its current edition in 2007. Although it’s main purpose is to make sure candidates are physically capable of performing basic firefighting tasks, it was fun to just try to see how fast I could go through the course. It’s a great workout too!
People really don’t understand how hard this test is. Maximum time is 10 minutes. That first 3:20 on the stair master with the 75 pounds on you, makes the whole thing like hell. The fact that he did it below 7 minutes is mind blowing. They call this test 10 minutes of hell.
Haha, I don’t know what’s up with UA-cam algorithm pushing my videos lately. It’s more than quadrupled in views in the last month. If you enjoy watching 911 Lone Star you should check out this guy, he’s hilarious and gives a realistic view to some of the stuff they have in those shows: ua-cam.com/video/5czbMBfI1cU/v-deo.html
...Being a FF is not simple, too many shows glorify the job and misrepresent the reality. It’s a blue collar profession that is physically demanding, people have to get down and dirty and work hard to get their jobs done. Not sure if you have Instagram but if you do, please watch the Stockton California Fire Department videos on Instagram, their training videos as well as real life fires. There you will get a real sense of what the profession is about.
My best to date is 6:18 but that was a few years back. Going to go try again in a few months to see if my new program is helping me stave off the effects of old age!
Good time. Almost beat mine when I took it in 2002. But we couldn't drag the dummy by the strap. We had to do a traditional carry, under the arms and walk backwards.
Hmm, I guess they changed the rules for the second edition CPAT back in 2007. Now as long as you are holding at least one handle, it doesn't matter how you carry the dummy.
My department just implemented an annual job task as a way to make sure that firefighters stay in shape to be able to do their job. It's not CPAT, more like a consumption course that you would go through in recruit school. It has definitely had a positive impact on the overall physical condition of the department.
I just finished my first cpat today and was incredibly surprised by my time. For anyone saying that the cpat is easy, you my friend are incorrect. The marathon runners that think the cardio aspect is easy should start training with 50 pound weight vests lol. I got a 6:21 on my first go around but I think I could do better with better breath control. Anyways, thanks for the video :) huge props to everyone who has completed it and best of luck to those who are anticipating the pain. It's gonna hurt but don't stop pushing. You got this 🤜🤛 Edit: instructor mistimed my first attempt, second attempt sitting at a much more reasonable 8:35 lol. Sorry for the confusion
Do this once a week plus stairmill and CrossFit other days of week. Firefighter CPAT WOD 50lb vest 3 min on box 24” box 1 step up/1 squat 2 step up/2 squats Add one rep each completion and repeat *Walk 200 feet 50lb/ One arm farmer carry 10 Knee to standing 20 rope pull (switch grip after 10) 40lb/ attach rope to bottom cable stack. *Walk 200 feet 50lb/ One arm farmer carry 20 dumbbell shoulder press 50/35lb 15 sit ups 5 sets 5 push ups 6 spiders *Walk 200 feet 50lb/ One arm farmer carry 20 Alt legs squat to reverse lunge /35lb dumbbell 30 kettlebell swings 35/25lb Cap 15:00
This definitely looks like great prep for CPAT, but like you said in the beginning, also do some stepmill workouts with a vest. I feel like people underestimate how much work it is to walk up stairs with 75lbs on for 3:20 straight.
@@KarryJones absolutely. I did the one above on Wednesday and this one on Sunday with my son. WOD Partners Firefighter High-rise Challenge 75Ib vest 5 sets Stair-mill level 6 1:30 on 1:30 off By the end we increased the speed to 8 and did 3 sets instead 5 each. You’ll def feel it 💪🏼
Thanks! I can’t remember what the name of the song is. I didn’t keep the video project or original files in Final Cut, unfortunately. I’m pretty sure I got it from UA-cam Audio Library, but I can’t find it on there now either.
If not for the stair master with the weight vest, this test would be a cake walk. It takes a lot out of u right off the bat. Anybody who hasn’t taken this but plans to.......all about cardio/endurance.
Super impressive bro. I was rooting for u thru the screen. lol. I take my practice test Saturday but if I pass I’m good. I’m taking that dummy drag technique.
Haha, thanks. Yeah, you're required to have at least one hand holding the handle on the harness, but there's nothing that says you can't drag it while facing forward. Also, going way back to football lineman drills, short, choppy steps are key. Don't stop or you'll have to overcome static friction to get going again.
Jesus. I did mine in 8 minutes. This guy made it look way easier. In my group we had 3 failed. One realized he was claustrophobic another didn’t pass the stairs and the last one gassed out on the dummy drag!
People severely underestimate how exhausted you get when you have each of these events in rapid succession. That’s unfortunate that someone wasn’t able to complete the test because of claustrophobia, but it’s better to find out now than when they’re in a dangerous situation.
I start training for the Kilgore College Fire Academy, and it's on my high school campus, because PTISD partnered up with KC to bring it here so juniors and seniors can do it. They had it in 2019 but due to Covid-19, they didn't have it in 2020, but they will do it this year. So I will be doing it in a few months as a senior in high school. This video has motivated me a little more, but I find my motivation elsewhere.
Don’t forget to do plenty of aerobic exercises/cardio training. Sprints, stairs, jogging, etc. If you have access to a stair master, that would be one of the best activities to prep you for the test.
@@KarryJones I am a cross country runner, so I know how to run 3 miles on a particular day. Also I am a Kilgore College Dual Credit Student as a senior, and my goal is to be a national fire medic working for either Longview Fire Dept or Hot Springs Fire Dept. So it's right there in the ArkLaTex really.
If you’re used to cross country, you’ll definitely be good on the aerobic aspect of CPAT. That’s great that you’re doing dual enrollment, keep up the hard work and it will pay off!
Man, great job! Cpat ain’t no joke, the department I just got on with went with the ff combat challenge instead of the cpat. About the same difficulty level imo
Yikes! That sounds terrible! I took it once at a place that had a polished concrete floor and it was so easy. I can’t imagine how much harder a rubber floor would be.
Technique and where you hit makes a lot of difference. If you it off center, it takes substantially more hits. Proctoring the test, I’ve seen someone do it in as few as 3 hit and as many as about 18.
Absolutely! Anything to save your arms will help. The manual states “extends the fly section hand over hand until it hits the stop.” Just make sure to stay in the box and don’t let the halyard slip in your hands.
