Fitness Tests

Being a Firefighter requires skill and physical fitness. As part of the recruitment process, you will need to pass a series of physical tests to show that you have the required level of fitness to be a firefighter.

Bleep test

The first test you’ll take part in is a 20 metre bleep test. The minimum pass mark is level 8.8. The best way to train for the bleep test is to keep practising it using a bleep test app. Make sure you can go above level 8.8 to give you the best chance of passing this test.

National Firefighter Selection Tests

National Firefighter Selection Tests are a series of physical tests which you have to pass first time. On the day, you’ll be briefed on what to expect and what you need to do to pass. The trainers will also give you a health and safety briefing to make sure you carry out these tests safely. You’ll be given personal protective equipment (PPE), a numbered bib and a scorecard.

Ladder lift

This is a test of your upper and lower body strength and coordination. You will need to raise the bar of a ladder lift simulator weighing 30kg (4 stone) to the height of a fire engine (182cm). 

Ladder climb

You'll be tested on your confidence and ability to follow instructions. You will be required to climb a 13.5m (45 foot) ladder to a specific point, two thirds of the full working height, take a leg lock, remove your hands from the ladder, look down to the assessor below where you will be asked to identify a symbol.

Breathing apparatus crawl

You will be tested on your confidence and agility, and to identify any claustrophobic tendencies. Wearing a breathing apparatus mask, you will negotiate a crawl with and without obscured vision. You'll need to successfully complete the course within a set time.

 

Casualty drag

You will be tested on your upper and lower body strength and coordination. You will need to drag a 55kg (8 stone) dummy backwards around a 30m (100 foot) course around four cones within a set time.

Manual dexterity

This is a physical test of manual dexterity. You must assemble some typical fire service equipment within a set time and while wearing fire gear.

Equipment carry

This physically tests your aerobic fitness, stamina, upper and lower body strength and coordination.

You will need to carry items of equipment over a 25 metre (82 foot) course around two cones within a set time. This is not a test of memory as the safety officer will remind you of the sequence of events.

The equipment will be made up of a hose reel tubing on a drum, three coiled 70mm soft suction hoses, one 100mm hard suction hose and suction strainer in a basket and one 33kg (5 stone) barbell.