Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) Information

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by the City of Los Angeles Personnel Department

 

You will need to provide proof of a current passing score on the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) in order to be scheduled for an oral interview and at the time of certification for hiring consideration. A CPAT score is valid for 1 year.

Answers to common questions regarding this new requirements are listed below.

1. What is CPAT?

The CPAT is a standardized test that is not administered by the City of Los Angeles (see Question #2 for a list of agencies that administer this test). The CPAT is a pass/fail test that consists of eight separate events (listed below). Included in the registration fee is an orientation to the test parts and printed material (see Question #3 for more information). It is your responsibility to schedule and pay for your own CPAT.

1. Stair Climb

5. Forcible Entry

2. Hose Drag

6. Search

3. Equipment Carry

7. Rescue

4. Ladder Raise & Extension

8. Ceiling Breach & Pull

During the CPAT, you must progress along a predetermined path from one event to the next in a continuous manner. Participants wear a 50 pound vest to simulate the weight of firefighter equipment during the entire testing process. An additional 25 pounds, using two 12.5 pound weights is added to your shoulders for the stair climb event. You have 10 minutes and 20 seconds to complete all eight tasks.

2. Where can I take the CPAT? How much does it cost?

The following agencies administer the CPAT in Southern California. Please contact the agencies directly to obtain further information and to schedule your test.

Oxnard College Regional

4000 S Rose Ave.

Fire Academy

Oxnard, CA 93033

 

(805) 384-8109

 

http://www.oxnardcollege.edu/departments/academic/fire_technology/cpat.shtml

 

cost: $150

California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee

626 N. Eckhoff Street

CPAT Testing Center

Orange, CA 92868

cpat@cpf.org

(877) 648-2728

 

www.cpatonline.org

 

cost: $150

Due to CPAT availability, it may be several weeks before you can be scheduled for your test.

3. How can I prepare for the CPAT?

Included in the registration fee is an orientation that is offered by the testing agency at least 8 weeks before the test. This 8 week period allows you to prepare for the physical demands of the CPAT. You are not required to attend an orientation prior to taking the CPAT; however, it is highly recommended. Contact a CPAT administrator for more information.

4. Will my CPAT expire?

CPAT is valid for 12 months from the date you pass it. You must maintain your CPAT certification from the time of application to your appointment as a Firefighter.

5. What if I took the CPAT at another agency?

If you took the CPAT less than 12 months ago and you have proof that you passed it, you will not need to retake it. However, if your CPAT expires before you are hired, you will need to retake it. 

 

6. Once you have completed the CPAT you can email, fax, or bring in a copy of your CPAT proof to:

Public Safety Bureau
Personnel Department, City of Los Angeles
700 E. Temple Street, Room 150 Los Angeles, CA 90012
Attn: Firefighter Analyst Fax # (213) 473-9040

Please include the last four (4) digits of your Social Security Number with
your CPAT proof. If you take and pass the CPAT at another department,
you must provide an original, signed copy of the letter on Department
letterhead from the agency.

Additional Information:  The LAFD Recruitment Unit encourages applicants to schedule practice CPAT sessions.  Please contact the Recruitment Unit for details at (213) 485-8032.

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