Haha, thanks. Looking at it, it definitely doesn't look hard. But when you have to go from event to event with only an 80 foot walk in between, it does get quite exhausting!
to anyone worried, the test isn't all that bad, I didnt't do cardio for at least two years prior, only lifted weights 4 times a week and it was cake, just do basic exercise, make sure you have strong legs and you're set
Then you would be surprised at the number of people I saw who had that same mentality going into it and failed. There was one particular test day that we had 22 people show up and only 2 passed. It’s not just about being physically fit, but also mentally able to keep pushing through. Each event itself isn’t very difficult, and there is ample time to complete everything, but you have to want it bad enough to keep pushing through when you start getting tired.
You make it look easy! I did similar when I was in a militia but with armor and a ruck instead of the nifty weight vest you have on.. how much does that puppy weight?
Thanks. It’s a 50lb weight vest for the test, plus an extra 12.5lbs on each shoulder for the stair climb (75lbs total for the stairs). It’s supposed to simulate the weight of full turnout gear with SCBA plus an additional high-rise pack for the stairs.
@@muscleman125 the Kentucky Constitutional Rangers and Kentucky State Rangers. Sorry for the extremely late reply but now I'm in fire school woo hoo! I never thought I'd actually ENJOY anything called school!
Were you expecting it to be hard? You can’t go to recruit school without passing and, it may be surprising to you, but it actually weeds out a lot of people.
I hope everything goes well for you! If you haven't looked at my other videos, I have a walk-through of the course, one with tips to speed up your time, and one with some exercises to prep for the test.
How did you train for the test? I want to achieve my goal of becoming apart of the fire department but Im scared my body won’t be enough for the test…any advice or training routine?
I didn’t train specifically for CPAT before taking the test, but I did work out several times per week. If you’re looking for some exercises to prep for CPAT, please check out my workout video that I did in collaboration with a coworker: ua-cam.com/video/lc2oERN4x7Q/v-deo.html I also have a couple other videos on my channel including a walkthrough of the course with Chief Baker from Rocky Ridge as well as my top tips for improving your time on the course.
Hello, how do you recommend I prepare to take this test and course navette on the same day? what specific strength and endurance work, it is an amazing time, I follow your channel and I have already been training with the vest and its weight
Wow, taking this test and also Course Navette will be rather taxing on your aerobic endurance. The biggest thing is to increase your VO2 Max through aerobic activity (stairs with vest, running, etc.). If you haven't seen it already, I do have a video on workouts to do specifically targeting movements seen in CPAT: ua-cam.com/video/lc2oERN4x7Q/v-deo.html
Hey sir! This was super impressive! I was curious on the weight you had with the weighted vest. How much weight is that?! You did the whole test with it on
Thanks! It’s a 50lb weight vest to simulate the weight of firefighting gear during the test with an additional 25lbs for the stair climb to simulate a hose pack.
It’s definitely not as easy as it looks. But don’t give up! Work on building your cardio endurance, maybe with some CrossFit-style workouts, and you’ll be able to pass in no time.
Yes. The 50lb vest is to simulate turnout gear and SCBA. The extra 25lbs for the stair climb (12.5lbs on each shoulder) is to simulate carrying additional gear up stairs. CPAT is a standardized test by the IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters) that is a prerequisite to many firefighter recruit schools.
That’s great! Congratulations! Mainly keep up cardio endurance and do calisthenics. Also, see if you can get a copy of the textbook you’ll be going through so you can get familiar with the information they’ll be teaching.
Great job! I will be taking my CPAT in a couple of months, but I am required to do so at their facility. The problem is that I live an 11 hour car drive away. I am not terribly worried about the physical portion, but the layout is what gets me. Even watching this video and seeing they used white tape that you go across multiple times had me a tad confused. Is there a way to overcome this? Do proctors direct you on where to go next? I will most likely have to waive all practice/orientation, so this is my biggest worry by far.
Wow, that’s crazy that you have to drive 11 hours to take the test! So that particular test that I did was just for fun, not for certification. You will always have a proctor walking with you to direct you to the next event and to give instructions as you approach it. I wouldn’t sweat it.
@@KarryJones Thank you so much for easing my mind! If driving 11 hours is what it takes, I guess that's what it takes. They won't allow the CPAT to be done where I currently live, but knowing that they will direct me and provide instruction takes a weight off my shoulders.
Just took mine the first time today passed 8:53 had a lot of fun and figured out I’m not claustrophobic 😂 so this job will be even more fun for me 🤷🏾♂️
That’s great, good luck on recruit school! You might want to wait until you’re halfway through the seventy foot long 24” pipe (that’s 6’ underground) in confined space rescue class before you decide for sure that you’re not claustrophobic 😜.
Hopefully you’re not. But u will Truly find out when u do confined space drills in the academy. My class dropped about 7 from claustrophobia and u will be blacked out. It’s fun if u embrace it and learn the skills.
Ah, that’s disappointing. Had you gone on the stair master with the weight vest before the day of the test? It’s definitely much harder than it looks sustaining that pace for so long. Hope your training goes well prepping for the next test!
@@KarryJones I did practice it but only 65lbs, those extra 10lbs made a difference, I also think it had something to do with my sore quads I decided to PR my squat 3 days before and I was still sore, also mentally I needed a little more strength in those last 35 seconds I definitely think I am able to finish the whole thing
@@kathyastudillo9229 Keep at it. Failed my only practice run by over two minutes, after working my 12-hour night and not eating since 1am during that shift. Did my official test this morning, a month since practice, and beat it with 40 seconds to spare. You got this, girl
And I failed again today😩 but I actually feel better than last time, I finished the stairs, but ran out of time, the forcible entry got me it took me too long to finish it, and then the helmet fell like 10 times I had to drag the helmet all the way inside the maze but when I came out of it the time was over. Again 3 weeks next try, not gonna let it beat me again.
@@kathyastudillo9229 Hey, thanks for the update! Glad to hear you did better than last time, even if this try didn't quite work out for you. With the mentality you display, it is only a matter of time before you make it through :) Try warming a bit with some light stretching and jogging in place, jumping jacks, or some push-ups before your next attempt. Sounds strange, but it'll help open up your lungs a bit so you're not sucking so much air when you get gased on the stairs or dummy drag. Make sure to check all your gear straps to ensure a proper fit and prevent the vest from swinging around while you move! With the maze, I just stick to one wall and let it guide me into/over/under the obstacles. You got this!
I was holding off on replying to this until I was closer to actually making it, but I do have a workout/training video in the works. I also just released a walkthrough video at Rocky Ridge that you should check out if you haven’t seen it yet.
If you have not taken the test yet. Hardest part is stairs. If you get past tgat you’re good. Women might have a problem with the dummy drag . Not sure on your weight and size. But get a 75 pound weight vest and hit the stair master for 4 minutes. Then after walk on inclined treadmill for 10 min. If u can do that u should be good. Most of the task are technique and little strength is needed.
