Practical Aptitude Tests
Firefighting can be physically demanding and fitness is crucial to the role. Firefighters need to be able to meet required standards of fitness. You also need to maintain fitness throughout your career and will undergo regular fitness assessments to ensure you are fit to do the job.
As part of the Wholetime and On-Call selection process, you will need to pass all our work related fitness tests. We call these our Practical Aptitude Tests (PATs). These tests assess if you can perform physical tasks as a Firefighter. They reflect the daily tasks of a Firefighter and assess your fitness, strength, manual dexterity, and confidence in simulated exercises.
Please note that the testing equipment may vary and these demonstrations are only an indication of what candidates can expect on the day of the Practical Aptitude Tests. Both Wholetime and On-Call candidates will complete the same tests listed below.
Ladder Lift
This is a test of your upper body strength and co-ordination. You will need to raise the bar of a ladder lift simulator, weighing 30kgs to the height of a Fire Appliance.
This will provide you with an indication of your current level of strength and whether you will need to improve your strength level in order to carry out the role.
If you fail to successfully lift a minimum of 25kg, your application will no longer be considered and you will be excluded from the process.
Working in Confined Spaces
This is a test confidence, agility and possible claustrophobia whilst working in a confined space. Candidates wearing full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and a breathing apparatus face mask will be required to navigate a measured crawl way within a set time. The crawl way is a series of tunnels.
Casualty Drag
You will be tested on upper and lower body strength and co-ordination. Candidates wearing full PPE are required to drag a 55kg (8 stone) casualty dummy backwards in a straight line of 30 metres.
You will need to complete the test safely, within a specified time period to be successful.
Equipment Carry
This physically tests your aerobic fitness, stamina, upper and lower body strength and co-ordination. You will need to carry items of equipment ranging from 3kg – 25kg, over a 25 metre course within a specified time.
Candidates will have to cover the total distance of 550 metres in a set time.
This is not a test of memory as the Safety Officer will remind you of the sequence of tasks.
This will involve:
- Pick up the hose reel from a Fire Appliance and run with it for 1 length (25 metres) to the cone, then jog back (25 metres) to the start.
- Pick up two coiled 70mm red hose by the handles and carry them up and down the course for 4 lengths (100 metres), then place 1 back at the start. Weight of each hose is 13.5kg
- With the remaining coiled 70mm red hose, pick it up by the centre lugs and carry at chest height down to the cone 25 metres away. Place it down and then jog three lengths (75 metres) to return to the start. Weight of hose is 13.5kg
- Pick up and carry the 2.4 metre suction hose (hard hose) and basket strainer for 4 lengths (100 metres), then place them back down and jog 4 lengths (100 metres) of the course. Weight of hose is 11kg | Weight of basket strainer is 3kg
- Finally candidates will pick up and carry the barbell up and down the course 4 lengths (100 metres). Weight: 25kg
Ladder Climb
You will be required to climb a 13.5 metre ladder, to a marked point, take a leg lock, remove your hands from the ladder and look down. You will need to identify a symbol held by an assessor at ground level. You then must safety descend the ladder. This tests confidence while at heights.
Ladder Extension
You will be required to extend and lower a range of operational ladders. You will need to have sufficient hand co-ordination, grip and arm strength to successfully raise the weight of a ladder and pulling carriage. This tests your upper body and grip strength.
Consideration Prior to Participation in Exercise
Prior to adopting any of our fitness advice, please contact your GP if you have not participated in physical activity for some time.
If you are in any doubt about your health or physical ability to exercise please also consult your GP. To help reduce the risk of injury you should look to protect yourself by wearing appropriate clothing and footwear for the activity you are undertaking.
Health Assessment
Your pre-employment health assessment with our Occupational Health Practitioner will include the following:
- Medical questionnaire including medical history
- Hearing test
- Blood pressure check and urinalysis
- Eyesight test
- Colour perception test.
Medical Suitability
Medical suitability is determined by an individual assessment. The nature and effect of medical conditions vary and so it is not possible to confirm unacceptable medical conditions prior to assessment.
The individual assessment will involve due consideration of any opinions or medical reports you may wish to submit. However, the decision on the significance of any risks identified will rest with us.
