San José Fire Department’s physical ability test or Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is administered to firefighter candidates through testing facilities licensed by the International Association of Fire Fighters. Information regarding location, schedules, and contact information can be found at CPAT-USA Sacramento and the California Firefighters Joint Apprenticeship Program (CFFJAP).

The CPAT is a pass/fail test consisting of eight physical tasks representative of actions typically performed by firefighters. These include:

• Ceiling breach and pull
• Equipment carry
• Hose drag
• Forcible entry
• Ladder raise
• Rescue
• Search
• Stair climb

Applicants must be in excellent physical condition to be competitive. Some applicants may find the CPAT very difficult. We recommend you fully prepare with an orientation course offered through CPAT, as well as practice and engage in physical conditioning. All applicants take the same physical test.

Applicants must provide evidence of successful CPAT completion during the testing process. If you pass, you receive a CFFJAC CPAT Card of Completion. Recruits are strongly encouraged to secure a CPAT card immediately prior to, or early in, the SJFD San José Fire Department testing process. Each San José Fire Department testing process will identify the date in which you must secure the Card of Completion to be eligible for that testing process.