Physical Assessments

Physical Ability Test

Entrance PAT’s are valid for 6 months and must be valid on Day 1 of class. Successfully passing the EPAT does not guarantee enrollment into a Firefighter I & II class.

The EPAT is designed to evaluate the essential physical skills every aspiring firefighter must possess. Focused on key areas such as strength, cardiovascular endurance, and core stability, this test measures a candidate’s ability to perform physically demanding tasks within a set time frame.

It’s important to understand that the EPAT represents the minimum physical standards required for entry into our program. While it assesses foundational fitness, it does not fully reflect the level of strength and endurance necessary to meet the ongoing demands of firefighter training and the Firefighter I & II certification programs.

Medical Examination: Students must have a medical examination completed by a physician to determine fitness for firefighter training (Entrance PAT and Firefighter I&II). Both sides of the State Medical Examination form (DFS-K4-1022) must be signed. Page 1 requires a stamp from the medical office. Medical exams must be current within six months of the first day of class.

Introduction

The Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety Entrance Physical Ability Test (EPAT) is based on the fundamental skills of a firefighter that will test a candidate’s strength and cardiovascular endurance. These elements will demonstrate if a candidate has the core, lower and upper body in addition to overall endurance required to facilitate key functions over a pre-determined time frame.

**Please note that this test is a minimum and does not accurately depict the overall strength and endurance required to successfully perform the tasks of a firefighter throughout the Firefighter I & II program.

Equipment:

Appropriate workout clothing
1. T-shirts
2. Shorts / Sweats
3. Sneakers with good ankle support
4. Work gloves (Extrication, Mechanics or Workout) *Full fingered
Appropriate food and water.
1. Snacks and water bottle (at least ½ gallon) *Avoid pre-workout or other energy-based supplements on the day of testing.
Testing:

The EPAT is a mandatory requirement specifically designed for CSRIPS. All areas are timed and have minimum requirements; candidates must avoid *critical failures*, pass and be eligible to apply for the Firefighter I & II program. The EPAT is only valid for 6 months and does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

This timed section consists of eight (8) evolutions listed below, followed immediately by the 1 mile run.

These must be performed in the given order and completed within 9 minutes. Students who finish this section in 9 minutes or less are more likely to succeed in the Firefighter I&II program and, therefore, may receive more favorable consideration in the admissions process. There is no stopping time and once time has started the instructor cannot aid the candidate in any way. The candidate must hustle through the test as swiftly and safely as they feel necessary to challenge themselves without running. There is absolutely NO RUNNING at any time on the fire ground!

When called, the candidate should leave their belongings in the designated area and report to the starting point at the base of the tower. Candidates need to bring gloves with them to the first evolution.

Part 1 - Evolutions 1 through 8

1.Pushups

Evolution # 1- Pushups

Candidates will be advised to take push-up position at the base of the stairs. The candidate will perform twenty-five (25) pushups, and the chest must touch the marker for each pushup to count.
If a candidate fails to perform a pushup correctly (flat back and chest touching marker) it will not be counted.
Failure to complete twenty-five (25) pushups in 1:00 will end the assessment.

*Critical Failure: Candidate cannot lay on floor or place knees on the ground at any time or the assessment will end.

Once the twenty-five (25) pushups are completed, the candidate will properly don a twenty-two (22) lb air pack and move on to evolution #2. Help will be provided with donning the air pack if needed.

2.High Rise / Stair Climb

Evolution #2 - High Rise / Stair Climb

Candidates will be advised to place a forty (40) lb. *high-rise* pack on their right shoulder for ascending the stairs.
Candidates must keep their hand on the rail at all times (for balance only).
Time starts as soon as they touch the first step.
Candidate will climb to the top of the tower and touch the marker.
Candidates will complete 3 full towers (up and down) which equals 12 stories.

*Critical Failure: Candidate cannot skip steps and cannot use rail to assist in ascending at any time*

3.Hose Hoist

Evolution #3 – Hose Hoist

During the 3rd descend from the stair climb, the candidate will stop at the 3rd floor landing.
Place the high-rise pack on the ground.
The candidate will grab the rope and pull until the hose roll reaches the top of the rail, then grab the hose roll, pull it over the railing, and place it on the landing.
Candidates shall be advised to place a forty (40) lb. high-rise pack on their right shoulder to descend the stairs.

