Fire Cadet Entry Information

The Firefighter Physical Ability Test (PAT) is one component of the testing process for Fire Cadet. 

Each event will be timed.  The times will be used to rank candidates.  Failure to complete an event within specified time results in disqualification.

Standards for the Entrance PAT

Events Time to Complete
1 ¾” Charged Hose pull 1 minute
Keiser Sled 2 minutes
Tower Evolution 10 minutes

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.

For the events below, 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.