In developing the physical agility test, the Morrisville Fire/Rescue Department has done its best to produce a fair assessment of physical abilities for applicants, as well as current employees. The goal of this test is to ensure all firefighters and firefighter applicants possess the physical abilities necessary to perform critical job-related tasks in a safe and effective manner.

Equipment and Attire During Physical Agility Test

Individuals are required to wear the following attire and equipment during the physical assessment:

• Long pants
• Footwear with no open heel or toe
• Athletic shirt (t-shirts okay, no tank tops or cut-offs)
• 50-pound approved weight vest (provided at test site), to simulate the weight of self-contained breathing apparatus and firefighter protective clothing
• An additional 12.5 pounds weight added to each shoulder, for a total of 25 pounds, during stair climb (provided at test site), to simulate the weight of a high-rise pack
• Utility or extrication gloves (provided at test site)
• Hard hat (provided at test site)

Description of Physical Agility Test

This physical agility test is designed to simulate the critical tasks of a firefighter. For an event-by-event description, follow the 'quick links' box in the upper-right portion of this page.  Approximately 85 feet has been designated between each event to allow for a mini recovery period prior to the next event. The 85 feet is marked on the pavement with arrows and you will also be guided by the proctor to ensure each participant stays on course. However, each of the eight events will be done consecutively without stopping and is designed to challenge aerobic capacity and muscular endurance. This is a timed assessment and will begin when starting the Stair Climb, and end following the last repetition of the Ceiling Breach and Pull. To ensure the highest level of safety, no running is allowed between events. However, participants may choose to run only during the hose drag event.

All of the listed equipment above must be worn during the assessment. In addition, each individual must complete the test within the prescribed period of 10 minutes and 20 seconds. If an individual has not completed all of the events in their entirety within the prescribed time period, the proctor will stop the individual and the assessment will be concluded. This constitutes a failure and the individual will be disqualified.

After all eight events have been completed in succession, the timer stops and the test is concluded. Your proctor will assist in removing the 50-pound weight vest, helmet, and gloves. Remember there are other individuals testing, so each participant will be advised where an appropriate rest and rehab area has been designated.

Event Descriptions

1 - Stair Climb
2 - Hose Drag
3 - Equipment Carry
4 - Ladder Raise and Extension
5 - Forcible Entry
6 - Search
7 - Rescue
8 - Ceiling Breach and Pull