CPAT
Paradise Valley Community College is a licensed Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) provider under the IAFF/IAFC Wellness Fitness Initiative (#LL-016). We put on CPAT testing twice each Fall and Spring semester, and as needed during the summer. For more information about the CPAT, future test dates, and frequently asked questions, please click on the respective area below.
IAFF/IAFC CPAT WEBSITE
CPAT PREPARATION GUIDE
CPAT ORIENTATION GUIDE
WHAT IS THE CPAT?
The IAFF/IAFC Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness/Fitness Initiative Candidate Physical Ability Test© consists of eight separate events. The CPAT is a sequence of events requiring the candidate to progress along a predetermined path from event to event in a continuous manner. This test was developed to allow fire departments a means for obtaining pools of trainable candidates who are physically able to perform essential job tasks at fire scenes.



CPAT TESTING DATES & INFORMATION
UPCOMING CPAT OFFERINGS
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Saturday, May 4, 2013 (Registration information below)
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FIRST TIME/EXPIRED CPAT SECTION
**Register for this section thru your student account at www.my.maricopa.edu, by phone registration at (602) 787-7000, or in person at Admissions & Records in the KSC Building on campus. You do not need approval for this section.
Semester: Spring 2013
Type: Non-Credit
Course Title: FITNESS 100-20087 (CPAT)
Class Number: 44138
Fee: $150.00 -
RENEWAL CPAT SECTION
**YOU MUST CONTACT THE FSC/EMT OFFICE AT (602) 787-6782 PRIOR TO REGISTERING FOR THIS SECTION!** Previous Official CPAT or FSC130 passing documentation within one year of above CPAT date must be provided & verified to receive approval to register under this section.
Semester: Spring 2013
Type: Non-Credit
Course Title: FITNESS 100-20087 (CPAT)
Class Number: 44139
Fee: $50.00
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FIRST TIME/EXPIRED CPAT SECTION
NOTE: If you've never taken a CPAT before, we highly recommend taking our 8-week CPAT class (FSC130) to become familar with the test, course layout, course events, and physical fitness needed to be successful. Please see the class schedule for CPAT class offerings (FSC130).
LOCATION
Phoenix College (north side of campus outside of the Public Service/EMT-Fire Science Building)
1202 W. Thomas Road
Phoenix, AZ 85013
Map
START TIME
CPAT testing begins at 8:00am. Please arrive 15-20 minutes early to complete necessary paperwork.
**NO APPOINTMENTS WILL BE TAKEN. IT IS MANDATORY FOR ALL TESTING TO ARRIVE AT THE LISTED START TIME**
FIRST-TIME CPAT
If you have not taken a CPAT with a Maricopa Community College, or if it has been over twelve (12) months since your last CPAT with a Maricopa Community College, the cost is $150.00.
RENEWAL CPAT
If you have taken a CPAT with a Maricopa Community College, and/or an FSC130 class, within the past 12 months, the cost is $50.00. **Documentation of passing CPAT required**
ORIENTATION & PRACTICE ATTEMPTS (OPTIONAL)
Two orientation sessions, the first held at eight (8) weeks prior to the scheduled CPAT, and the second at four (4) weeks prior, are available. Once orientation sessions are complete, two (2) timed practice attempts are available within 30 days prior to the scheduled CPAT. In order to participate in the orientation and practice attempts, you must register for FSC130. FSC130 is specifically designed to accomodate the orientation sessions, as well as the two practice attempts prior to taking the official CPAT on the last date of the class. Please see the class schedule for course offerings. The two orientation sessions and practice runs may be WAIVED. The candidate will be required to sign a waiver at the time of testing if the orientation & practice sessions are declined.
REGISTRATION
Register thru phone registration at (602) 787-7000, or in person through Admissions & Records in the KSC Building on campus. If you are registering for the "First Time/Expired CPAT" section you can register online at my.maricopa.edu thru your student account without having to contact the Fire Science office. If you are registering for the "Renewal CPAT" section, please contact the FSC/EMT Office at (602) 787-6782 before registering. **Documentation of an official passing CPAT, and/or FSC130 course, within one (1) year of the test date must be provided & verified to register for "Renewal" section only**
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are Spectators Allowed?
Spectators Are Not Allowed! Do not bring friends, family, children or pets. No spectators will be allowed past the entrance gate. A telephone will be available for local calls if candidates need to make arrangements to be picked up after the test.
When do I arrive?
Arrive 15-20 minutes before the scheduled test start time.
Do I need to bring identification?
You will be required to present a photo ID (drivers license, State ID, school ID, military ID, or federal passport or visa) at sign-in for the orientation and test. YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE WITHOUT PROPER IDENTIFICATION!
What do I wear?
Wear loose fitting clothes such as sweat pants or warm-ups (NO SHORTS!), tennis shoes, and a t-shirt. Jewelry is not allowed. All other equipment (hard hat, gloves, weight vest, etc.) will be provided. YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TAKE THE TEST WITHOUT THE PROPER CLOTHING.
What should I expect & prepare for?
Expect the testing process to take about 2 hours from the time of registration to exit. Hydrate the night before and the morning of your test prior to arrival! You should drink about a liter of water at least 90-120 minutes before you arrive. Water will be available on site.
Will I receive a CPAT card or certificate?
Starting May 1, 2011, the IAFF/IAFC allowed CPAT licensed providers to provide successful candidates with a verification card/certficate. Candidates who successfully pass the CPAT with PVCC will receive a CPAT verification card that is valid for up to one (1) year. In addition, your results will be uploaded into the IAFF/IAFC CPAT Database, and kept on record in the PVCC CPAT Database for up to one (1) year.
How do I get my CPAT results?
To have results forwarded to an agency, the agency must contact the PVCC FSC/EMT Office at (602) 787-6782 and request the results. The official test results are never distributed to the individual that tested. As stated in the question above, only a verification card stating a passing score was achieved will be given to the individual testing.
How long is my CPAT valid?
Usually, a CPAT is valid for 6-12 months. However, the length of validity varies by each fire department or agency. You must contact that fire department or agency to determine how long a CPAT is current for their hiring process.
What happens if I don’t pass the CPAT test?
You can retest at the next scheduled CPAT, however, you will be required to register for that CPAT and pay the registration fee again. For those who aren't successful in passing the CPAT, we highly recommend taking our 8-week CPAT class (FSC130) to better prepare yourself and become familar with the test, course layout, course events, and physical fitness needed to be successful. Please see the class schedule for CPAT class offerings (FSC130).
Can I receive a refund for my CPAT?
Due to the need for equipment maintenance and proctor scheduling, the registration fee is non-refundable. The only way to receive a refund for a CPAT through PVCC is to drop the course prior to the day of testing.




