Department of Fire and Rescue

THE PROGRAM
The CPAT Mentoring Program is an opportunity for candidates to physically prepare for the CPAT. Eight weeks of training, taking place three days a week, are led by Department IAFF/ACE certified Peer Fitness Trainers. These sessions utilize the same equipment on which candidates will be tested.  The Mentoring Program is completely voluntary, but individuals who participate regularly in the Program have significantly higher pass rates as compared to those who do not; with women’s pass rates increasing by more than 50% over the national average.

THE FACILITY
The Prince William County CPAT facility opened in 2003, becoming the first indoor space in the United States dedicated to CPAT training. This 13,000 square-foot facility includes a classroom, offices, locker rooms, and strength and conditioning areas, along with our CPAT course. Our CPAT course is available year round which allows us to mentor candidates to improve their chances of being successful when they run their CPAT.

THE TEST
During the entire test the candidate must wear a 50 lb. weighted vest (simulating the weight of a fire fighters protective clothing and equipment). The eight events are:

Stair Climb (climbing stairs while carrying an additional 25 lb. simulated hose pack)
Ladder Raise and Extension (placing a ground ladder at the fire scene and extending the ladder to the roof or a window)
Hose Drag (stretching uncharged hose lines, advancing lines)
Equipment Carry (removing and carrying equipment from fire apparatus to fire ground)
Forcible Entry (penetrating a locked door, breaching a wall)
Search (crawling through dark unpredictable areas to search for victims)
Rescue Drag (removing victim or partner from a fire building)
Ceiling Pull (locating fire and checking for fire extension)