Candidate Physical Ability Testing (CPAT)

CPAT Candidate,

Thank you for your interest in completing the CPAT process through the Miami Valley Fire/EMS Alliance. The CPAT process is highly regulated. Listed below are the basics of the process. This document serves as a notification to inform the candidates of the expectations and requirements of the CPAT Exam process.

CPAT was developed to create a fair method allowing fire departments to obtain a diverse pool of candidates who are physically capable of performing the tasks required in recruit school. The second edition of the CPAT requirements reflects the experiences of U.S. and Canadian fire departments to implement the comprehensive CPAT program.

In 2006, the following orientation and pre-test procedures were implemented after a conciliation agreement with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC):

• All candidates will attend at least two (2) mandatory orientation sessions within an eight (8) week period prior to the official CPAT Exam. During the orientation sessions they will receive "hands on" familiarity with the actual CPAT apparatus. Candidates may voluntarily attend up to one additional orientation session.
• Within 30 days prior to the CPAT Exam, all candidates will perform at least two (2) timed practice runs using official CPAT apparatus. During the practice runs candidates are allowed to take as much time as necessary to complete the entire course.
• A candidate may waive all of the fore-mentioned program components and be eligible to participate in a CPAT Exam. Such a waiver shall only be acceptable if it is in writing, and is made with full knowledge of test elements and on a voluntary basis.
• During the orientations and practice runs certified Peer Fitness Trainers, fitness professionals and/or CPAT trained firefighter Proctors will be present to help all candidates understand the test elements and how they can improve their physical performance and conditioning prior to taking the test.

Candidates who have not signed waivers MUST be at all orientation and practice sessions, or MUST sign a waiver form at the time of testing. Failure to complete one of these two actions will result in the candidate not being allowed to test.

REGISTRATION: Send an email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or register in person at the Miami Valley Fire/EMS Alliance office from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. M-F with the Office Manager Jackie Leland 937-512-5103. Registration can also be made directly with Mike Muhl at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

PAYMENT OF $115.00 MUST BE MADE PRIOR TO TESTING. IF YOU DON'T PAY, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TEST. NO EXCEPTIONS. PAYMENTS ARE PAYABLE TO MVFEA AND WE ONLY ACCEPT CERTIFIED CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS (YOU CAN GET ONE FROM THE POST OFFICE).  NO PERSONAL CHECKS, CASH, OR CREDIT CARDS. NO EXCECPTIONS.

RETESTING FEES ARE $60.00. SCHEDULING MUST BE MADE WITH THE ALLIANCE OFFICE.

The CPAT schedule including dates is as follows:

The next session (CPAT session 2012-W2):

• April 28th; 0830-1330; CPAT building - Kettering Business Park - Orientation # 1)testing stall scheduled)
• May 12th; 0830-1030; CPAT building - Kettering Business Park - Orientation # 2(testing staff scheduled)
• May 19th; 0830-1030; CPAT building - Kettering Business Park - Practice session # 1 (testing staff scheduled)
• June 2nd; 0830-1030; CPAT building - Kettering Business Park - Practice session # 2
• (testing staff scheduled)
• June 16th; 0830-1030; CPAT building - Kettering Business Park - Testing
• The next session (CPAT session 2012-W-3) -- TBA

The CPAT testing building will be open and the session will begin at 0830 hrs. Candidates planning on attending Mandatory Orientation or Practice Sessions, or Testing must be at the building by 0930 hrs. OR have made arrangement with the CPAT Coordinator to arrive later than 0930 hrs. The building will remain open on scheduled dates until the candidates that have arrived by 0930 hrs. have completed their objectives. If you arrive later than 0930 hrs and have not made prior arrangements with the CPAT Coordinator, there is no guarantee that the building will still be open and staffed.

The CPAT building is located inside the Kettering Business Park. Access the Business Park on Forrer Boulevard. Take the first right, which is Paine St., and follow that until it dead ends into Monroe St. The building (Building #2) is directly across the street and the access door to our space is immediately adjacent to the double bay doors in front of the double loading ramps. The entrance door is marked with a red and white CPAT sign. There is a parking lot on the North side of Paine St. that can be accessed off of Monroe St., where our candidates can park. Please use the attached hyperlink if further assistance is needed: http://g.co/maps/zmqm6
Please call me with any questions or concerns. Email is preferred unless it is urgent.
Mike Muhl
CPAT Coordinator, Miami Valley Fire/EMS Alliance
937-510-6063
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Jackie Leland
937-512-5103
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The Alliance Office will be closed again on Wednesday Feb.2, 2011 due to winter weather!

The 1st Quarter Board of Directors Meeting is January 19, 2011 at 9 am. The Board will present 2010 Customer Service Awards to Lt. Tim Shafer for "Outstanding Individual" and to the MVFEA Communications Committee for "Outstanding Organization". See the Press Release under the Resources tab, Press Release Library.