Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
Naperville is now one of only four locations in the State of Illinois licensed to test the physical ability of firefighter candidates looking for employment.
The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is a standardized test that many departments nationwide require during the application process as a predictor of an applicant’s ability to perform basic firefighting tasks. Until recently, the test was only administered at three Illinois locations – Decatur, Glenview, and Indian Head Park. Naperville will administer the CPAT at 1200 W. Ogden Avenue beginning in January.The Candidate Physical Ability Test consists of eight activities, which candidates must complete in less than 10 minutes and 20 seconds while wearing a hard hat, gloves and a weighted vest to simulate the weight of firefighting equipment. Exercises include a stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise and extension, forcible entry, search, rescue and ceiling breach and pull. Success is measured on a pass/fail basis.
To ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed, the CPAT includes an orientation and mentoring process that begins eight weeks prior to the test. This process involves an explanation of the test and its physical demands, recommendations of training and conditioning drills, and an opportunity to preview and practice the exercises with trained proctors.
More information about the CPAT program in Naperville and how to register for the first session, which begins with an orientation on February 18 and culminates with a final test on April 9, can be found at www.naperville.il.us/cpat.
