The Firefighter Physical Fitness Test
(FPFT)
Validated. Scalable. Built for the fireground.
A modern, job-relevant standard to raise the bar
for candidate selection and firefighter readiness.
for candidate selection and firefighter readiness.
Why We Built the FPFT
Firefighting is the most physically demanding job in the U.S.—yet most departments still rely on outdated tests that miss key performance traits.
CPAT and 1.5-mile runs don’t tell the full story.
They fail to measure Strength, Power, Trunk stability, Work Capacity, and the ability to Recover on the move.
The FPFT was built by firefighters to find what really matters on the job—and to reduce preventable injuries on the fireground.
DEADLIFT
195 lbs for 7–15 reps in 1 minute
Tests: Lower body strength, trunk stability
Why it matters: Simulates lifting civilians, gear, equipment
PUSH-UPS
30–75 in 2 minutes
Tests: Upper-body muscular endurance
Why it matters: Supports hose advancement, ladder raises, and more
SPRINT-DRAG-CARRY
Timed: 1:20–2:15
Tests: Anaerobic capacity, agility, grip
Why it matters: Simulates fireground urgency — drag, carry, sprint
PLANK HOLD
Hold for 1:20–2:30
Tests: Trunk/core strength, endurance
Why it matters: Reduces injury risk, supports all movement under load
1.5-MILE RUN
Complete in 13:00 or less
Tests: Aerobic capacity, recovery
Why it matters: Critical for sustained effort on long incidents
Why the FPFT Works
The FPFT is more than a test — it’s a smarter, more complete approach to candidate selection and firefighter readiness.
✓ Independent 3rd-Party Validation
✓ Built on science, modeled after the Army Combat Fitness Test
✓ Reduces preventable injuries in the academy
✓ No specialized equipment — just real, accessible movements
✓ Pass/fail scoring with performance tiers for data-driven decisions
FPFT
✅ Uses accessible gym equipment
✅ Measures core stability + recovery
✅ Built on validated performance science
✅ Clear pass/fail + performance scoring
✅ Easy to replicate across departments
✅ Reduces academy injury rates
CPAT
❌ Requires specialized, expensive equipment
❌ Ignores core stability + trunk strength
❌ Outdated as a true readiness measurement
❌ Pass/fail only — no objective data
❌ Accessibility - difficult to train for
❌ Doesn't predict training risk or injury potential
Who Created the FPFT — and Why It Matters
The FPFT was developed by Firefighters Eric Haskins of Nampa Fire in collaboration with Jesse Clark and Shawn Cope of Boise Fire.
Modeled after the U.S. Army Combat Fitness Test and validated through third-party research, the FPFT was designed to better reflect the demands of the fireground — and to reduce injuries during academy training.
In 2024, the Boise Fire Department officially adopted the FPFT as part of their hiring process.
Other departments are now following their lead.
The Future of Firefighter Fitness Testing
The FPFT isn’t just a better way to assess candidates — it’s the foundation for a smarter, stronger fire service.
As more departments adopt the FPFT,
we see a future where physical readiness isn’t tested once and forgotten — it’s reinforced throughout a firefighter’s career.
🔥 Annual fitness assessments
🔥 Promotion benchmarks
🔥 Ongoing performance baselines
Just like tactical skills, fitness must be maintained and measured.
The FPFT provides the standard we’ve needed — and now, it’s here.
Participating departments
-
![Boise Fire]()
Boise fire
-
![Eagle Fire]()
Eagle Fire
-
![Meridian Fire]()
Meridian Fire
-
![Caldwell Fire]()
Caldwell Fire
Ready to Bring the FPFT to Your Department?
The Firefighter Physical Fitness Test is more than a test — it’s the new standard for candidate selection.
The FPFT is an independent 3rd-Party Validated Test.
To officially adopt the FPFT for your Fire Department your Department/Agency must complete the Validation process.
Fill out the card below to begin that process.
coming soon…
The FPFT
Manual
Everything you need to know about the FPFT from Standards, Scoring, to Event flow and how to run the FPFT.
the FPFT Scorecard
Scorecard with event descriptions, standards, and scoring to assist evaluators on test day.
the fpft
training program
A periodized training program designed specifically for the FPFT. Whether you are a future candidate looking to crush your test or a seasoned vet looking to maintain your readiness, this is your program.