Fire Cadet Entry Information

The Firefighter Physical Ability Test (PAT) is one component of the testing process for Fire Cadet and entry into George Stone Technical College.

The PAT consists of 2 Parts:

Part 1 – Pass/Fail Requirements:

  • 40 Sit-ups in 2 minutes. (Pass/fail requirement)
  • 25 Push-ups in 2 minutes. (Pass/fail requirement)
  • 1.5 mile run in 15 minutes. (Pass/fail requirement)

Part 2 – Completion of each event:

  • 1 ¾” Charged Hose Pull
  • Keiser Sled (chopping prop)
  • Tower Evolution (maximum 15 minutes)

Standards for the Entrance PAT

Events Time to Complete
40 Sit-Ups 2 minutes
25 Push-ups (Military style) 2 minutes
Run 1.5 miles 15 minutes
BREAK  
1 ¾” Charged Hose pull Completion only
Keiser Sled Completion only
Tower Evolution Completion only
(max 15 minutes)

The Entrance PAT is pass/fail for the Push-ups, Sit-Ups, and 1.5 mile run events.

Both parts to be completed on the same day if possible. Circumstances may dictate that each part be done on a separate day.

Firefighting can be physically demanding which requires a certain degree of physical strength and endurance; this test assesses the physical abilities of firefighter applicants. Because this exam is a demanding test, you are strongly urged to be prepared. The following outlines each component of the exam and suggests how to prepare to pass this element of the examination process.

Part 1: No protective equipment required.

EVENT 1 – Sit-ups (Time Limit = 2 minutes): Applicants will be paired together to facilitate this event. Feet will be secured and arms crossed against chest. Each applicant will then perform 40 sit-ups in 2:00 minutes sitting up so elbows touch knees and then back flat on ground for 1 repetition to count.

EVENT 2 – Push-ups (Time Limit = 2 minutes): Legs straight, back straight, and arms shoulder width apart. Each applicant will then perform 25 push-ups in 2:00 minutes lowering body within 4” of ground and then pushing arms to full extension for 1 repetition to count.

EVENT 3 – Run (Time Limit = 15 minutes): Applicants will run 1.5 miles in 15 minutes.

Part 2: Applicants wear a bunker coat, helmet, gloves, and SCBA equipment for the events.

EVENT 1 – CHARGED HOSE PULL: This event simulates the muscular strength necessary to advance a charged hose line. Applicants pull a charged 1¾” hose a distance of 100 feet. The score is the time it takes to pull the hose 100 feet.

Specifics: 150’ charged, 1¾” hose, flaked once. Time stops when applicant steps across finish line 100 feet away. 

Applicant pulling a charged 1 3/4" hose a distance of 100 feet
Applicant using eight pound hammer to drive a beam a distance of 5 feet on keiser sled


EVENT 2 – FORCIBLE ENTRY AND VENTILATION (KEISER SLED): This event simulates the muscular strength necessary for forcible entry and ventilation using a Keiser Sled. The job applicant uses an eight-pound sledge hammer to drive a beam a distance of five feet. Applicants are shown how to position their feet and how to use the sledge hammer. An applicant’s score is the time it takes to move the beam the five-foot distance.

EVENT 3 – FIRE EXTINGUISHING & RESCUE (TOWER EVOLUTION) including: Dry Hose Drag, Four-story Climb/Descent, Hose Hoist, and Victim Rescue:

This event simulates the muscular strength and endurance necessary to perform tasks needed for extinguishing fires and rescuing victims. The four components are: 1) dry hose drag; 2) four-story climb/descent with high-rise hose bundle; 3) hose hoist; and 4) victim rescue. These components are performed in succession. The applicant’s time is the time it takes to complete all four components.

1) Extend two 100’ links of hose separately (i.e. extend one, return to start line and extend 2nd length of hose)

Applicant doing dry hose drag
Applicant doing four-story climb with high-rise bundle

2) Shoulder the high rise pack (100’ of 1¾” hose, brass 2½”-1½” gated wye, nozzle), climb steps to top of tower, drop pack at top of stairs, and walk to West side of tower.

Exterior of four-story building used for testing



3) There you will pull rolled 50’ section of 2½” hose with a hand-over-hand motion (with or without hose roller) up to and over rail to lay down at feet.

Walk back to high rise pack, re-shoulder, and descend stairs. Lay pack down in location initially obtained and then walk to grass area next to hydrant.



4) Final step is to drag 165 lb. dummy a distance of 20’ (typically done by placing hands under arms of dummy as shown in photo).

*Evolution time starts when first step is taken to advance dry hose and stops when dummy’s feet cross finish line.*

Applicant dragging dummy 20' with hands under arms

Equipment Required

Applicants are required to wear appropriate attire for participating in the firefighter Physical Ability Test. You should wear rubber-soled shoes and clothes appropriate for physical activity. The remaining equipment is provided for you and is required to be worn during test: SCBA, Coat, Gloves, and Helmet. These items can be brought by applicant and worn with approval from testing committee on site.