Just passed my cpat today!!! Definitely workout on legs and go to the practices. My first try around i couldn’t even finish the stairs! Keep working, you’ll surprise yourself.
@@privateprivate4315 i did several leg training and kept myself pretty well hydrated. There’s workouts here on TH-cam that can help build endurance/ Stamina specific to the Cpat.
Passed today with a minute to spare. 5'10 & 150lbs. Don't skip leg day! Those stairs will ruin your entire test if you're not ready for them. My thighs were dying by the end. Stairs will ruin you if you're not prepared, and the 165lb dummy and breach/pull are super leg heavy as well, RIGHT AT THE END! Definitely take the orientations and practice exams. I struggled with the sledge, but got it down from 22 hits to 8 by learning how to do it right and practicing with the equipment. This test is not easy, and anyone saying it is likely is already in great physical shape. There were plenty of bigger guys than myself who didn't have the conditioning for it. Give yourself plenty of time to get in shape and nail it. Good luck!
@@vugibsonCalifornia, I found your videos while doing research on the exam to prepare myself for the events and to see how the events were done by a living person.
Very helpful having the video at a different view point then most other videos be recorded with cellphones. Gave a complete walk through for beginning to end.
Just passed my test here in Dallas. I’m very fit and it was still quite intense. The stairmaster is the most difficult part. I’d say definitely go to the practice sessions, go jog, train legs and you’ll be fine. A lot of it is mental too, but you got it.
Thank you for the advice on this test. I struggled previously with the victim rescue but I think moving him to the sitting position really helped. I passed this morning with over a minute improvement on my time.
I was disqualified my first time for shouldering "too much slack" on the hose drag. Make sure you follow your department's standarts to the T. Because even though this is a national test.... certain departments will add extra steps to make it harder. Its frustrating but being fit is just one half of the test.
Correct. With our future tips and tricks videos, this will be highlighted: make sure to ask questions to the staff at your testing facility. Different facilities and staff interpret these rules differently.
Hi great video! I just took the Fire CPAT for the first time ever. I’m an out of state candidate so didn’t have the luxury to attend mentor/practice days so I took my first attempt of the 3 given after orientation. I made it to event 8 and was about to start my 3rd set when I ran out of time. I didn’t have issues getting through any event and have good strength from lifting already. Would you say I just need to get my stamina up and walk faster in between events? I got no warnings during entire test and no actual event made me think it was hard. However the walking in between events I do remember thinking in my head I’m more winded than I thought I’d be. Thanks for the help!!
If you made it that far, with only 2 more sets remaining, on your first attempt, that is a very promising start. Fairly often we get candidates who had the same problem at another facility; we then show them how fast to walk and typically they shave off 50-60 seconds. My suggestion is to time yourself on how to walk 85 feet in the 18-20 second range (mark it off yourself or wait until your next attempt and ask to time yourself on the course). You should also see improvement in your next attempt simply with familiarity with the course and the test. In our observations, typically the first is the worst. In subsequent attempts, candidates move with more confidence and therefore proceed more quickly. Also, we have gotten GREAT feedback on our breathing video, available on the channel. Sounds like you're on the right track with your prep plan and good luck with the next attempt (I'm betting you pass quite easily, barring any technical mistakes). Quick question: in which state are you testing?
@@vugibson I appreciate the fast response! I live in Miami FL, but I’m testing in Georgia. My 2nd test date is October 4th so I bought a 60 pound jacket and I’ve been doing a CPAT practice workout I’ve found on TH-cam. I really been focusing on and emphasizing on speed walking and hustling between workouts. So I’ll definitely take up your suggestion starting today on timing my walks for 85 feet. And I actually saw your guys breathing video and was incorporating it yesterday during my workout. Thank you!!
@@garrettculp8943 Couple more questions: 1. Was the breathing video helpful? 2. If you live in Miami, why not testing in Florida? To my knowledge, FL has by far the most licensed sites.