Is there specific training you can do for this? Or can my general working out in weightroom (strength/power) in ckmbo with cycling running be just fine?
I would highly suggest training with a stairmaster and weighted vest, if you have access to one. That’s the one event that takes out the highest number of candidates. Other than that, just general working out and cardio should be sufficient. If you haven’t seen it, I do have a video with some exercise ideas geared towards the specific movements in CPAT: ua-cam.com/video/lc2oERN4x7Q/v-deo.html
Congrats! In the end, all that matters is that you passed. What the video doesn't show is me not being able to get up for 10 minutes after finishing the test ;P
That somewhat depends on where you are. The best thing to do would be to check with your local fire station and talk to them about employment opportunities, the best career track for you, or see if they have volunteer positions.
Haha, pretty much today’s standard unfortunately! Only a few years ago, if you didn’t have recruit school and paramedic, it was hard to get hired with most good career departments.
Idk the weight but I just passed mine today and I was gassed out when I got to that point and used nothing but arms no body weight and it was easy. I’m in good gym shape so if you lift weights that part should be no problem for you.
It’s a standardized test. If you take an official CPAT test, it has the same events in the same order with the same rules across the country. The layout may be slightly different depending on where you go, but the distance between events will be the same.
I’m thinking of becoming a firefighter. I played football and was in shape. It’s been a couple years and I gained some weight. Be honest, How hard is this test ?
To be able to pass in under 10:20, it’s doable as long as you’re mentally able to keep pushing when you get tired. There’s not really a great way to say whether or not you’ll be able to pass without actually getting out there and doing it. I helped proctor a test one time where we had 22 people take the test and only 2 passed, but there were also times where we only had a few fail. It all comes down to having a moderate level of cardio endurance and the mental drive to complete the test.
CPAT is a standardized test, but many fire departments (and states) have their own tests for applicants. At least for Alabama, a CPAT certificate within the past year is a requirement before starting recruit school with the Alabama Fire College.
Gotcha. Most fire department physical tests are fairly similar. They mainly want to make sure you’re physically fit enough to do basic fireground tasks. Some do include more walking or running if they don’t have a step mill as part of the test.
What’s to be nervous about? It’s a very straightforward test. There is quite a bit of cardio endurance necessary to make it through, especially with 3:20 of stairs to start out, but then you have 7:20 to finish the rest of the events.
This video was recorded on my third time doing the entire course (the other two times were doing it “for real” a few years earlier and then a few months earlier, but this time was just to see how fast I could go). So I didn’t really practice the whole course.
@@KarryJones Right on. I would consider any previous run through "practice". I should have worded that better. Thanks for the reply and for the video. I'm sure it has helped a lot of people know what to expect and gives them an example of the best one can do.
Here's all my tips: ua-cam.com/video/QQqiuYPLBWM/v-deo.html Also, just keep pushing through. It doesn't seem like it would be that hard, since any of the individual events aren't that difficult. But, once you get worn down with 3' 20" on the stairmaster, and only a short walk between each event, it makes it much harder than it appears.
Good luck! Keep in mind that, while each individual task isn’t that hard on its own, doing all of them back to back is quite difficult. It’s a pass/fail test. As long as you finish within the time limit, you get the same certificate as if you finish in 6:30.
I don’t know that there’s any data on average time, since it’s a pass/fail test. But from proctoring quite a few tests, average passing time seemed to be in the 9:30 range. However, that’s not counting DNFs. One day there were 22 candidates and only 2 passed. That wasn’t a typical day, but I’d say it’s typical to have 25+% fail on either the stairs or the dummy drag.
It’s just a standardized CPAT course. It’s the same as any other course across the country. The only thing that makes it easier or harder is if it’s indoors and/or on a smooth surface (the surface definitely makes a big difference on the hose drag and dummy drag).
@@KarryJones so in Texas each dept has there own, I mean they have things like the “dummy drag” or “hose drag” but not every cpat is the same. I live near a city where water rescue is a big deal, so they have a swimming portion in there cpat. Cpat at volunteer dept I’m at has a portion where we have to pull up a hose 5 stories from the ground.
What I was referring to by a “standardized CPAT course” was the IAFF’s official Candidate Physical Ability Test as defined in www.iaff.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/CPAT-2nd-Edition.pdf Where I am, some departments have their own “job task” course to make sure that everyone stays physically fit to be able to do their job, but it’s not quite the same as the official CPAT.
Honest question, are participants allowed to jog/run?
Only during the hose drag. Running at any other time is not permitted.
@@KarryJones seems like the dummy drag is a bit of a grey area.
Where is the gray area in the dummy drag?
@@KarryJones because it seems like running is allowed while dragging the dummy
@@kaidenpatterson4846 running is not allowed for the dummy drag. You can fast-walk, but, by definition, at least one foot has to be touching the ground at all times.
I remember driving 3 hours to the testing site to do my 8 minute CPAT. Then driving 3 hours home. Haha
Wow. That's a crazy long drive, especially for such a short test.
That was me the other day lmao
Lol same 2 days ago. Chicago IL
Just did the same thing lmao
about to do mine in sept lol. Three hour drive to KC and three hours back
I've taken this evil test many times. For those who have, know this is an impressive time. Well done sir! Took me until I was 30 to get the badge! NEVER GIVE UP!
Thanks. I feel like the CPAT is just as much a mental test as it is a physical test. You have to have enough perseverance to keep pushing through to the end when you're tired and just want it to be over.
I'm 36 and going to get mine soon.
Easy test, I barely broke a sweat. Then again, I just came off training for a marathon when I took it.
i'm 31. i want to do this but i would rather do forest fires.
Well done sir. You’re never too old to get that badge.
Just took the CPAT an hour ago and I must say that timing is very impressive
Thanks!
Any updates for us?
Strong work Karry. Anything under 7:00 is very solid. The naysayers who claim it's easy usually have not ever attempted a CPAT, much less ran a quick time. And even if you are capable of a 6min and change CPAT, there is no reason to not give props. People these days all about tearing each other down instead of building each other up, such a sad existence they lead.
Thank you Timothy. I want to keep the videos and comments on my channel positive and encouraging, but unfortunately not everyone has that same agenda.
Agree - Maybe passing the CPAT in 10:20 is “easy”, but doing it in 7:00 is very difficult. You must be very fit.
I think the CPAT is a fantastic test overall; my only complaint would be that the 10:20 standard is a little too lenient.
