Physical Requirements
A good way to prepare yourself for this demanding occupation is to maintain or improve your overall physical fitness. A suitable weight-training program is a good place to begin. People of smaller stature should consider a specific program to develop upper body strength. Playing organized team sports will also increase your power and endurance, while giving you practice at being a "team player."
Candidate Physical Ability Testing
If you are serious about becoming a firefighter, you might want to tailor your weight regimen to help you pass a firefighting physical ability test. The Candidate Physical Ability Test, administered by CFFJAC, measures the capabilities of firefighting recruits along eight job-specific areas.
- Stair Climb – in full protective clothing
- Hose Drag – maneuvering around obstacles
- Equipment Carry – moving power tools to and from an emergency scene
- Ladder Raise and Extension – from ground ladder to roof or window
- Forcible Entry – breaking through a locked door or knocking down a wall
- Search – searching for a victim in limited visibility
- Rescue – removing a person from a scene
- Ceiling Breach and Pull – bringing down a ceiling
A good way to determine whether your current fitness regime will help you pass the test would be to talk to a firefighter, and ask what works for them! Click here to learn more about the CPAT.