Physical Agility Test
The firefighter physical agility test (PAT) consists of the following tasks over a timed course. Tri-C requires that all tasks be completed in seven minutes or less for entrance into the Fire Training Academy. Check with each city for their established physical agility requirement.
About the Test
| Task | Description |
| Task 1: Stair Climb with High‐Rise Pack | Carry high‐rise standpipe pack (two 50‐foot sections of 1 1/2‐inch hose, weighing 50 pounds) to third floor of fire tower. Deposit the hose in the designated location. After completing Task 2, return pack to starting location. |
| Task 2: Hose Hoist | From third‐story window, using hand over hand motion, hoist 50‐foot roll of 2 1/2 inch hose (about 50 pounds) connected by 5/8‐inch rope. Must complete task twice. |
| Task 3: Forcible Entry | Use Keiser FORCE Machine and nine‐pound hammer to drive steel beam 5 feet. |
| Task 4: Hose Advance | Pick up nozzle and move 1 3/4‐inch charged hose straight forward 75 feet. |
| Task 5: Victim Rescue | Lift/Carry/Drag 175‐pound rescue mannequin 100 feet. |
Firefighter physical agility testing is conducted outdoors. Applicants must wear five‐pound ankle weights to simulate the weight of firefighter turnout gear. An air tank is worn during testing for weight only and not for breathing air.
Firefighter helmets AND liners are furnished and must be worn. Participants will need to bring their own gloves and should wear physical training gear with long pants and athletic shoes with good traction.
Test Prerequisites
- Must be in excellent physical health. Physical exam not required, but highly recommended.
- Register online and pay $75 course fee prior to test date.
- Show photo ID after passing the test. An Ohio driver’s license or state ID is acceptable.
Note: Cuyahoga Community College does not assume responsibility for any medical consequence that might arise from participating in physical agility testing. Students under age 18 must submit Assumption of Risk form, signed by parent/guardian, prior to testing.
Cost and Registration
The cost of the firefighter physical agility test (PAT) is $75.
All firefighter physical agility tests are held on Sundays and last one hour. Test dates and Registration are online. You will register and pay for a specific date. After registering, you will receive an email from our staff with an assigned time slot for your test. You cannot show up for any time slot, but must be assigned a time. Walk-ins are not accepted.
If you are having registration issues, please email westregistration@tri-c.edu. Fire Academy office staff cannot access the registration system.
Applicants must be in the classroom for orientation promptly at their scheduled time or they will not be able to take the PAT that day.
Location
Western Campus
Engine House Classroom and Fire Tower (Classroom 102)
11000 W. Pleasant Valley Road
Parma, Ohio 44130
Park in the lot to the right of the Fire Drill Grounds.
Preparation Class
Firefighting is physically demanding and, at times, extremely hazardous. Candidates are encouraged to do pretesting exercises to assist them in completing the agility test.
We offer a preparatory course (PAT Prep) for individuals in need of assistance in preparing for the firefighter physical agility test. The cost is $150. See dates and register now.