@@jameshegeman5660My complaint is that it’s pass/fail and applicants can’t be ranked by time
Passed my CPAT test today in Connecticut! This was my second go at it-timed out the first time, but today I finished in 8:20. I watched your video a good 20 times to prepare. Huge thanks for making it! At 36, this was no joke, but I got it done!
That’s great! Quite an improvement from your first attempt!
We did CPATs periodically during my academy. My final was 6:33, but I can promise I didn’t make it look as easy as you just did. Props.
Wow, that's an impressive time! And thanks!
Just took my CPAT on Saturday! I drove a hour there & back. I was super nervous & anxious… but i passed & thats all that matters.
That’s great!
I know you commented 11 months ago. But 1. Did you get hired 2. Is it a requirement to be trained before getting hired
Start my third go at the CPAT tomorrow watching you made me realize that what has held me back in the past was my mentality more than anything.
Yes! Once you can get over the mental hurdles, you’ll be able to pass with time to spare. Your body keeps telling you that you need to slow down or need a break, but you just have to keep pushing through until you’re done.
@@KarryJones after all that I tore my quad dismounting from the stair lift lol
Oh no! That's terrible!
@@carterroane1034 LMFAOOOOOO
Took my CPAT yesterday and man let me tell you that 6:45 time is impressive as hell! People come super gassed out of the stair master!
Thanks, and yes they do! It’s hard to just watch a video and grasp how much cardio it takes to go from event to event without a break.
50 years young and just did my first cpat ever. 9:11 was the time!
Thanks for posting this video, helped a lot and good luck to all!
Hey, that’s great!
You’re welcome, glad to be able to help.
Update.. passed the speed dating round on zoom interviews, moving on to oral board interview..
Update!! Moving on to Chiefs interviews!!
Any pointers for the Chiefs interview?
The biggest thing for interviews is preparing answers to common FF interview questions and practicing with a friend or family member. If you have practiced answers on a wide range of categories, you’ll feel a lot more confident in the interview (especially if they ask you a question you’ve already practiced!).
Make sure your delivery is confident, well spoken, and organized. And get feedback from your practice partner on nonverbal communication (tone, body language, eye contact) that you need to work on.
Just got through mine last week. Completed time was 8:42.
I'm currently 223lbs 5'5". As far as preparation, I did your normal push/pull/legs weightlifting workout 3-4 times a week and 20 minutes stair master after every workout.
(first 3:20 no touching rails to imitate the CPAT)
Also, study the video for your facility. It's different everywhere. It may help to familiarize yourself with the layout.
If I can do it, you can too. You have to really want it.
Yes, it is definitely helpful to see the exact layout for your testing facility. The events have to be in the same order and with the exact same distance between them, but the placement can vary from location to location. Knowing ahead of time where you'll be walking to next can help you focus on completing each event in the most efficient way possible.
I'm sure after being used to doing 20 minutes on the stair master the actual CPAT stair event was nothing to you!
Watched this before I took my CPAT, did mine in 9:12 im 5’4” 160lbs the one thing I’ll say about this test is anyone can do it, it’s 100% mind over matter, there was points where I was telling myself I couldn’t do it but just kept going. Just keep going !!!
That’s it! So many people mentally give up when they would be able to finish.
Good job man! Taking my CPAT test tomorrow, just taking mental reps.
Nice Roberto, how'd the CPAT go?
Firefighter Ambitions I finished it with 52 seconds to spare. I would say, a lot of it is just mental. I think we over think it, and can psyche ourselves out. Just go in there and once your hit the sledge hammer tell yourself your half way. After search and rescue just pull the dummy and tell yourself 1 more to go. Breaking it down really helped me out. I trained for it, but I’m also not the skinnest guy, I’m 5’10 and weight about 220 ish. I’m at the last step in the process with just the interview to go.
@@Loveall247 well said and well done Roberto. I tell all of my students similar concepts.
What fire department are you testing for?
Firefighter Ambitions Thank you so much!
I am testing for the Omaha Fire Department in Omaha Nebraska.
@@Loveall247 right on man. Did they have their own written exam or was it a 3rd party written (i.e. NTN fireteam exam)?
My best friend and I are looking to become fighters. We found out about the CPAT, this video makes me feel so much better about the test
Glad to be able to help! Good luck on the test. As long as you have decent cardio fitness and have the mental strength to keep pushing through when it gets tough, you’ll do just fine.
Man you did the fastest I’ve seen ! Wish I had you endurance
Thanks! Just work on increasing your cardio endurance...Running, stairs, indoor rowing, swimming.
@@KarryJones how many times a day/week did you work cardio, and did you follow any workout programs?
I haven't ever followed any rigid workout programs, but I am a very active person. I probably do a "cardio workout" only 2-3 times per week, but I also get in a lot of cardiovascular endurance exercise in at work or just working around the house.
@@KarryJones awesome thanks for the reply!
I have to recert my cpat & this definitely motivated me to go hard to get it done,
Gotta say, this test is a fairly humbling experience. If you’re about to take it, don’t take it lightly, train for it. If it’s too late to start training then just buckle in and embrace the suck
I agree, it is substantially harder than it appears. But, it’s also just as much of a mental game as a physical test. So like you said, if you just buckle in and embrace it, you can make it through.
This video definitely helped to give me some insight and that’s a killer time! Getting ready to take my test in two weeks… I can’t wait I’ve been waiting for this opportunity now that I’m 32 I know I’m ready! Good luck to all those in the same boat!
Thanks, glad to be able to help!
I just took the CPAT yesterday and completed it in 10:17. And I was pushing pretty damn hard. I think what kind of got me thought is it took me 14 hits with the hammer to make the buzzer go off, while in my previous practice runs I could do it in 10 or less.
Hey, you passed, and that's all that really matters!
I've found that where you hit the wall breach simulator makes a big difference on how many hits it takes. If you hit it in the exact center every hit, I've seen it done in as little as 3 hits. But if you're hitting it off-axis, I've seen it take as many as 18.
That definitely got you. Did the practice today and got it in 6 but still felt too long
When I did it, I just missed 7 minutes, had like 8 minutes and change. I was completely gassed, I don’t know how anyone gets anything under 8 minutes. My hats off to this guy.
Truth be told, I was so drained afterwards that I couldn’t even stand up for a solid 10 minutes. I attribute that time to how much I was on the stairmaster leading up to it (with a weight vest or two on). When I got off the stair climb event, my legs were feeling good enough to sprint with the hose line, although I would not recommended it for most people.
