Could you pass the FDNY’s fitness test to become an NYC firefighter?

The Candidate Physical Ability Test

Before even dreaming about stepping into the FDNY Fire Cadet Academy, you’ve got to prove you’ve got the strength, stamina, and grit to pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test. This brutal series of eight tasks is designed to mimic the actual demands of a fire scene, all while you’re weighed down with 50 pounds of gear – and you’ve got just 10 minutes and 20 seconds to finish it.

Stair climb

For this event, you’ll step on two 12.5-pound weights to your shoulders, simulating the weight of a hose pack as you climb stairs at a rate of 60 steps per minute for three full minutes. You get a 20-second warmup to find your balance, but if you grab the wall or handrail for too long, you’re disqualified. Fall or dismount three times? You’re out of the running.

Hose drag

For this task, you’ll grasp a hoseline nozzle attached to a 200-foot hose, hoist it over your shoulder or across your chest, and drag it 75 feet to a drum. Make a 90-degree turn, drag it another 25 feet, then drop to one knee and pull the hose across the finish line. You get just one warning for not keeping that knee down. If you lift it again, you’re automatically disqualified.

Haul tools

If you’re still hanging in there, it’s time to prove you can haul tools from the fire truck. You’ll open a storage cabinet, grab two power saws, and carry them 75 feet around a drum. Then return to the cabinet, place the saws down, pick them up one at a time, and put them back in their designated spots. If you drop a saw at any point, you’re automatically disqualified. You get one warning for running.

Ladder climb

For this event, you’ll approach a 24-foot ladder laying on the ground. Starting at the top rung, lift it up in a hand-over-hand fashion using each rung until the ladder’s stationary against the wall. Then, standing inside a marked box, you’ll extend the fly section of the ladder by pulling on the rope in a hand-over-hand fashion until it’s fully extended. Lower the fly section in a controlled fashion, then return the ladder to its original position. You get just one warning for missing a rung or stepping outside the box.

Forcible entry

After that comes forcible entry, where you’ll test your ability to breach a locked door or wall to rescue someone. Using a 10-pound sledgehammer, you’ll strike a target until a buzzer sounds – all while keeping your feet outside a marked box. Lose control of the hammer or step inside the box? That’s an automatic failure.

Tunnel maze

The next event isn’t for the claustrophobic. It stimulates the critical task of searching for a fire victim with limited visibility in an unpredictable area. You’ll crawl through a 64-foot tunnel maze, just 3 feet high and 4 feet wide, with multiple turns and obstacles. At two points, the space narrows, forcing you to squeeze and crawl in tight quarters.

Drag a victim to safety

Once you’ve found your “fire victim,” it’s time to show you can carry them to safety. Grasp a 165-pound mannequin, drag it 35 feet to a drum, make a sharp turn, then drag it another 35 feet to the finish line. You’re not allowed to rest on the drum – and you get just one warning if you do. You can drop the mannequin to adjust your grip, but make it quick.

Ceiling breach

Finally, you’ll breach a ceiling. Using a pike pole, you’ll push up a 60-pound door three times, then hook the pole onto an 80-pound ceiling device and pull it down five times. You’ll repeat this set four times, proving you’ve got the endurance to finish strong.

Conclusion

The Candidate Physical Ability Test is a demanding and rigorous challenge that pushes even the fittest individuals to their limits. If you’re considering a career as an NYC firefighter, make sure you’re prepared to sweat and push yourself to the edge. Remember, it’s not just about being physically fit – it’s about having the strength, stamina, and grit to save lives in the most demanding situations.

FAQs

How long does the test take? The test takes a total of 10 minutes and 20 seconds to complete.

What kind of gear do candidates wear? Candidates wear a 50-pound vest and other gear to simulate the weight of firefighting equipment.

Are there any breaks during the test? No, candidates do not receive any breaks during the test. They must complete each task as quickly and efficiently as possible.

What happens if a candidate fails a task? If a candidate fails a task, they are disqualified from the test and will not be able to continue.