South Metro Fire Rescue

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)

If you are looking for information on the current hiring process and CPAT, please go the Current Openings page.

Local CPAT providers:

Aims Community College offers several sessions each year
Pikes Peak Community College - Call 719-502-3300 for more information
Castle Rock Fire and Rescue (303-660-1066)

GENERAL CPAT INFORMATION

The CPAT measures the capabilities of firefighting recruits along eight job-specific areas. The International Standards of the CPAT state that each candidate must have the opportunity to attend at least two (2) orientation sessions within eight (8) weeks prior to taking the test. Additionally, the pre-test program offers each candidate the opportunity to perform two (2) timed practice runs prior to the test itself. If you choose not to participate in any part of the pre-test program, you will be required to sign a waiver acknowledging that the pre-test program was made available to all candidates on an equal basis, and that you expressly waive, on a knowing and voluntary basis, the opportunity to participate in the pre-test program.

Qualifications:

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
Must show government issued photo identification

Fees:

There is no charge for orientations (two recommended as part of the pre-test program).
SMFRA charges a fee for each timed practice run (two recommended as part of the pre-test program) and test

Payment:

Fees must be paid for a registration to be complete and accepted
Credit card, cash, check or money order (payable to SMFRA) are accepted

Refunds:

All fees are non-refundable
Failure to attend an event or “no shows” will not be granted refunds

CPAT Orientation Sessions

***THERE ARE NO CPAT ORIENTATION SESSIONS SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME***

Candidates should allow 1 ½ - 2 hours for an orientation session.

Candidates are permitted to register for a CPAT session without attending an Orientation.

SMFRA CPAT Orientation sessions are conducted at the Joint Services Facility which houses the SMFRA Training Center and Fleet Services; and Douglas County School District Transportation.
Attending the CPAT Orientation is highly recommended; but not required.
The same material is presented at every CPAT Orientation.
During each CPAT Orientation session an overview of the test is presented, accompanied by the CPAT Orientation Video and the CPAT Orientation Guide.
Candidates are given the opportunity to attempt each of the eight (8) events.
A set of exercises from the CPAT Preparation Guide will be presented which are designed to help candidates physically prepare for the CPAT.
If a candidate elects not to participate in the available orientation sessions, the candidate will be required to sign a waiver acknowledging that the orientation sessions were offered.

CPAT Practice Sessions

***THERE ARE NO CPAT PRACTICE SESSIONS SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME***

All candidates are offered the opportunity to practice the CPAT events at least twice before taking the CPAT. SMFRA CPAT Practice sessions are conducted at the Joint Services Facility. It is recommended that a candidate participate in two (2) timed practice sessions within 30 days of taking the CPAT. SMFRA charges $75 for each practice session. Each practice session includes:

Timed practice runs to evaluate the candidate's level of preparedness.
Supervised practice on the CPAT course with a proctor.
Techniques, evaluation and conditioning advice from our CPAT proctors.
If a candidate elects not to participate in the available practice sessions, he/she will be required to sign a waiver acknowledging that the practice sessions were offered.

CPAT Sessions

***THERE ARE NO CPAT SESSIONS SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME***

The SMFRA CPAT is held at the Joint Services Facility.
Candidates should allow up to 1 hour to complete the testing process.
Candidates should report no earlier than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled event.
Proper Attire: long pants (no shorts), t-shirt or sweatshirt, footwear with no open heel or toe, no loose or restrictive jewelry.

Additional Information:

How the CPAT was developed.
Aims Community College offers several sessions each year.
Pikes Peak Community College offers an open CPAT every fall and spring. For more information please contact them @ 719-502-3300.
Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department also offers open CPAT testing intermittently. For more information, contact FF/EMT Doug Kelley @ 303-660-1066.
There are many licensed CPAT departments throughout the country.
Still have questions? Email Julianne at julianne.kadel@southmetro.org.