@@vugibson 1. The breathing video was helpful, also I believe you guys had touch on keeping your anxiety, nerves and adrenaline down cause you’ll get gassed out quicker into the test. Never having even attempted it as a practice before let alone an official attempt my adrenaline was going pretty hardcore. So now that I ran through an official test attempt, knowing how it is and experience I’m confident I’ll easily be able to keep calm before starting my next attempt. 2. Great question. So Georgia emailed me 4 days before orientation and test attempt. They offer you 3 official attempts before suspending your application for 6 months. Since I already made to long drive out there I figured I might as well use my first attempt that day. As I said in previous post I made it to event 8 just about to start set 3 when I timed out. I weekly do weight lifting but more on the heavier side and I do cardio but a fast 1.5 mile. So I’m sure being in physical shape and a regular workout routine is why I made it so far 1st try ever. Before the exam the captain ask who lifts weights and who does cardio and then laughed and told us that’s not gonna help you on this course. Which after the live ran I did I understand what she meant lol. Seemed to me to be more CrossFit training based and having high stamina. So to officially answer your 2nd question now, unless I’m looking up the info wrong for CPAT testing in Miami, the only ones I find is if your currently being processed by Florida fire fighter? I do have a big square backyard and was able to set up my own course simulating the exam. I even have a mini stair stepper box. 3. After the test my proctor told me I needed to walk faster between events. So I honestly do think if I just keep practicing it this next month, if I can just get my stamina up on stair master where afterwards it feels like nothing and really power walk fast as possible between events I’ll be good. So I plan on today taking up your advice with the timing my walks
@@garrettculp8943 For most guys, as long as they can get passed the stair mill and still be able to walk/breathe, they should be fine; it really is all "legs and lungs." For female candidates, I have noticed very positive outcomes with those who crossfit.
Hello, I want to improve my fitness because I will be a firefighter. What are the training tips for me as a firefighter? How many weights do you use in your training and what are the standards approved by you? Thank you.
It’s really different for every person. Some people have great cardio and need to work on building strength, and others are strong as an ox but get so winded they will struggle with the cardio. So it all depends
To be clear, Event 8 requires 4 sets of the following: 3 pushes (all the way up/down) and 5 pulls (all the way up/down). I re-watched that portion of the video, and I'm guessing that your question is in reference to the following sentence that appears in the video: "In this following set he completes 5 reps instead of 3" (around the 11:15 mark in the video). We could have made this clearer - what was meant was the candidate completed 5 reps of pushes when he only needed to complete the required 3. Since he did really well on his time, the fact he performed extra reps did not hurt his test outcome. If a candidate is pressed for time, doing extra reps could cause a candidate to fail.
Candidates are wearing 75lbs during the Stair Climb. 50lb weight vest + two, 12.5lb weight sleeves; one sleeve (red) is placed on each shoulder, and they are secured by large velcro strips. After the completion of the Stair Climb, proctors remove the weight sleeves from the candidate's shoulders. For the remainder of the test, the candidate is only wearing the 50lb vest.
At this facility, during our orientation we recommend to our candidates that they walk between events at a minimum pace of 18 seconds. In this video, the candidate's pace was very good, particularly the first two walking paths (yellow and blue lines), which were 16 and 14 seconds, respectively. Quick question: which event concerns you the most?
Running out of time. I have the strength to do each event and have gotten past the stair climb. It’s getting it done in the 10:20 that I’m having trouble with.
Do you allow people to come in and practice on this course? I am a VU Alumni and would love to use this course as an opportunity to practice this test and my physical ability.
The 12:18 mark in the video (test result) is the time marker into this video, not the actual test performance. In this video, there is over 150 seconds of freeze framing text. The actual performance time is probably around 9 minutes, well below the 10:20 requirement.
Just passed my cpat today!!! Definitely workout on legs and go to the practices. My first try around i couldn’t even finish the stairs! Keep working, you’ll surprise yourself.
Good to know. I failed the stairs as well. What did you do to prepare?
@@privateprivate4315 i did several leg training and kept myself pretty well hydrated. There’s workouts here on TH-cam that can help build endurance/ Stamina specific to the Cpat.
@@kevinsaenz9384 Thank you!
Congratulations, sir.
Passed today with a minute to spare. 5'10 & 150lbs. Don't skip leg day! Those stairs will ruin your entire test if you're not ready for them. My thighs were dying by the end. Stairs will ruin you if you're not prepared, and the 165lb dummy and breach/pull are super leg heavy as well, RIGHT AT THE END!
Definitely take the orientations and practice exams. I struggled with the sledge, but got it down from 22 hits to 8 by learning how to do it right and practicing with the equipment.
This test is not easy, and anyone saying it is likely is already in great physical shape. There were plenty of bigger guys than myself who didn't have the conditioning for it. Give yourself plenty of time to get in shape and nail it. Good luck!
Congratulations and we agree with your suggestions. In which state did you test?
@@vugibsonCalifornia, I found your videos while doing research on the exam to prepare myself for the events and to see how the events were done by a living person.
@@24YOA Congratulations on your test. I hope the videos were of some use. Good luck moving forward.
