Tulsa Fire Department moves to new physical test in employment process

TULSA, Okla. — The Tulsa Fire Department (TFD) has updated their physical ability test for any candidate who wants to be a part of the department.

It’s a test of physical and mental strength, and it must be passed before candidates can move on to the interview portion of the process.

Up until January 2022, TFD did a candidate physical ability test of its own, but now the Oklahoma State Firefighter’s Pension Board requires every department in the state to align with these tests.

Tulsa Fire Chief of Staff Chad Miller said in a statement they are already seeing positive results.

He said in part, “We saw fewer issues with the cadets of this last class being able to perform physically.”

Furthermore, Miller said using the same measuring tool also helps with recruiting telling FOX23,  “If a candidate passes the CPAT while testing with another department, those results can be used to qualify for TFD as well.”

The tests consist of 8 exercises which all have to be completed within 10 minutes and 20 seconds.

It starts with a 3 minute and 20 second climb on the stair stepper with a 75 pound vest.

The candidate then takes off 25 pounds and does the rest of the assessment with a 50-pound vest.

The second exercise is a hose drag, followed by the equipment carry. Fourth is a ladder raise, fifth is the simulation of forcing your way into a building and sixth is a search maze. Seventh was a rescue drag and last a push-pull event.

FOX23 Evening Anchor Sara Whaley tested out the course, completing the course but with little time to spare.

She says it’s not easy to pass, the most difficult event for her was the maze as it was pitch black, and you are on your hands and knee climbing through obstacles.

Exercise specialist Nadar Nofal says it’s not intended to be easy saying, “You have to have a certain level of physical fitness for you to do most of if not all of the job.”

If you want to be a Tulsa Firefighter you can find more information here: https://www.cityoftulsa.org/TFDEmployment

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