Background
On August 4, 2011, the State of Illinois enacted Public Act 097-0251, which mandates new firefighter candidate physical ability test requirements. Candidates are now obligated to participate in a ladder climb exercise and demonstrate an ability to operate from heights.
The Ladder Climb Exercise
Candidates participating in the CPAT Test at NIPSTA have the opportunity to participate in a ladder climb exercise that conforms with the new State law. This exercise is not related to the CPAT, and will not impact a candidate's CPAT test result in any way. A certificate of completion will be issued to those who successfully complete the exercise.
The ladder climb exercise at NIPSTA will challenge a candidate's ability to climb to the top of an extended ground ladder that is in a fixed, inclined position. The candidate will then be required to retreat on the ladder to ground level. Safety information and event instructions will be provided to all candidates prior to the exercise.
Fees
For candidates that receive their CPAT card from NIPSTA, there will be no additional fee assessed to challenge the Ladder Climb exercise. For candidates that receive their CPAT card somewhere else besides NIPSTA, there will be a $25 fee (exact cash or personal check) for the Ladder Climb exercise. The Ladder Climb exercise will be conducted on designated CPAT days only after a candidate's scheduled CPAT Practice Test and/or Test at the NIPSTA campus in Glenview. Email Can Test for more information.