@@KarryJonescoming off the stairs my legs need to recover so I power walk and keep that pace for the duration. What has gotten me the couple of times I tested is getting thru the search part. By time I make my way out I’m extremely gassed with little reserves for the dummy. I believe the way u did the dummy will help me this weekend.
@@KarryJonesI really focused on the stair master as well. For my last couple weeks of training I was doing two vests for a total of 80lbs. I probably should’ve trained a little more legs as well, but in the end it didn’t really matter since I ultimately did not get hired. It was good experience though, I don’t regret it.
He definitely saved some time extending the ladder by just bending over and then pulling the dummy by facing toward the direction he was pulling instead of backing out. Nice work.
Yes! And thanks! After proctoring quite a few of these tests, I actually made a video of tips that I've seen that will save time when doing the CPAT test: ua-cam.com/video/QQqiuYPLBWM/v-deo.html
Thanks for the video and what to expect. Respects to all FF's 🚒💙💪🏼
Thanks!
Wow, thanks for the memories! It was a little different in 1982. I'd forgotten I had done this as part of a volunteer firefighter competitive exam 40 years ago!
This particular test/course was developed by the IAFF in 1999, then revised to its current edition in 2007. Although it’s main purpose is to make sure candidates are physically capable of performing basic firefighting tasks, it was fun to just try to see how fast I could go through the course. It’s a great workout too!
People really don’t understand how hard this test is. Maximum time is 10 minutes. That first 3:20 on the stair master with the 75 pounds on you, makes the whole thing like hell. The fact that he did it below 7 minutes is mind blowing. They call this test 10 minutes of hell.
I was definitely worn out after finishing! I remember sitting down and not getting up for at least 10 minutes afterwards!
The average American adult would have a heart attack attempting this test. He made it look like a breeze, great job!
Haha, thanks!
I'm doing mine tomorrow. This is a very impressive time from what I've seen and heard.
Good luck tomorrow, and thanks!
@@KarryJones I just finished my test, 8:23. Still nowhere near your time but I'm happy I made it!
@@RouxRouxRingo congrats on passing, that’s still a great time!
watching 9-1-1: lone start brought me here😂 idk why i thought being a firefighter was so simple lol but great job and thanks for your services
Haha, I don’t know what’s up with UA-cam algorithm pushing my videos lately. It’s more than quadrupled in views in the last month.
If you enjoy watching 911 Lone Star you should check out this guy, he’s hilarious and gives a realistic view to some of the stuff they have in those shows: ua-cam.com/video/5czbMBfI1cU/v-deo.html
...Being a FF is not simple, too many shows glorify the job and misrepresent the reality. It’s a blue collar profession that is physically demanding, people have to get down and dirty and work hard to get their jobs done. Not sure if you have Instagram but if you do, please watch the Stockton California Fire Department videos on Instagram, their training videos as well as real life fires.
There you will get a real sense of what the profession is about.
@@82dupont oh ok cool thank you and i definitely agree with your comment
My best to date is 6:18 but that was a few years back. Going to go try again in a few months to see if my new program is helping me stave off the effects of old age!
Nice, that’s the fastest I’ve heard of!
Good time. Almost beat mine when I took it in 2002. But we couldn't drag the dummy by the strap. We had to do a traditional carry, under the arms and walk backwards.
Hmm, I guess they changed the rules for the second edition CPAT back in 2007. Now as long as you are holding at least one handle, it doesn't matter how you carry the dummy.
Strong work again Karry!
Thank you! I was trying to go as fast as possible, but it was so hard to pace myself and not run between events!
@@KarryJones Hi, what is the time limit within which you're supposed to complete this course?
The official time limit is 10:20, but that does not include the required 20 sec warm-up period on the stair master.
elijah reaves good luck!
Just signed up for schooling now to start the training process.
That's great! Good luck on your journey to becoming a firefighter!
Nice work. Just beat mines yesterday 9.21 first try.
Glad that you were able to pass on the first try! Good luck with the rest of your firefighting career!
@@KarryJonesThank you and God Bless
I wish we still required a passing CPAT in order to work at my department.
My department just implemented an annual job task as a way to make sure that firefighters stay in shape to be able to do their job. It's not CPAT, more like a consumption course that you would go through in recruit school. It has definitely had a positive impact on the overall physical condition of the department.
I just finished my first cpat today and was incredibly surprised by my time. For anyone saying that the cpat is easy, you my friend are incorrect. The marathon runners that think the cardio aspect is easy should start training with 50 pound weight vests lol. I got a 6:21 on my first go around but I think I could do better with better breath control. Anyways, thanks for the video :) huge props to everyone who has completed it and best of luck to those who are anticipating the pain. It's gonna hurt but don't stop pushing. You got this 🤜🤛
Edit: instructor mistimed my first attempt, second attempt sitting at a much more reasonable 8:35 lol. Sorry for the confusion
Thanks for sharing! That’s an incredible time! Yes, just keep pushing through is the key.
Do this once a week plus stairmill and CrossFit other days of week.
Firefighter CPAT WOD
50lb vest
3 min on box
24” box
1 step up/1 squat
2 step up/2 squats
Add one rep each completion and repeat
*Walk 200 feet 50lb/ One arm farmer carry
10 Knee to standing
20 rope pull (switch grip after 10) 40lb/ attach rope to bottom cable stack.
*Walk 200 feet 50lb/ One arm farmer carry
20 dumbbell shoulder press 50/35lb
15 sit ups
5 sets
5 push ups
6 spiders
*Walk 200 feet 50lb/ One arm farmer carry
20 Alt legs squat to reverse lunge /35lb dumbbell
30 kettlebell swings 35/25lb
Cap 15:00
This definitely looks like great prep for CPAT, but like you said in the beginning, also do some stepmill workouts with a vest. I feel like people underestimate how much work it is to walk up stairs with 75lbs on for 3:20 straight.
@@KarryJones absolutely. I did the one above on Wednesday and this one on Sunday with my son.
WOD Partners
Firefighter High-rise Challenge
75Ib vest
5 sets
Stair-mill level 6
1:30 on
1:30 off
By the end we increased the speed to 8 and did 3 sets instead 5 each. You’ll def feel it 💪🏼
Hey brother you did a GREAT job, you remained calm to entire time, excellent. Could you tel em what the song is called?
Thanks! I can’t remember what the name of the song is. I didn’t keep the video project or original files in Final Cut, unfortunately. I’m pretty sure I got it from UA-cam Audio Library, but I can’t find it on there now either.
If not for the stair master with the weight vest, this test would be a cake walk. It takes a lot out of u right off the bat. Anybody who hasn’t taken this but plans to.......all about cardio/endurance.
