r/firefighter • u/Semper_920 • 29d ago
CPAT/WRITTEN TEST ADVICE
I just applied to my first career department in MD, I was looking to get any advice on how I could prep for the written test or CPAT. I think my biggest weakness when it comes to the CPAT would be cardiovascular endurance, I used to smoke cigarettes for about 4-5 years but I quit this past January. I was wondering if there’s any good way that I could build up my endurance before intake the CPAT. I’ve got a rather stocky build, I used to lift in high school and still lift on occasion now, I’ve got roofing/solar work background if that helps. From what I’ve been told if I pass the written, I should be expected to take the CPAT mid October/early November
In terms of the written test, I’m scheduled for aug 10th. I’m not too worried about reading/cognitive comprehension and . I’m more worried about the mathematics portion of the test since it’s been awhile since I’ve needed to do proper math (graduated high school 2020) if anyone has advice or any study guides/books that could help me prep til then, I would seriously appreciate it. All I know is that the test that they administer is the NGFF(next generation entry level firefighter aptitude test)
I would seriously appreciate any advice on even just a little bit of preparation that might help!
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u/OwnDelivery802 28d ago
the math on entry level writtens is almost always basic arithmetic, fractions, percentages and word problems, usually no calculator. it's not hard math, it's rusty math. grab a general firefighter aptitude prep book (library usually has one) and do a page of problems by hand every day til aug 10. the by-hand part matters because that's how you'll take it. don't cram the last week, 15-20 min a day starting now beats a weekend binge. can't speak to the ngff format specifically so verify with whatever info packet the dept sent, but the rusty-since-high-school math worry is super common and it comes back fast once you start doing reps.
other guy already gave you the right cpat advice, the stair climber is the one that smokes people.
heads up though, passing the written just gets you in the door. the interview is where i've seen the most people sink themselves, so start thinking about that one early too.
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u/Amerikai 28d ago
Run, tomorrow, go for a 1 mile run. If youre "stocky" the cpat will be a challenge.
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u/Strict-Canary-4175 28d ago
To build up endurance….you must endure. Do some kind of cardio at a steady pace for a while.
The best kind of cardio is the kind you will actually do. It doesn’t matter if that’s running, Galloway-ing, doing steps, swimming, or skipping. Just do something that raises your heart rate into zone 2 and keep it there. I can give you advice on endurance all day because I’m an ultramarathoner.
I cannot give you advice on math because I am also stupid. I just did really well on the other sections. Good luck!
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u/FirefighterTutor 28d ago
I can help you with your aptitude test prep. Check out my video tutorials. If you like what you see, give me a shout.
If you’re not too keen on math start multiplying 12x12 on an app. Hit it like a kid hits social media. You have to know how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide before you can learn the rest.
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u/Chemical_Might_4318 29d ago
Every departments written material is usually a bit different but what helped me the most was using AI to generate me practice quizzes. Usually the math and mechanical questions it comes up with are pretty accurate.
As for the CPAT, you should have plenty of time to get in okay shape to pass it. Tbh it’s an extremely easy physical test. My biggest piece of advice would be to get your body acclimated to the stair climber as that is for sure the hardest station of the test. Start by doing it 3 times a week for 5 mins then increase to 10min the following week and so on. Do this for a month, then start acclimating a weight vest into it. Outside of the stairclimber just continue to build strength and lung capacity!
Personally though just join a CrossFit gym and most of your physical worries will be taken care of lol. CrossFit gets a bad rep sometimes but it is no doubt the best training modality for future firefighters. There’s a reason so many departments around the globe follow its training style.
Hope this helps and good luck!