The physical tests are designed to assess your fitness,
strength, stamina, co-ordination, dexterity, and ability to
understand and apply information. The tests also look at your
ability to work at heights and in darkened confined spaces.
All the tests are relevant to the role of a firefighter.
Casualty evacuation test
This test is designed to assess upper and lower body strength
and co-ordination. Within a time limit, you will drag a 55kg dummy
backwards around a 30m course at walking pace using a carrying
handle fixed to the dummy.
Enclosed space test
Designed to assess confidence, agility and
stamina. Wearing a breathing apparatus set and face mask, you
will make your way halfway through a crawlway with unobscured
vision. Once inside you will have your vision obscured and
have to return to the start, performing tasks on the way
as instructed. This is all within a time limit.
Equipment assembly test
This test assesses manual dexterity. Within a time limit, you
will assemble and disassemble a number of components to make
a piece of equipment, following a series of diagrams. You will be
given a demonstration of the test beforehand.
Equipment carry test
This is designed to assess aerobic fitness, stamina, upper and
lower body strength and co-ordination. Within a time limit, you
will carry various items of fire and rescue service equipment up
and down a course between two cones placed 25m apart. You will be
given demonstrations on correct lifting techniques and have the
opportunity to practice picking up the items beforehand.
Ladder climb test
This test assesses your confidence and co-ordination at
heights. Within a time limit, you will climb a 13.5m ladder and
carry out a number of tasks. You will be given the opportunity to
practice at ground level before ascending two thirds of the
way up, carrying out selected tasks as instructed, before
descending correctly. A full safety harness is worn during
this test.
Ladder lift test
Testing upper and lower body strength and co-ordination. Within
a time limit you will raise the bar of a ladder lift simulator to
the required height, with 15kg of weight placed on the simulator
cradle, and then lower it safely under control.
General exercise guidance is available in the: Firefit Steering Groups' guidance on
Physical Training Preparation for National Firefighter Selection
Tests (PDF 1480kb, opens in a new window)