Step 3.
Physical Aptitude Test (PAT)

Candidates are required to be successful completed the Physical Aptitude Test (PAT) on their first attempt. 

Preparation is strongly recommended and should focus on: 

• Cardiovascular fitness 
• Strength and endurance 
• Functional movements similar to firefighting tasks 

Candidates are encouraged to begin preparation several months in advance. See Careers Page for all information in relation to the PAT. 

Yes. You must obtain a Medical Clearance Form from your doctor and submit it to recruitment in the specified time before your scheduled PAT. Candidates who do not submit medical clearance will not be permitted to undertake the PAT. 

The PAT is completed in two mandatory stages on the same day: 

• PAT Safety Briefing – equipment familiarisation and safety instructions 
• PAT Assessment – completion of the physical test course 

You must complete the safety briefing before undertaking the PAT. 

The Physical Aptitude Test (PAT) is an assessment of the inherent physical requirements of firefighting. It has been designed specifically to identify candidates who are physiologically capable of tolerating the work‑related demands of firefighting.

Firefighting is physically and psychologically demanding, particularly during major emergencies, and the PAT forms part of FRNSW’s duty of care to firefighters, their colleagues and the community.

FRNSW uses the PAT to ensure candidates can:

• Safely perform essential firefighting tasks
• Tolerate sustained physical work while wearing firefighter personal protective equipment
• Perform duties without significantly increasing the risk of injury to themselves or others.

No. The PAT is not a gym‑based fitness test. It is a task‑based assessment that reflects work undertaken by firefighters at emergency incidents and assesses functional capability rather than general fitness alone.

The PAT consists of three stages, with each stage assessing different physical tasks relevant to firefighting. Candidates must successfully complete each stage to progress to the next. The stages collectively assess strength, endurance, coordination and the ability to work safely managing heat stress and physical loads.

Stage 1 of the PAT is not timed. Stages 2 and 3 involve completing tasks under sustained physical load whilst wearing personal protective equipment. The structure reflects real operational conditions rather than speed alone.

Candidates complete the PAT wearing firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied by FRNSW with normal exercise/gym gear underneath. Jogger/gym shoes must also be worn and candidates will have ankle weights added to simulate the weight of structural firefighting boots.

Yes. The PAT is a standardised assessment, and all candidates are required to meet the same minimum standard regardless of age, gender or background.

The PAT tasks are outlined in official FRNSW material. Candidates are encouraged to focus on gradual and consistent progression of all required physical attributes rather than just focusing on replicating individual tasks exactly. The Fire Fit Training Guide outlines the best approach, which includes regular (monthly) ‘check in’ workouts that are similar to the PAT task course.

Candidates who do not meet the required standard at any stage of the PAT will not progress further in the recruitment process for that campaign.

Yes. Candidates must be medically fit to safely complete the PAT. Medical clearance requirements are communicated prior to the PAT stage as part of the recruitment process.

No. Successfully completing the PAT allows candidates to progress to the next stage of the recruitment process. Candidates must also successfully complete subsequent assessment stages before being considered for employment.

The PAT is one step in a multi‑stage recruitment process, which also includes assessment centre activities, medical assessment and employment checks.