CPAT - Candidate Physical Agility Test

The San Francisco Fire Department adopted a new physical agility test replacing a test the department has used for many years. The test that was replaced had drawn criticism from a number of different areas as not representing the true job of a fire fighter. This test was developed and supported by a number of groups and agencies including the IAFF, IAFC among others. Ultimately, adopting this type of test will allow candidate exam portability. Entire regions would be able to administer one large test for any department that would like to participate.

In San Francisco a number of steps were required to adopt this test even thought it is used nationally and normed (current firefighters take this test to establish passing times). First the test was presented to the Fire Commission for review and adoption in 2001. Next a