Harper College will be closed Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day.
Prior to making any decision regarding a career in fire science, individuals should be fully aware of the legal requirements and hiring standards established in the State of Illinois. Illinois law requires that firefighter selection be based on merit. As a result, most fire departments use a combination of written testing, the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), psychological testing, and drug screening as part of their hiring process.
A key component of this process is the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), a standardized physical exam required by most Illinois fire departments. The CPAT measures a candidate’s ability to perform critical firefighting tasks under timed conditions, including stair climbs, hose drags, ladder raises, equipment carries, forcible entry simulations, search and rescue drills, and ceiling breaches. Successful completion of the CPAT demonstrates that an applicant possesses the strength, endurance, and stamina required for the demands of the fire service.
A physical ability test is used to identify candidates who meet the basic physical requirements for the job. The physical ability is a pass/fail test. A series of eight (8) physical tasks are performed. The tasks are determined by specific job requirements that are required of a firefighter on the fire-ground. Applicants will wear a helmet; gloves, and 50 pound vest. The test is timed and candidates must complete the course within the established time standard of 10 minutes and 20 seconds (10:20).
Applicants usually must be at least 21 years of age by the closing date of the recruitment period. Some volunteer fire departments allow applicants to be 18 years of age.
(NFPA Standard 1582) Far visual acuity shall be at least 20/30 binocular, corrected with contact lenses or spectacles. Far visual acuity uncorrected shall be at least 20/100 binocular for wearers of hard contacts or spectacles. Visual field performance without correction shall be 140 degrees in the horizontal meridian in each eye. Candidates who have had or intend to have ophthalmologic procedures such as radial keratotomy, or Lasik, will be subjected to the same standard.
Must possess a valid State Driver's License by hire date, and must have maintained a good driving record. A non-CDL class "B" license is normally required.
Psychological, polygraphs and medical evaluations - including drug testing - will required. A background check of your character and criminal records will be conducted.