ACADEMY ENTRANCE ABILITY TEST OUTLINE
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
- All students MUST register for the Academy Entrance Ability Test prior to test date. Registration will close the Wednesday prior to testing date at 3:00 p.m.
- Register by fax (754.321.1302) or in person.
- The Physician Statement MUST be signed by a DOCTOR.
- Hold Harmless Agrement MUST be NOTARIZED.
- Completed Physician Statements and Hold Harmless Agreements are valid for 6 months from completion.
- Students MUST keep a photo copy of the Physician Statement and Hold Harmless Agreement for their records. The Broward Fire Academy and its staff is not responsible for YOUR record keeping.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
- Academy Entrance Ability Test starts at 7:00 a.m.
- Student MUST have photo ID, completed Physician Statement and Hold Harmless Agreement to test.
- Wear appropriate clothing, bring a towel, snack and water
The Broward Fire Academy Physical Test is based upon a comprehensive job task analysis; this determined tasks that are deemed critical, ones performed frequently by firefighters.
The On-Target Combat Task Test, was developed by Paul O. Davis, PhD and Charles Dotson, PhD of ARA/Human Factors, Inc. This validated job-simulation test is used to objectively measure firefighter performance. The tasks are performed sequentially, and accurately reflect the metabolic demand imposed on a firefighter during actual emergency situations.
ARA/Human Factors, Inc. have monitored heart rate responses and pulmonary requirements for these and other firefighter activities. Not all fires are the same, and it is not possible to anticipate every emergency scenario. However, a firefighter who can complete the tasks listed below within the recommended time frame possess the level of fitness necessary to meet most emergency demands.
The On-Target Combat Task Test is done wearing a 22 pound weighted vest. The events are done sequentially and must be completed within 8 minutes. The clock does not stop until all five events are completed. However, a candidate should pace his/her self and no running is allowed at any time during the entire test.
This ability test is designed so a candidate must walk at all times.
AUTOMATIC FAILURE WILL OCCUR IF:
- The 8 minute time limit is exceeded. At this point the clock will stop and the test is completed for that individual.
- Equipment is abused by unnecessarily dropping a nozzle, hose or sledgehammer on the ground. All equipment shall be properly set on the ground.
- Failure to comply with specific instructions given by the staff of the Broward Fire Academy.
- Unauthorized stops are made.
ON-TARGET COMBAT TEST:
TASK 1 - Highrise Stair-Climb Evolution
Start behind the red line. The highrise hose pack shall be placed on the left shoulder. The free right hand is to be used on the handrail for balance only.
NOTE: The handrail cannot be used to pull yourself up or pivot around landings.
Contact must be made with every step. Do not skip a step ascending or descending. The hose pack must be deposited on the fifth floor landing at the spot marked with an X.
TASK 2 - Hoist Evolution
Walk to the fifth floor window; step up and out onto the balcony. Stand behind the red line; use a hand-over-hand method to pull the rolled hose to the top of the railing. Walk forward and lift the hose roll over the railing and place it on the floor.
NOTE: Do not place your feet on the concrete edge that is painted red.
Return to the fifth floor landing and place the highrise hose pack on the right shoulder. Descend the stairs using the handrail for balance only.
NOTE: Contact must be made with every step. Do not skip a step or run at anytime.
Once at the base of the stairs, place the highrise hose pack on the ground and proceed to the Forcible Entry Evolution.
TASK 3 - Forcible Entry Evolution
Position both feet on the diamond plate so your toes are even with the weighted slide. Bend forward so you can see the end of the slide at all times. With ten pound dead-blow hammer, using short hard strokes, drive the slide five (5) feet until it clears the numbered markings.
NOTE: The body must be kept in the bent forward position and the eyes on the target at all times. The hammer head cannot be raised higher than the 10 o'clock position, and the hands must not move on the hammer handle.
Carefully set the hammer down and proceed to the Hose Advance Evolution.
TASK 4 - Hose Advance Evolution
Pick up the nozzle and place it over either shoulder and drag a charged 1.75 inch hoseline straight forward 75 feet. The evolution is finished when the nozzle completely crosses the line between the cones. If you should slip, get up and continue on.
NOTE: Hands should be placed on the hose or coupling, not the nozzle and the nozzle should reach the waist.
Place the nozzle on the ground and walk around the cones to the Victim Rescue Evolution. Automatic failure will occur if the nozzle is dropped.
TASK 5 - Victim Rescue Evolution
Pick up the rope of the 175 pound victim and drag it, walking backwards only, 100 feet to the marked finish line. This evolution and Part I of the test are completed when the victim completely clears the finish line.
NOTE: If you should slip, get up and continue on.
Upon registration at the Broward Fire Academy you will receive a Physicians Statement and a Hold Harmless Agreement. These forms are required to test.