I do leg day the hardest at the gym
Very helpful having the video at a different view point then most other videos be recorded with cellphones. Gave a complete walk through for beginning to end.
Congratulations on your test performance. Excellent job, and good luck with your applications.
Just passed my test here in Dallas. I’m very fit and it was still quite intense. The stairmaster is the most difficult part. I’d say definitely go to the practice sessions, go jog, train legs and you’ll be fine. A lot of it is mental too, but you got it.
Congratulations on your test. Good luck moving forward.
Great and helpful videos with many good tips and tricks.
Glad you found it helpful.
I’m doing my 4th try tomorrow. Wish me luck. Those darn stairs.
How did the test go today?
Good overall coverage of the CPAT and what it entails. Solid course too
Congratulations on your test performance. Good luck with your application.
Just did mine today and this was helpful! Thanks
Happy to hear it was helpful. Congratulations on your performance.
@@vugibson I got a 10:01 with minimal training but I actually want to push myself going forward for the academy. (if i make it)
@@matthewhenderson7961 Congratulations and good luck on the next step.
Every realistic to the test. Great overall video. They include all the events that you do when testing.
Congratulations on your test performance. Very impressive.
10/10 would recommend this place to anyone!! Outstanding people/instructor. Very well organized, wasn’t blindsided by anything.
Congratulations on your test performance. Good luck moving forward.
Thank you for the advice on this test. I struggled previously with the victim rescue but I think moving him to the sitting position really helped. I passed this morning with over a minute improvement on my time.
Congratulations on the test performance. We are delighted to have provided some useful assistance. Good luck on the rest of your process.
Just curious - in which state did you test?
@@vugibson Thank you, I tested in Kansas.
@@DahZombieNog Again, congratulations and good luck moving forward.
These are awesome videos! Great insight into the program and what to expect
Glad you like them!
Great video. Helpful instructions and tips.
Thank you for the feedback. Glad the video was helpful.
About to take my CPAT this was really helpful.
Just curious where you are testing?
This helps a ton! Thanks for sharing this info!
Congratulations on your test. We wish you luck in your application process.
Just passed with 2:21 left, hydration and breathing are key!
Congratulations, and good luck moving forward.
Cap
I was disqualified my first time for shouldering "too much slack" on the hose drag. Make sure you follow your department's standarts to the T. Because even though this is a national test.... certain departments will add extra steps to make it harder. Its frustrating but being fit is just one half of the test.
Correct. With our future tips and tricks videos, this will be highlighted: make sure to ask questions to the staff at your testing facility. Different facilities and staff interpret these rules differently.
Hi great video! I just took the Fire CPAT for the first time ever. I’m an out of state candidate so didn’t have the luxury to attend mentor/practice days so I took my first attempt of the 3 given after orientation. I made it to event 8 and was about to start my 3rd set when I ran out of time. I didn’t have issues getting through any event and have good strength from lifting already. Would you say I just need to get my stamina up and walk faster in between events? I got no warnings during entire test and no actual event made me think it was hard. However the walking in between events I do remember thinking in my head I’m more winded than I thought I’d be. Thanks for the help!!
If you made it that far, with only 2 more sets remaining, on your first attempt, that is a very promising start. Fairly often we get candidates who had the same problem at another facility; we then show them how fast to walk and typically they shave off 50-60 seconds. My suggestion is to time yourself on how to walk 85 feet in the
18-20 second range (mark it off yourself or wait until your next attempt and ask to time yourself on the course). You should also see improvement in your next attempt simply with familiarity with the course and the test. In our observations, typically the first is the worst. In subsequent attempts, candidates move with more confidence and therefore proceed more quickly. Also, we have gotten GREAT feedback on our breathing video, available on the channel.
Sounds like you're on the right track with your prep plan and good luck with the next attempt (I'm betting you pass quite easily, barring any technical mistakes).
Quick question: in which state are you testing?
@@vugibson I appreciate the fast response! I live in Miami FL, but I’m testing in Georgia.
My 2nd test date is October 4th so I bought a 60 pound jacket and I’ve been doing a CPAT practice workout I’ve found on TH-cam. I really been focusing on and emphasizing on speed walking and hustling between workouts. So I’ll definitely take up your suggestion starting today on timing my walks for 85 feet. And I actually saw your guys breathing video and was incorporating it yesterday during my workout. Thank you!!
