Frequently Asked Questions

The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is conducted to determine a candidate’s ability to physically perform duties commonly required of a Firefighter. The applicant must successfully complete the entire (CPAT) course in a minimum of 10 minutes, 20 seconds. The Candidate Physical Ability Test course is comprised of the following physical simulations:

1. Stair Climb - The candidate will “climb steps” on a Stairmaster Stepmill at 60 steps per minute for 3 minutes and 20 seconds while wearing a 75 pound vest simulating a high rise pack. Upon completion of Stair Climb 25 pounds of weight is removed from the vest. The 50-pound vest will be worn throughout the remainder of the test.
2. Hose Drag - Using a 1 ¾” uncharged hose line, the candidate will drag or pull the hose, drop to at least one knee and then pull the hose-line 50’ hand over hand toward them.
3. Equipment Carry - During this exercise the candidate simulates removing equipment from a fire rig by carrying a K-12 and a chainsaw 75 feet then placing them back on the rig.
4. Ladder Raise and Extension - This event uses two, 24-foot ground ladders and is designed to simulate the critical tasks of placing a ground ladder at a fire structure and extending the ladder to the roof or window.
5. Forcible Entry - The candidate uses a mechanized device located 39 inches off the ground that measures cumulative force when hit with a ten-pound sledgehammer. The candidate will hit the device until a buzzer is activated.
6. Search - This event uses an enclosed search maze that has obstacles and narrow spaces. The tunnel is three feet high, four feet wide and 64 feet long. The maze includes two 90-degree turns.
7. Rescue - The candidate must drag a 165-pound dummy with shoulder straps 35 feet around a 55- gallon drum and back.
8. Ceiling Breach and Pull - This event uses a mechanized device that measures overhead push and pull forces using a pike pole. The candidate must push a 60 pound hinged door and pull an 80-pound force.

Following the completion of the CPAT test, candidates are notified of the next part of the hiring process, the Oral Review Board.

Candidates will be notified immediately after the test if they passed or failed.

Visit www.JoinOKCFire.com. The entire process is outlined there.

Candidates will be notified about the written test through their Oracle accounts.

Being late or not attending your assigned test time will eliminate you from the process. Once an application is submitted, the applicant must attend the assigned test date. If you are not sure you will be able to attend the stated date it is recommended that you apply during a month in which you know you will be available.

Candidates will be notified about the time and location of the written test through their Oracle accounts.

Candidates will participate in a FIRETEAM test. This test is comprised of four parts to include human relations, mechanical aptitude, reading, and math. For more information about the written test, visit (hyperlink to come).

Typically you are allowed approximately three hours to take the test. If you finish early you are allowed to leave.

An applicant's score is good for the hiring cycle. An applicant may apply once during that period unless otherwise noted.

Candidates will be notified through their Oracle accounts whether they will proceed to the next step of the hiring process.

CPAT Orientation is conducted a minimum of eight weeks prior to the actual CPAT test. CPAT Orientation allows applicants the opportunity to receive a CPAT Orientation Booklet, view the CPAT presentation video and obtain hands on experience using course equipment. Fitness Coordinators are present to provide training and preparation tips. During the orientation session applicants are given the opportunity to accept or decline one or both of the future CPAT practice session. Practice sessions are conducted within 30 days of the actual CPAT test.

Testing is conducted at the City of Oklahoma City Municipal Maintenance Facility at 3738 SW 15th St., Training Building #3.

The highest scoring applicants who pass the CPAT will be contacted to attend the Oral Review Board. Each candidate will be interviewed by a series of oral review board panels. Each panel is made up of a group of interviewers who will individually assess each candidate based on their verbal response to a series of questions.

The overall Oral Review Board score is considered with the written examination score in determining the eligibility list and possible applicant finalists.

Each candidate selected as a possible finalist will be required to complete a polygraph. Additionally, a criminal records check and employment work references are conducted.

A fire fighter recruit completes a training program conducted by the Oklahoma City Fire Training Center, where he or she learns how to fight fires and how to deliver emergency medical services. A typical Recruit Academy lasts between 16 and 18 weeks. In the Academy, there are many written and hands-on examinations that must be passed along with physical training and testing. After passing the Academy, the new fire fighter is assigned to a fire station and completes the one-year probationary period.

Yes, it is possible. Firefighter I and II are taught in recruit academy.

An applicant's score is good for a hiring cycle. An applicant may reapply after the position has reopened.

Employment will be contingent upon obtaining EMT-B certification during the one-year probationary period. Candidates who do not possess an EMT-B may have the class offered by the Oklahoma City Fire Department. Candidates possessing an EMT-B will be required to maintain their licenses.

Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 44 upon the first day of employment.

Applicants with felony convictions within the last ten years will not be considered for employment. Applicants with felony convictions older than ten years will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Approximately 16-18 weeks.

The number of positions available is determined by the staffing needs of the department.

Yes you can. When you do receive your transcript and/or diploma, forward it to us via email at FD-Recruitment@okc.gov.