[debcapt]

I am writing a research paper on Physical Agility Testing and I would like to have input on the type of entrance exams you have (i.e. written exam, physical agility tests, oral exams) The scored weight of each. The size of your department and the amount of women. Currently Cleveland Fire has 6 women out of 906 firefighters. The physical agility tests is "the fastest is the best" which will eliminate women. Please answer soon. [/b]

[firething]

My dept. (Syracuse, NY) has approx. 350 people, including 3 women. The hiring process is a civil service test (with a separate list created for minorities, but not women) and the CPAT is given during the academy. There is an interview, but I believe they only use it to help choose amongst people who all have the same score.

[debcapt]

To Firething in Syracuse NY how do they score then only by the written exam. Is there any kind of physical assessment done prior to the academy??

[firething]

Just the medical exam. Prior to hiring, the department has a CPAT orientation for everyone who gets canvassed - i.e. everyone who has the particular score they have reached on the list. It involves watching a video of the CPAT. I think maybe there was a handout with suggested exercises to prepare for the CPAT. They expect us to get in shape in time for the CPAT plus PT in the academy was aimed at preparing for the CPAT. The CPAT was given 8 weeks into the academy. You get two chances to pass it. We had a step mill and rigged up other simulated equipment, but did not have the actual equipment to train with. The state has equipment and brings it in for testing. Some recent hires from other departments (small combo departments) could come and take it too.

[debcapt]

Firething, I am not sure I have to look at my material but I thought that part of the CPAT was actually preparing on the equipment. Did anyone in your academy fail the CPAT when they took it in the academy? That is, if they failed it the first time did they fail it the second time. Thank you for the help.

[firething]

Some states seem to just periodically have CPATs where you can go and train on the equipment then take it. If you pass, your "CPAT card" is good for a certain period of time, and if you don't, you figure out where you fell short, work harder, and take it again. I don't think it's like that in New York. Before I got hired, I wanted to take it just to see where I stood, but when I called the state they said I couldn't take it unless I was in an academy or hired somewhere. We lost a couple of guys before the CPAT, but haven't yet lost anyone to the CPAT.