*Critical Failure: Candidate cannot let go of the rope or allow the hose roll to fall to the ground

4.Forcible Entry

Evolution #4 - Forcible Entry

Once the candidate is back on ground level, place the twenty-two (22) lb. hose pack back against the building.
Take a nine (9) lb. dead blow mallet from the bucket of ice.
The candidate must position himself/herself on the Keiser Sled with both feet on the diamond plate so his/her toes are slightly over the front of the slide. Feet should be even with the edge of the slide.
Bend forward to see the end of the slide at all times.
With the mallet, using hard strokes (not raising the mallet above the head or the 10 o’clock position), hit the one hundred sixty (160) lb. steel block until the far end of it reaches the end of the sled, stopping when instructed by the proctor.
Reverse position and hit the block until the far end reaches the original point and the proctor has told the candidate to stop.
Place the mallet back into the bucket and continue to the next evolution.

*Critical Failure: Candidate cannot lose control and/or drop the mallet at any time. Also, failure to adhere to raising the mallet beyond the 10 o’clock position could lead to disqualification.

5.Hose Drag

Evolution #5 – Hose Drag

There will be a hose with an attached nozzle placed on the upright post of a sled weighing 135lbs.
Candidate will grab the nozzle and place the hose over their shoulder and drive the sled to a set of cones placed 75 feet away.
Candidate will place the nozzle back on the post of the sled and continue to the next evolution.

6.Victim Rescue

Evolution #6 - Victim Rescue

A one hundred seventy-five (175) lb. hose dummy will be used as the victim and is to be dragged one hundred (100) feet going backwards for the duration of this event.
If the candidate falls backwards, the proctor will attempt to keep their head from striking the ground but can offer no assistance regardless of if the hose dummy has fallen on candidate.
Time will stop when the dummy’s legs completely cross the finish line.

7.Ladder Raise

Evolution #7 - Ladder Raise

Candidate will stand at the base of a ladder that is mounted to the side of the structure.
Using the hand over hand method, the candidate will grab the rope (halyard) to raise and fully extend the ladder and wait for the proctor to acknowledge completion.
Candidate will then lower the ladder using a controlled hand over hand method until ladder returns to its original position.

*Critical Failure: Failure to maintain control of the ladder using the rope (halyard) while either raising or lowering the ladder at any given time. Ex: Rope slipping through the candidate’s hands.

8.Tool Carry with Horizontal and Vertical Movement

Evolution #8 – Tool Carry with Horizontal and Vertical Movement

Pick up the tools off the table (K12 saw & Vent saw).
- The candidate may take the tool(s) off the table and place on floor to adjust grip prior to walking.
Carry both pieces of equipment simultaneously; one in each hand and walk fifty (50) ft. to a designated area to perform horizontal and vertical cutting simulation.
Candidate will place tools on the ground and pick up a saw prop to use for horizontal and vertical simulation of cutting of a garage door.
Candidate will place the blade of the saw is the designated marked area and walk with it holding it in a horizontal position (8 feet).
Candidate will then use the blade of the saw to perform a vertical simulation cut to and from designated marked areas (4 feet).
Candidate will then pick up the original tools (K12 and vent saw) and walk back fifty (50) ft. to the original point and place the tools back on the table without slamming or dropping.
If a candidate chooses to stop, they must put the tools down safely, readjust and continue (clock will not stop).
Time stops when both tools are placed back in the designated area.

* Critical Failure: Candidates cannot lose control and/or drop a tool at any point during this evolution.

Remove air pack in designated area.
Grab all belongings and immediately walk to designated area for next event without delay! Use this time while walking to hydrate.
Not reporting directly will result in candidate’s dismissal from the process.
Check-in at table to begin Part 2.

Part 2 - 1 Mile Run

1 Mile Run

The 1 mile run will take place immediately after the 8 evolutions above are completed.

Candidate must follow the designated track and complete 1 mile which equates to 5 laps.
Candidate may walk, run, jog, pause and rest if needed.
Candidates MUST complete this evolution under 12 minutes.

The testing must be completed safely and efficiently to have successfully passed the EPAT. The EPAT is valid for 6 months.

The EPAT will be offered once per quarter. Please click the links below to see the description and schedule.

EPAT Video Coming Soon! State Medical Exam Form(PDF, 238KB)

Physical Assessment Training

To help you prepare, we encourage all candidates to attend our "Practice" PAT.

This hands-on training session focuses on refining proper techniques, building strength, and improving cardiovascular endurance—key components for success on test day.

Throughout the training, students will receive expert guidance on how to safely and effectively perform each exercise. Emphasis is placed on practicing correct form, developing efficient movement patterns, and understanding how to prepare your body in the days leading up to the test—including hydration, recovery, and targeted training.

This preparation is not just about passing the EPAT—it's about building the foundation of fitness, health, and wellness for a successful start in the fire service profession.

The Practice PAT will be held monthly. Please click on the link below for the schedule.