@@garrettculp8943 Couple more questions:
1. Was the breathing video helpful?
2. If you live in Miami, why not testing in Florida? To my knowledge, FL has by far the most licensed sites.
@@vugibson
1. The breathing video was helpful, also I believe you guys had touch on keeping your anxiety, nerves and adrenaline down cause you’ll get gassed out quicker into the test. Never having even attempted it as a practice before let alone an official attempt my adrenaline was going pretty hardcore. So now that I ran through an official test attempt, knowing how it is and experience I’m confident I’ll easily be able to keep calm before starting my next attempt.
2. Great question. So Georgia emailed me 4 days before orientation and test attempt. They offer you 3 official attempts before suspending your application for 6 months. Since I already made to long drive out there I figured I might as well use my first attempt that day. As I said in previous post I made it to event 8 just about to start set 3 when I timed out. I weekly do weight lifting but more on the heavier side and I do cardio but a fast 1.5 mile. So I’m sure being in physical shape and a regular workout routine is why I made it so far 1st try ever. Before the exam the captain ask who lifts weights and who does cardio and then laughed and told us that’s not gonna help you on this course. Which after the live ran I did I understand what she meant lol. Seemed to me to be more CrossFit training based and having high stamina.
So to officially answer your 2nd question now, unless I’m looking up the info wrong for CPAT testing in Miami, the only ones I find is if your currently being processed by Florida fire fighter? I do have a big square backyard and was able to set up my own course simulating the exam. I even have a mini stair stepper box.
3. After the test my proctor told me I needed to walk faster between events. So I honestly do think if I just keep practicing it this next month, if I can just get my stamina up on stair master where afterwards it feels like nothing and really power walk fast as possible between events I’ll be good. So I plan on today taking up your advice with the timing my walks
@@garrettculp8943 For most guys, as long as they can get passed the stair mill and still be able to walk/breathe, they should be fine; it really is all "legs and lungs." For female candidates, I have noticed very positive outcomes with those who crossfit.
Hello, I want to improve my fitness because I will be a firefighter. What are the training tips for me as a firefighter? How many weights do you use in your training and what are the standards approved by you? Thank you.
It’s really different for every person. Some people have great cardio and need to work on building strength, and others are strong as an ox but get so winded they will struggle with the cardio. So it all depends
I thought the last event consisted of 3 pushes and 5 pulls for 4 sets. In your video you state the candidate should’ve done 3 pulls instead of 5.
To be clear, Event 8 requires 4 sets of the following: 3 pushes (all the way up/down) and 5 pulls (all the way up/down).
I re-watched that portion of the video, and I'm guessing that your question is in reference to the following sentence that appears in the video: "In this following set he completes 5 reps instead of 3" (around the 11:15 mark in the video).
We could have made this clearer - what was meant was the candidate completed 5 reps of pushes when he only needed to complete the required 3. Since he did really well on his time, the fact he performed extra reps did not hurt his test outcome. If a candidate is pressed for time, doing extra reps could cause a candidate to fail.
@@vugibson Oh okay, Thanks for the clarification.
@@ryanpudwill9773 Happy to help and thanks for the question.
This is with the 75 lb vest correct ? And when he is off of the stairs they lower it to what weight ?
Candidates are wearing 75lbs during the Stair Climb. 50lb weight vest + two, 12.5lb weight sleeves; one sleeve (red) is placed on each shoulder, and they are secured by large velcro strips.
After the completion of the Stair Climb, proctors remove the weight sleeves from the candidate's shoulders. For the remainder of the test, the candidate is only wearing the 50lb vest.
any idea how much resistance is in the breach and pull task?
There should be 60lbs of force on the push; 80lbs on the pull.
What was his overall time? Trying to see what pace I need to keep at and on average how long I should be at each station
I believe the overall score was approximately 9:19.
At this facility, during our orientation we recommend to our candidates that they walk between events at a minimum pace of 18 seconds. In this video, the candidate's pace was very good, particularly the first two walking paths (yellow and blue lines), which were 16 and 14 seconds, respectively.
Quick question: which event concerns you the most?
Running out of time. I have the strength to do each event and have gotten past the stair climb. It’s getting it done in the 10:20 that I’m having trouble with.
My biggest concern is the dummy drag. I run outta steam by the time I get there.
@@kimwilmington6995 , please email me at cwhitaker@vinu.edu; I might have some additional material to assist you.
Do you allow people to come in and practice on this course? I am a VU Alumni and would love to use this course as an opportunity to practice this test and my physical ability.
Might be possible. Call 812-888-2871 for further questions.
How was this a Pass at 12.18?
The 12:18 mark in the video (test result) is the time marker into this video, not the actual test performance. In this video, there is over 150 seconds of freeze framing text. The actual performance time is probably around 9 minutes, well below the 10:20 requirement.