Firefighting is a physically demanding job. In order to do the job, there are minimum physical fitness standards that must be met. Below are the minimum required fitness standards for the hiring class. Each exercise has its minimum, written standard, and demonstration video.
All applicants must attend and pass the Physical Fitness Assessment to be eligible to move forward in the hiring process.
Minimum:
7 pushups at 80bpm
Standard:
From a full plank position (only feet and hands touching the floor), participants will lower him/herself down to a 5” prop, and press all the way up. This must be done in a cadence of 80 beats per minute. Participants will stop when no longer able to perform pushups or no longer able to maintain cadence.
Video:
Pushup demo
Minimum:
60 seconds on each side
Standard:
Participants will position their elbow directly under their shoulder and have their forearm flat on the ground. The participants’ feet will be stacked on top of each other. The hand of the upper arm will rest on the hip in a bent elbow position. Participant will raise his/her hips off the ground to become a straight line from shoulder to ankles. Participants will hold this position until he/she comes down or is told by a proctor proper form is no longer being held.
Video:
Side Plank demo
Minimum:
estimated 8 METS
Standard:
The estimated METS is based on biological sex, weight, and 1.5 mile run time.
Your weight will be taken at time of testing.
METS will be calculated on this calculator here. This calculator is best used on a computer, not a phone.
Video:
MET calculator video