I agree. The stair master really puts a strain on your cardio endurance. I’ve also seen the dummy drag get a lot of people.
Super impressive bro. I was rooting for u thru the screen. lol. I take my practice test Saturday but if I pass I’m good. I’m taking that dummy drag technique.
Haha, thanks. Yeah, you're required to have at least one hand holding the handle on the harness, but there's nothing that says you can't drag it while facing forward. Also, going way back to football lineman drills, short, choppy steps are key. Don't stop or you'll have to overcome static friction to get going again.
Well done Mr. Karry.
Thanks!
WOW!! Great Job!
Thank you!
I’m 18 and I did mine at 7:38, I’m in a fire fighter program and I’m training really hard to surpass the over all school years record which is 6:40.
Best of luck to you! 7:38 is a great time even still! It’s crazy how hard it is to shave off just a few seconds once your time is that low.
Jesus. I did mine in 8 minutes. This guy made it look way easier. In my group we had 3 failed. One realized he was claustrophobic another didn’t pass the stairs and the last one gassed out on the dummy drag!
People severely underestimate how exhausted you get when you have each of these events in rapid succession.
That’s unfortunate that someone wasn’t able to complete the test because of claustrophobia, but it’s better to find out now than when they’re in a dangerous situation.
I start training for the Kilgore College Fire Academy, and it's on my high school campus, because PTISD partnered up with KC to bring it here so juniors and seniors can do it. They had it in 2019 but due to Covid-19, they didn't have it in 2020, but they will do it this year. So I will be doing it in a few months as a senior in high school. This video has motivated me a little more, but I find my motivation elsewhere.
You got this! With several months to prep, you’ll be able to breeze through it!
@@KarryJones Thank you man. I mean I've been doing pushups, some squats, some crunches, and just trying to stay in shape.
Don’t forget to do plenty of aerobic exercises/cardio training. Sprints, stairs, jogging, etc. If you have access to a stair master, that would be one of the best activities to prep you for the test.
@@KarryJones I am a cross country runner, so I know how to run 3 miles on a particular day. Also I am a Kilgore College Dual Credit Student as a senior, and my goal is to be a national fire medic working for either Longview Fire Dept or Hot Springs Fire Dept. So it's right there in the ArkLaTex really.
If you’re used to cross country, you’ll definitely be good on the aerobic aspect of CPAT. That’s great that you’re doing dual enrollment, keep up the hard work and it will pay off!
Impressive job! Goals.
Thanks!
Impressive score. Mine was 6:52. But I’m super short and those 80+ feet of walking with my short strides messes me up.
Thanks! Yeah, I’m 6’3”, so I definitely have an advantage in speed walking.
Man, great job! Cpat ain’t no joke, the department I just got on with went with the ff combat challenge instead of the cpat. About the same difficulty level imo
Thanks! I haven’t had a chance to try out the FF Combat Challenge course yet, but it looks like it would be a pretty good workout.
My cpat had rubber flooring for the hose drag and dummy drag
Yikes! That sounds terrible! I took it once at a place that had a polished concrete floor and it was so easy. I can’t imagine how much harder a rubber floor would be.
@@KarryJones yeah it definitely slows ya down
Impressed with the sledgehammer. Takes me way more hits
Technique and where you hit makes a lot of difference. If you it off center, it takes substantially more hits. Proctoring the test, I’ve seen someone do it in as few as 3 hit and as many as about 18.
It depends on the way you hit it. On one of my practice runs I did it in 9 hits. When I actually did the test it took me 14 hits.
So the way you pulled the rope for the ladder is allowed doing that end squat? It makes sense but I’m scared if I do it they’re call me out.
Absolutely! Anything to save your arms will help. The manual states “extends the fly section hand over hand until it hits the stop.”
Just make sure to stay in the box and don’t let the halyard slip in your hands.
I’m convinced this test was created by the devil lol good job at this btw!!!
Haha, thanks. Looking at it, it definitely doesn't look hard. But when you have to go from event to event with only an 80 foot walk in between, it does get quite exhausting!
Lets goooooo!!!❤
👍
Last time I took it I had a time of 6: 32 and was 39 years old. Test was in ky.
Wow, that's really booking it through the course!
to anyone worried, the test isn't all that bad, I didnt't do cardio for at least two years prior, only lifted weights 4 times a week and it was cake, just do basic exercise, make sure you have strong legs and you're set
Then you would be surprised at the number of people I saw who had that same mentality going into it and failed. There was one particular test day that we had 22 people show up and only 2 passed. It’s not just about being physically fit, but also mentally able to keep pushing through.
Each event itself isn’t very difficult, and there is ample time to complete everything, but you have to want it bad enough to keep pushing through when you start getting tired.
@@KarryJones i guess im discounting myself but yes the mentality part is big i didnt think of that, I REALLY wanted it haha
40yrs old and just got 9:20 on this… Sure I almost died, but I passed!!
That’s great, finishing with a minute to spare!
I puked up breakfast when I got back to my truck after passing this morning! 😂 At least we passed, brother
You make it look easy! I did similar when I was in a militia but with armor and a ruck instead of the nifty weight vest you have on.. how much does that puppy weight?
Thanks. It’s a 50lb weight vest for the test, plus an extra 12.5lbs on each shoulder for the stair climb (75lbs total for the stairs). It’s supposed to simulate the weight of full turnout gear with SCBA plus an additional high-rise pack for the stairs.
what militia were you in lol
@@muscleman125 the Kentucky Constitutional Rangers and Kentucky State Rangers. Sorry for the extremely late reply but now I'm in fire school woo hoo! I never thought I'd actually ENJOY anything called school!
Looks like a morning warm up when you go to basic lmao…
Were you expecting it to be hard? You can’t go to recruit school without passing and, it may be surprising to you, but it actually weeds out a lot of people.
I’m 21 and I’m taking a CPAT practice test next month
I hope everything goes well for you! If you haven't looked at my other videos, I have a walk-through of the course, one with tips to speed up your time, and one with some exercises to prep for the test.
@@KarryJones I’ll look into them.
Bro you’re a monster !
Thanks
6:08 for me
Wow, that's definitely the fastest I've ever heard anyone doing CPAT.
How did you train for the test? I want to achieve my goal of becoming apart of the fire department but Im scared my body won’t be enough for the test…any advice or training routine?
I didn’t train specifically for CPAT before taking the test, but I did work out several times per week. If you’re looking for some exercises to prep for CPAT, please check out my workout video that I did in collaboration with a coworker: ua-cam.com/video/lc2oERN4x7Q/v-deo.html
I also have a couple other videos on my channel including a walkthrough of the course with Chief Baker from Rocky Ridge as well as my top tips for improving your time on the course.
taking mine tomorrow
Alright! How’d it go?
