The Firefighter Physical Fitness Test (FPFT)

Five events. A broader performance picture.

A firefighter-developed assessment of strength, muscular endurance, work capacity, and aerobic performance.

Why We Built the FPFT

Firefighters need more than one physical quality. The FPFT brings five events together to give coaches and evaluators a broader view of performance.

The events cover lifting, pushing, sprinting, dragging, carrying, trunk endurance, and running. Results can help identify training priorities and track progress under consistent conditions.

This overview is not a substitute for an agency’s approved selection procedures or medical clearance.

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 muscular endurance

Why it matters: Maintaining trunk position during sustained effort.

1.5-MILE RUN

Complete in 13:00 or less

Tests: Aerobic capacity, recovery

Why it matters: Critical for sustained effort on long incidents

What the FPFT Measures

The five-event format captures several aspects of physical performance in one assessment.

• Strength and muscular endurance
• Sprint, drag, and carry performance
• Trunk endurance
• Aerobic running performance
• Event scores that can inform training priorities

A test result does not, by itself, establish medical fitness, predict an individual’s injury risk, or guarantee fireground performance.

For Athletes

Confirm your department’s current event instructions and scoring before preparing for a test.

Practice the required movements and use consistent conditions when comparing results.

The ranges on this page are an overview. Your agency’s approved protocol governs test day.

For Departments

Before adopting the FPFT, review the validation evidence, intended population, administration requirements, and scoring with the validation provider.

Ask how the evidence applies to your agency and intended use. Similar movements in another assessment do not automatically validate a new test or cutoff.

Who Created the FPFT — and Why It Matters

The FPFT was developed by Eric Haskins of Nampa Fire in collaboration with Jesse Clark and Shawn Cope of Boise Fire.

The format was modeled after elements of the U.S. Army Combat Fitness Test. Its use as a firefighter selection assessment requires its own evidence and agency-specific review.

For the third-party validation report, study population, methods, and adoption requirements, contact the validation provider listed below.

Make Assessment Useful

The value of testing comes from what happens next: identifying a training priority, following a plan, and reassessing under consistent conditions.

For ongoing fitness development, pair results with coaching and the department’s wellness and medical processes.

Any use in hiring, promotion, or employment decisions should follow the agency’s approved procedures and the evidence for that specific use.

Participating departments

Boise fire
Eagle Fire
Meridian Fire
Caldwell Fire

Ready to Bring the FPFT to Your Department?

Start with the evidence and implementation requirements.

Departments seeking to adopt the FPFT must complete the applicable validation process. Request the supporting report and confirm how it applies to your agency before using results in selection decisions.

This page does not provide the validation study or establish injury-reduction outcomes.

Looking for more information?

For questions about the 3rd-Party Validation process, data, and how to officially adopt The Firefighter Physical Fitness Test at your agency, contact Clinton Kelly at ckelly@iopredict.com

For questions about how Boise Fire has been successfully using The Firefighter Physical Fitness Test as part of their selection process, contact Jesse Clark, Captain, Boise Fire at forgingwellness208@gmail.com

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.