Firefighter Physical Agility Testing

The City of McMinnville is committed to the safety and well being of our employees.  The City of McMinnville is proud to participate in physical agility examinations for our police and fire departments.  In 2012 it was decided to model the Fire department's "job related" physical agility examination as a combination of the ones the Tennessee Fire Service & Codes Enforcement Academy and the City of Brentwood use.  All accepted candidates must pass before being allowed to proceed thru the hiring process.  Our employees are required to pass this testing yearly beginning in 2016.  By clicking on the evolution titles a video of each evolution can be seen.

Testing Requirements:

A fit for duty exam by the City’s physician must be completed and passed every three years.  Full turnout gear must be worn during the Victim Rescue and the Forcible Entry evolutions only, a weighted vest and athletic clothing will be worn for all other evolutions.   If a Firefighter is given a “Fail” on any evolution after two such repeated attempts for that evolution have been made, the Firefighter is given a “Fail” score for the Physical Ability Test and is NOT allowed to attempt subsequent evolutions.  All evolutions will be completed one after another with a walk between stations, if a Firefighter stops longer than 30 seconds between evolutions (time will be given between evolution four & five to put on turn out gear), a “Fail” will be given to the candidate.

Evolution One ---Stair Climb

Upon the Test Evaluator’s signal, the Firefighter will proceed up the stairwell to the 4th floor landing, and return to the 1st floor, with an elapsed time of 1 minute and 30 seconds or less.  If the Firefighter fails on the first attempt a 2 minute rest period will be given before the next attempt.  A “Pass” on this evolution will allow the Firefighter to continue to the next evolution.  A “Fail” on the second attempt, will disqualify the Firefighter.  Vital signs will be taken and recorded on the second attempt.

Evolution Two—100’ Hose Drag

The Firefighter will be given 100’ of 2 ½” uncharged hose line with a nozzle, and positioned at the starting line, the Firefighter will place the hose diagonally across the chest or over the shoulder with the nozzle resting on the center of the back.  The test evaluator will signal for the evolution to begin, the Firefighter will drag the hose line 100’ to the designated stop point.  The time for this evolution is 30 seconds.   If the Firefighter “fails”, a second attempt will be given.  A “Pass” on this evolution will allow the Firefighter to continue to the next evolution.  A “Fail” on the second attempt, will disqualify the Firefighter. 

 Evolution Three—Hose Carry

Go to the hose section and slide the 2 ½ inch diameter folded hose onto your preferred shoulder.  Carry the folded hose approximately 45 feet along the marked route to the base of the stairs.  Carry the hose up the stairs to a platform at the top and back down to return the hose to the starting point.  Drop the folded length of the hose on the floor where indicated and immediately proceed to next evolution.

Evolution Four –Ladder Retrieval

The Firefighter will position in front of the “Simulated” apparatus ladder bracket.  The Firefighter will be instructed to grasp the 14’ roof ladder in the center, remove it from the apparatus and place the ladder flat on the ground and stand up, then bending at the knees, pick up the ladder and place it back on the apparatus.  The Firefighter may not drop the ladder, or take the ladder off the bracket one end at a time.  The time for this evolution is 30 seconds.  If the Firefighter “fails”, a second attempt will be given.  A “Pass” on this evolution will allow the Firefighter to continue to the next evolution.  A “Fail” on the second attempt, will disqualify the Firefighter. 

Evolution Five –Forcible Entry

With a fire Department Axe and standing on level ground with a target (such as a wooden pallet) placed on the ground in front of the firefighter, the firefighter must strike the target with the axe 20 times. The axe must be brought completely over the shoulder to simulate a chopping motion as if cutting a ventilation hole or forcible entry.  Full turnout gear must be worn for this exercise, along with the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (gloves, glasses if shield is not down, etc.).  If the Firefighter “fails”, a second attempt will be given.  A “Pass” on this evolution will allow the Firefighter to continue to the next evolution.  A “Fail” on the second attempt, will disqualify the Firefighter. 

Evolution Six—Victim Rescue

Lift and/or drag a 165 pound dummy a distance of 100’.  The dummy (and the Firefighter) must cross completely over the finish line.  Full turnout gear must be worn for this exercise.   If the Firefighter “fails”, a second attempt will be given.  A “Pass” on this evolution will allow the Firefighter to continue to the next evolution.  A “Fail” on the second attempt, will disqualify the Firefighter.