Fire Department

Effective January 1, 2001, the Portland Fire Department has adopted the Candidate Physical Ability Test® developed by the International Association of Fire Fighters and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Candidates for firefighter and paramedic firefighter positions will be subjected to this test. The CPAT consists of simulated firefighting tasks that must be completed in less than ten minutes and 20 seconds. It is a pass/fail test. A higher score is not achieved by completing it in less time.

A guide to the testing process and how to prepare for the test are being printed. These guides will soon be available from this site.

Orientation and practice sessions will be held at least eight weeks before any test is given. At these sessions a video describing the test is shown and the test course and equipment are available for candidates to practice with. Candidates will have an opportunity to take a practice test if they wish.

Although subject to change because of hiring needs, presently it is anticipated that the orientation sessions will be held in the late Spring and an actual test in the late Summer. While this schedule is tentative, there will always be an orientation session held no sooner than eight weeks before the real test.

For further information or questions please contact Captain John A. Cannon, Engine Company 11, 207-874-8424 or e-mail: jac@portlandmaine.gov

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