Your Input Needed on the CPAT

WFS has received many inquiries about the new Candidate Physical Ability Test developed by the International Association of Fire Fighters and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Who is using it, and what have the results been? How can candidates best train for it?

FDNY Captain Brenda Berkman ( former WFS Board President) has been working to develop a model CPAT training program, as well as to track those fire departments (or other employers) that are using the CPAT but were not among the ten departments involved with the IAFF/IAFC in developing the CPAT.* She would also like to hear about agencies that are using the CPAT for purposes other than hiring: for example, as an academy graduation requirement, or as an incumbent "maintenance" standard.

Please contact WFS at 608/233-4768, fax to 608/233-4879, or e-mail to if you have information about local/departmental training programs for the CPAT, or use of the CPAT by your department or hiring authority. Statistics on the pass/fail rates of men and women would also be helpful.

Also see: "Taking the CPAT: One Woman's Story"

This page updated 6/1/02.