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Why is the CPAT test conducted and what is it comprised of?
The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is conducted to determine a candidate’s ability to physically perform duties commonly required of a Firefighter. The applicant must successfully complete the entire (CPAT) course in a minimum of 10 minutes, 20 seconds. The Candidate Physical Ability Test course is comprised of the following physical simulations:
1. Stair Climb - The candidate will “climb steps” on a Stairmaster Stepmill at 60 steps per minute for 3 minutes and 20 seconds while wearing a 75 pound vest simulating a high rise pack. Upon completion of Stair Climb 25 pounds of weight is removed from the vest. The 50-pound vest will be worn throughout the remainder of the test.
2. Hose Drag - Using a 1 ¾” uncharged hose line, the candidate will drag or pull the hose, drop to at least one knee and then pull the hose-line 50’ hand over hand toward them.
3. Equipment Carry - During this exercise the candidate simulates removing equipment from a fire rig by carrying a K-12 and a chainsaw 75 feet then placing them back on the rig.
4. Ladder Raise and Extension - This event uses two, 24-foot ground ladders and is designed to simulate the critical tasks of placing a ground ladder at a fire structure and extending the ladder to the roof or window.
5. Forcible Entry - The candidate uses a mechanized device located 39 inches off the ground that measures cumulative force when hit with a ten-pound sledgehammer. The candidate will hit the device until a buzzer is activated.
6. Search - This event uses an enclosed search maze that has obstacles and narrow spaces. The tunnel is three feet high, four feet wide and 64 feet long. The maze includes two 90-degree turns.
7. Rescue – The candidate must drag a 165-pound dummy with shoulder straps 35 feet around a 55- gallon drum and back.
8. Ceiling Breach and Pull – This event uses a mechanized device that measures overhead push and pull forces using a pike pole. The candidate must push a 60 pound hinged door and pull an 80-pound force.
Following the completion of the CPAT test, candidates are notified of the next part of the hiring process, the Oral Review Board.
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Once the CPAT test is completed, how do I obtain my score?
Candidates will be notified immediately after the test if they passed or failed.
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How do I apply?
Visit www.JoinOKCFire.com. The entire process is outlined there.
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How do I schedule myself for the written test?
Candidates will be notified about the written test through their Oracle accounts.
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What if I know that I cannot attend the assigned test date?
Being late or not attending your assigned test time will eliminate you from the process. Once an application is submitted, the applicant must attend the assigned test date. If you are not sure you will be able to attend the stated date it is recommended that you apply during a month in which you know you will be available.
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Where is the written test conducted?
Candidates will be notified about the time and location of the written test through their Oracle accounts.
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What types of questions make up the written exam?
Candidates will participate in a FIRETEAM test. This test is comprised of four parts to include human relations, mechanical aptitude, reading, and math. For more information about the written test, visit (hyperlink to come).
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How long does the test take?
Typically you are allowed approximately three hours to take the test. If you finish early you are allowed to leave.
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Can I retest to improve my score?
An applicant's score is good for the hiring cycle. An applicant may apply once during that period unless otherwise noted.
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How will I know if I have been selected for the next portion of the hiring process?
Candidates will be notified through their Oracle accounts whether they will proceed to the next step of the hiring process.
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What is the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Orientation?
CPAT Orientation is conducted a minimum of eight weeks prior to the actual CPAT test. CPAT Orientation allows applicants the opportunity to receive a CPAT Orientation Booklet, view the CPAT presentation video and obtain hands on experience using course equipment. Fitness Coordinators are present to provide training and preparation tips. During the orientation session applicants are given the opportunity to accept or decline one or both of the future CPAT practice session. Practice sessions are conducted within 30 days of the actual CPAT test.
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Where is the CPAT test conducted?
Testing is conducted at the City of Oklahoma City Municipal Maintenance Facility at 3738 SW 15th St., Training Building #3.
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Who is selected to attend the Oral Review Board and what is its makeup?
The highest scoring applicants who pass the CPAT will be contacted to attend the Oral Review Board. Each candidate will be interviewed by a series of oral review board panels. Each panel is made up of a group of interviewers who will individually assess each candidate based on their verbal response to a series of questions.
The overall Oral Review Board score is considered with the written examination score in determining the eligibility list and possible applicant finalists.
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I understand a background investigation will be conducted. What will this entail?
Each candidate selected as a possible finalist will be required to complete a polygraph. Additionally, a criminal records check and employment work references are conducted.
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What is the Fire Recruit Academy?
A fire fighter recruit completes a training program conducted by the Oklahoma City Fire Training Center, where he or she learns how to fight fires and how to deliver emergency medical services. A typical Recruit Academy lasts between 16 and 18 weeks. In the Academy, there are many written and hands-on examinations that must be passed along with physical training and testing. After passing the Academy, the new fire fighter is assigned to a fire station and completes the one-year probationary period.
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Is it possible to become a firefighter without my Firefighter 1 certificate?
Yes, it is possible. Firefighter I and II are taught in recruit academy.
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Are you able to apply again if you have already applied previously and did not advance past the written examination?
An applicant's score is good for a hiring cycle. An applicant may reapply after the position has reopened.
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I was looking at your website and I saw that an EMT-B certification is required before completion of a one year probationary period. Is the EMT training part of the fire academy or are candidates required to get the training elsewhere and have it completed before graduating from the academy?
Employment will be contingent upon obtaining EMT-B certification during the one-year probationary period. Candidates who do not possess an EMT-B may have the class offered by the Oklahoma City Fire Department. Candidates possessing an EMT-B will be required to maintain their licenses.
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What qualifications are required to be an Entry-Level firefighter?
Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 44 upon the first day of employment.
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Can I be hired if I have a felony conviction?
Applicants with felony convictions within the last ten years will not be considered for employment. Applicants with felony convictions older than ten years will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
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How long is the Academy?
Approximately 16-18 weeks
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How many positions are available?
The number of positions available is determined by the staffing needs of the department.
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I am a high school senior and I do not have my diploma yet. Can I apply now?
Yes you can. When you do receive your transcript and/or diploma, forward it to us via email at FD-Recruitment@okc.gov.
