The Pullman physical strength and agility test consists of three separate parts which simulate essential job tasks at the fire scene. The test is a sequence of events requiring you to progress along a predetermined path from event to event in a continuous manner allowing an approximately 85-foot walk between each event. To ensure the highest level of safety, no running is allowed between events. This walk allows you approximately 20 seconds to recover and regroup before each event. The candidate shall not stop for longer than 5 seconds during the timed part of the test. This is a pass/fail test based on a maximum time for each part.

In these events, the candidate shall be provided and wear a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) with no mask and a fire fighter protective coat, helmet and gloves. The candidate shall also be required to wear long pants or sweats and footwear with no open heel or toe.

Each candidate must sign a “Waiver and Assumption of Risk” prior to the beginning of the test. Each candidate will be called out one at a time.

Each candidate will have only one attempt at each part of the test. If the candidate fails to meet the minimum time limit for the station, then the candidate shall be stopped from further participation in the test.

Part 1. Physical Strength Test The first part is a Physical Strength test that consists of four continuous events. The candidate shall not stop for longer than five seconds during the strength test. Seven minute time limit, pass/fail. This time will be used as a tie breaker if necessary. Stair Climb and Hose Hoist The candidate shall shoulder carry a 50' bundle of 2 1/2" hose up to the 4th floor of the training tower and back three times hitting each step. On the third trip to the 4th floor the candidate shall drop the hose bundle, move to the window and using a rope, hoist a 50' roll of 2 1/2" hose up to the level of the window sill and then lower it back to the ground using a hand over hand method. The candidate shall then pick up the 50' hose bundle and proceed back down the tower to the starting point and walk to the next station. Charged Hose Drag and Flow The candidate shall place the nozzle of a charged 1 3/4" hose over the shoulder and walk 100 feet, kneel, open the nozzle and spray water on a designated target. The nozzle will be shut off and placed on the ground and walk to the next station. Forcible Entry Prop The candidate shall pick up a 10 lb. sledge hammer and strike the end of a beam driving it approximately two feet and then walk to the next station. Victim Drag The candidate shall pick up a simulated victim under the arms and drag backwards 100 feet. The time of the Physical Strength Test will stop at the completion of this station. The candidate will then walk to the next station. Part 2. Search Tunnel Agility Test (2 minutes of rest maximum between stations) The second part of the test is a Search Tunnel Agility Course in which the candidate shall crawl through a dark tunnel approximately sixty feet with two 90° turns. The candidate will have to navigate through the tunnel and over one obstacle. The time of the Search Tunnel Agility test will stop at the completion of this station. The time limit is generous and haste is not required. The candidate shall not stop for longer than five seconds during the search. The candidate will then walk to the next station. Three minute time limit, pass/fail. Part 3. Aerial Platform Climb Agility Test (2 minutes of rest maximum between stations) The candidate must climb an aerial platform extended to 85 feet at a 70° angle. The candidate will start at the level of the turntable, climb to the top of the ladder, touch the top rung, and return to the turntable. The time limit is generous and haste is not required. The candidate shall not stop for longer than five seconds during the climb. A rope belay and a safety belt will be provided during the aerial climb. Three minute time limit, pass/fail.