Hello, how do you recommend I prepare to take this test and course navette on the same day? what specific strength and endurance work, it is an amazing time, I follow your channel and I have already been training with the vest and its weight
Wow, taking this test and also Course Navette will be rather taxing on your aerobic endurance. The biggest thing is to increase your VO2 Max through aerobic activity (stairs with vest, running, etc.). If you haven't seen it already, I do have a video on workouts to do specifically targeting movements seen in CPAT: ua-cam.com/video/lc2oERN4x7Q/v-deo.html
Nice work! Although we were told numerous times you will get a warning for touching the cones lol
I wan't actually taking the test for real with this run. Just doing it for fun (and a nice quick workout) after a morning of proctoring.
@@KarryJones oh I wasn’t trying to judge or cast shade or anything!
Hey sir! This was super impressive! I was curious on the weight you had with the weighted vest. How much weight is that?! You did the whole test with it on
Thanks! It’s a 50lb weight vest to simulate the weight of firefighting gear during the test with an additional 25lbs for the stair climb to simulate a hose pack.
I didn’t even make it past the stair stepper. Completely underestimated how hard it is.
It’s definitely not as easy as it looks. But don’t give up! Work on building your cardio endurance, maybe with some CrossFit-style workouts, and you’ll be able to pass in no time.
Is the weight vest to simulate wearing full kit?
First time I have ever seen anything like this.
Yes. The 50lb vest is to simulate turnout gear and SCBA. The extra 25lbs for the stair climb (12.5lbs on each shoulder) is to simulate carrying additional gear up stairs.
CPAT is a standardized test by the IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters) that is a prerequisite to many firefighter recruit schools.
@@KarryJones thanks for the reply.
Holy shit, beast 💪🏼
I just passed my CPAT this morning, any tips on getting ready for/being in academy?
That’s great! Congratulations! Mainly keep up cardio endurance and do calisthenics. Also, see if you can get a copy of the textbook you’ll be going through so you can get familiar with the information they’ll be teaching.
Great job! I will be taking my CPAT in a couple of months, but I am required to do so at their facility. The problem is that I live an 11 hour car drive away. I am not terribly worried about the physical portion, but the layout is what gets me. Even watching this video and seeing they used white tape that you go across multiple times had me a tad confused. Is there a way to overcome this? Do proctors direct you on where to go next? I will most likely have to waive all practice/orientation, so this is my biggest worry by far.
Wow, that’s crazy that you have to drive 11 hours to take the test! So that particular test that I did was just for fun, not for certification. You will always have a proctor walking with you to direct you to the next event and to give instructions as you approach it. I wouldn’t sweat it.
@@KarryJones Thank you so much for easing my mind! If driving 11 hours is what it takes, I guess that's what it takes. They won't allow the CPAT to be done where I currently live, but knowing that they will direct me and provide instruction takes a weight off my shoulders.
Just took mine the first time today passed 8:53 had a lot of fun and figured out I’m not claustrophobic 😂 so this job will be even more fun for me 🤷🏾♂️
That’s great, good luck on recruit school!
You might want to wait until you’re halfway through the seventy foot long 24” pipe (that’s 6’ underground) in confined space rescue class before you decide for sure that you’re not claustrophobic 😜.
Hopefully you’re not. But u will
Truly find out when u do confined space drills in the academy. My class dropped about 7 from claustrophobia and u will be blacked out. It’s fun if u embrace it and learn the skills.
isn’t the 20 second warmup included in your overall time? Not nit picking, I’m just curious.
No. It’s required for the test, but the timer doesn’t start until after the warmup period.
Did it yesterday and miserably failed the stairs had 35 seconds to go. Will take it again in 3 weeks
Ah, that’s disappointing. Had you gone on the stair master with the weight vest before the day of the test? It’s definitely much harder than it looks sustaining that pace for so long. Hope your training goes well prepping for the next test!
@@KarryJones I did practice it but only 65lbs, those extra 10lbs made a difference, I also think it had something to do with my sore quads I decided to PR my squat 3 days before and I was still sore, also mentally I needed a little more strength in those last 35 seconds I definitely think I am able to finish the whole thing
@@kathyastudillo9229 Keep at it. Failed my only practice run by over two minutes, after working my 12-hour night and not eating since 1am during that shift. Did my official test this morning, a month since practice, and beat it with 40 seconds to spare. You got this, girl
And I failed again today😩 but I actually feel better than last time, I finished the stairs, but ran out of time, the forcible entry got me it took me too long to finish it, and then the helmet fell like 10 times I had to drag the helmet all the way inside the maze but when I came out of it the time was over. Again 3 weeks next try, not gonna let it beat me again.
@@kathyastudillo9229 Hey, thanks for the update! Glad to hear you did better than last time, even if this try didn't quite work out for you. With the mentality you display, it is only a matter of time before you make it through :) Try warming a bit with some light stretching and jogging in place, jumping jacks, or some push-ups before your next attempt. Sounds strange, but it'll help open up your lungs a bit so you're not sucking so much air when you get gased on the stairs or dummy drag. Make sure to check all your gear straps to ensure a proper fit and prevent the vest from swinging around while you move! With the maze, I just stick to one wall and let it guide me into/over/under the obstacles. You got this!
I need tips on how to train, can you offer some?
This is the best training for the Cpat video that I know
ua-cam.com/video/SQnNdlGsfIs/v-deo.html
I was holding off on replying to this until I was closer to actually making it, but I do have a workout/training video in the works. I also just released a walkthrough video at Rocky Ridge that you should check out if you haven’t seen it yet.
If you have not taken the test yet. Hardest part is stairs. If you get past tgat you’re good. Women might have a problem with the dummy drag . Not sure on your weight and size. But get a 75 pound weight vest and hit the stair master for 4 minutes. Then after walk on inclined treadmill for 10 min. If u can do that u should be good. Most of the task are technique and little strength is needed.
Is there specific training you can do for this? Or can my general working out in weightroom (strength/power) in ckmbo with cycling running be just fine?
I would highly suggest training with a stairmaster and weighted vest, if you have access to one. That’s the one event that takes out the highest number of candidates. Other than that, just general working out and cardio should be sufficient. If you haven’t seen it, I do have a video with some exercise ideas geared towards the specific movements in CPAT: ua-cam.com/video/lc2oERN4x7Q/v-deo.html
took it today and passed it with 4 seconds to spare but you made it look like a breeze
Congrats! In the end, all that matters is that you passed.
