CPAT Test Equipment and Gear Requirements

Question 1

What is the weight of the vest candidates must wear throughout most CPAT events?

Accepted Answer

50 lbs

Answer

The CPAT weight vest weighs 50 lbs to simulate the approximate load of firefighting PPE worn on duty.

Question 2

How much additional weight is added to the vest specifically for the Stair Climb event?

Accepted Answer

25 lbs

Answer

Two 12.5 lb weights are clipped to the vest during the Stair Climb, increasing the total load by 25 lbs.

Question 3

What is the total weight a candidate carries during the Stair Climb event?

Accepted Answer

75 lbs

Answer

The base 50 lb vest plus two 12.5 lb weights totals 75 lbs carried during the Stair Climb event.

Question 4

What does the CPAT weight vest primarily simulate for candidates?

Accepted Answer

The weight of firefighting PPE and SCBA

Answer

The vest simulates firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which firefighters wear on duty.

Question 5

When may a candidate legally remove the weight vest during the CPAT?

Accepted Answer

The vest may never be removed during the test

Answer

The weight vest must remain on the candidate for the full duration of the CPAT; removing it at any point results in disqualification.

CPAT - Candidate Physical Ability Test Practice Test