What the video doesn't show is me not being able to get up for 10 minutes after finishing the test ;P
Is this a standard test for every department in canada ?
This is a prerequisite for some fire departments and recruit schools in the United States. I don’t know about Canada.
I’m taking mine December 14th 2021wish me luck guys. 😊
Good luck Dan!
I’m 18 years old looking to get into firefighting what would be my best choice
That somewhat depends on where you are. The best thing to do would be to check with your local fire station and talk to them about employment opportunities, the best career track for you, or see if they have volunteer positions.
How much weight is the vest and also the shoulder weights on the stairs ?
The weight vest is 50lbs and each shoulder weight is 12.5lbs for a total weight of 75lbs for the stairs.
He's got two hands and two eyes he's hired!.. .
Haha, pretty much today’s standard unfortunately!
Only a few years ago, if you didn’t have recruit school and paramedic, it was hard to get hired with most good career departments.
Anyone know how much that ceiling push/pull tool weighs?
Idk the weight but I just passed mine today and I was gassed out when I got to that point and used nothing but arms no body weight and it was easy. I’m in good gym shape so if you lift weights that part should be no problem for you.
60lbs up, 80lbs down.
Is the set up still the same I gotta schedule mines within a month
It’s a standardized test. If you take an official CPAT test, it has the same events in the same order with the same rules across the country. The layout may be slightly different depending on where you go, but the distance between events will be the same.
I’m thinking of becoming a firefighter. I played football and was in shape. It’s been a couple years and I gained some weight. Be honest, How hard is this test ?
To be able to pass in under 10:20, it’s doable as long as you’re mentally able to keep pushing when you get tired. There’s not really a great way to say whether or not you’ll be able to pass without actually getting out there and doing it. I helped proctor a test one time where we had 22 people take the test and only 2 passed, but there were also times where we only had a few fail. It all comes down to having a moderate level of cardio endurance and the mental drive to complete the test.
Serious question, is this the standard test for all fire departments or does each one have their own version?
CPAT is a standardized test, but many fire departments (and states) have their own tests for applicants. At least for Alabama, a CPAT certificate within the past year is a requirement before starting recruit school with the Alabama Fire College.
Thank you. I was hoping to find one for my city’s department but can’t. Hopefully it’s similar to this
Gotcha. Most fire department physical tests are fairly similar. They mainly want to make sure you’re physically fit enough to do basic fireground tasks. Some do include more walking or running if they don’t have a step mill as part of the test.
@@KarryJones ah, I see. This helps a lot more than what I’ve been receiving. thank you so much
Okay I’m not nervous anymore
What’s to be nervous about? It’s a very straightforward test. There is quite a bit of cardio endurance necessary to make it through, especially with 3:20 of stairs to start out, but then you have 7:20 to finish the rest of the events.
Is the stair master 3:00 or 3:20?
Total of 3:20, but the first twenty seconds is not timed (but is required). The official timer starts after the warmup period.
How many times have you practiced the course before this video? Honest question. Very impressive.
This video was recorded on my third time doing the entire course (the other two times were doing it “for real” a few years earlier and then a few months earlier, but this time was just to see how fast I could go). So I didn’t really practice the whole course.
@@KarryJones Right on. I would consider any previous run through "practice". I should have worded that better. Thanks for the reply and for the video. I'm sure it has helped a lot of people know what to expect and gives them an example of the best one can do.
I have a CPAT test coming up Thursday any advice ?
Here's all my tips: ua-cam.com/video/QQqiuYPLBWM/v-deo.html
Also, just keep pushing through. It doesn't seem like it would be that hard, since any of the individual events aren't that difficult. But, once you get worn down with 3' 20" on the stairmaster, and only a short walk between each event, it makes it much harder than it appears.
@@KarryJones thanks
Did they give you a 30 second "warmup" on the stair master?
It’s 20 seconds, but yes. It’s pre-programmed into the stair master so that when you start the CPAT sequence, it starts with that every time.
Man I thought I had a good time at 9:00, Great job!
Hey, it's a pass/fail test, so 9 minutes is just as good!
@@KarryJones trust me I was just as happy to pass with less on the clock
What time do you have to do it under? And is it like a national time or station by station basis?
It’s a national standard. 10:20.
@@KarryJones awesome! You killed it!!
Thanks!
Are you not allowed to run between stations?
No
Stipe would be proud
Haha
To be honest it looks like the test got a lot easier then I remember it
It hasn’t changed since 2008, so…
What's that dummy weigh again? Gotta be in the ballpark of 175 right?
Close, it’s 165lbs
@@KarryJones Yeah, ain't nobody gonna do that their first try. Crazy seeing something so difficult made to look so easy!
Very good!
Thanks!
What happen with the stairs test and this seem to be an easy task for me xD hope to beat your record
Good luck! Keep in mind that, while each individual task isn’t that hard on its own, doing all of them back to back is quite difficult. It’s a pass/fail test. As long as you finish within the time limit, you get the same certificate as if you finish in 6:30.
My ass still hurts from falling with the dummy so many times 😂
Haha, well, did you at least pass to make it worth it?
@@KarryJones yes sir i got in
Is this an average time? I feel like he wasn't really pushing himself
I don’t know that there’s any data on average time, since it’s a pass/fail test. But from proctoring quite a few tests, average passing time seemed to be in the 9:30 range. However, that’s not counting DNFs. One day there were 22 candidates and only 2 passed. That wasn’t a typical day, but I’d say it’s typical to have 25+% fail on either the stairs or the dummy drag.
@@KarryJones I tend to forget that the average American is severely out of shape lol
This seems so much easier than cpat I’m training on in academy
It’s just a standardized CPAT course. It’s the same as any other course across the country. The only thing that makes it easier or harder is if it’s indoors and/or on a smooth surface (the surface definitely makes a big difference on the hose drag and dummy drag).
@@KarryJones so in Texas each dept has there own, I mean they have things like the “dummy drag” or “hose drag” but not every cpat is the same. I live near a city where water rescue is a big deal, so they have a swimming portion in there cpat. Cpat at volunteer dept I’m at has a portion where we have to pull up a hose 5 stories from the ground.
What I was referring to by a “standardized CPAT course” was the IAFF’s official Candidate Physical Ability Test as defined in www.iaff.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/CPAT-2nd-Edition.pdf
Where I am, some departments have their own “job task” course to make sure that everyone stays physically fit to be able to do their job, but it’s not quite the same as the official CPAT.
@@KarryJones I see! Did not know that. Thanks for sharing
What is the passing mark to pass the cpat
10’20”