The Fire Department is currently taking applications for an upcoming Firefighter Testing Process. At this time, we do not have a date for the test, but you can apply online and you will be automatically be notified when the testing process begins.
TESTING GUIDELINES: When the testing process begins, you will need to submit the required documents of photocopies of your driver's license, certified birth certificate and high school diploma or high school transcript or GED certification to participate in the testing process. At that time, you can email the documents to Debra Bush, Affirmative Employment Specialist, at dbush@peoriagov.org. You can also contact her at 309-494-8578 with any questions or additional information.
  
The Peoria Fire Department is committed to protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Peoria. The Department strives to meet this commitment by providing comprehensive fire protection services, prevention services, fire suppression, and basic emergency medical/rescue services.
  
CPAT is the term used to describe a pass-fail, physical ability test developed by the International Association of Firefighters and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. As a standardized test, it has become a method of assisting fire departments in recruiting those who are physically capable of performing the tasks associated with firefighting. It is a reliable measure of the candidate's ability to carry out fire scene activities.
 
The CPAT is designed to assess a candidate's capacity to perform the tasks ordinarily performed by a Firefighter while on the job. This is accomplished by requiring the candidate to perform a series of events that both simulate firefighting activities and depend on the physical abilities to perform the Firefighter's job. These abilities include cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance and flexibility.
 
The tasks include: Stair Climb, Hose Drag, Equipment Carry, Ladder Raise & Extension, Forcible Entry, Search, Rescue Drag, Ceiling Breach and Pull.
 
Illinois Public Act 007-0251 mandates that all new Firefighter candidates must also participate in a ladder climb exercise and demonstrate an ability to operate from heights. This exercise is not related to the CPAT test results in any way. A certificate of completion will be issued to those who successfully complete the exercise. Candidate success is measured on a pass/fail basis.
It is advised that you attend the CPAT Orientation Session and CPAT Practice Test Session. Attend the CPAT Final Test Session only if you didn't pass the CPAT in the Practice Test Session.
 
The CPAT card must be valid within one year of the Written Examination.
 
CRITERIA FOR PASSING THE CANDIDATE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST (CPAT)

1. Candidates must complete all events in or under the designated time. The cutoff time for passing the exam has been set at 10 minutes and 20 seconds. The stopwatches will be set to the pass/fail time of 10 minutes and 20 seconds and will count down to 0 seconds. If you run out of time prior to completing the test, the test will be concluded. You will not be told your time during the testing process.
2. Candidates must complete all events in the specified amount of time in the required sequence or they fail the examination.
3. Upon completion of the test, candidates will be informed of their pass/fail status.
4. You will be better prepared to pass the CPAT examination if you attend all sessions of the testing process. 

 
AGE: Minimum age at the time of hire is 21 years old. Maximum age at the time of application is 34 years old except: Applicants having previous full-time employment on an Illinois Fire Department or with an Illinois Fire Protection District; or applicants who have served the hiring department (as volunteer, paid-on-call, or part-time) for the five (5) years preceding the time the Department begins to use full-time firefighters. 
 
EDUCATION: Minimum: Graduation from High School or GED equivalent minimum to apply. Prefer applicants with Fire Science college courses or degree in Fire Science or related field, and emergency medical technician (EMT) certification.
 
OTHER: U.S. Citizenship; valid driver's license; physical condition to perform the essential functions of the position and pass physical agility exam; no felony conviction.
 
RESIDENCY: Applicants need not be residents of the City to apply. If hired, shall establish and maintain principal residence in the City of Peoria by the end of your one-year probationary period. After ten (10) full years, may establish and maintain residence within the City of Peoria or outside the City within a twenty (20) mile radius of the Peoria Fire Central headquarters.
 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position and pass the CPAT (Candidate Physical Agility Test).
 
EXAMINATIONS: Must pass CPAT and written exams for placement into the Eligibility Pool. If selected for hire, must pass background investigation, oral interviews, polygraph, psychological and medical examinations including a drug screen prior to hire.

WRITTEN EXAMINATION

WRITTEN EXAM (Mandatory) - Can be taken online or in-person – You must contact the National Testing Network (NTN) by visiting the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com website to schedule your test when the testing process begins.

You will also be able to take the written examination online as shown below:

The City of Peoria will offer full testing services for the position of Firefighter through National Testing Network (NTN). To register with NTN and schedule a test, go to www.nationaltesting network.com, select 'Find Jobs', then select (Firefighter) jobs and sign up for the City of Peoria when the testing process begins.

When you visit the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com website:

1. You will complete the NTN registration process and schedule your test.

2. Review all information related to the City of Peoria, including minimum requirements, salary, and benefits.

3. Review detailed information about the testing process.

4. Review the Frequently Asked Questions and take an online practice test (if desired).

Upon completion of your scheduled exam, scores are automatically forwarded to the City of Peoria. Candidates who attain a passing score on the entry level exam will be placed on the City of Peoria's eligibility list. The City of Peoria will contact candidates on the list and will invite them to participate in further stages of the selection process.

Candidates will be notified by email the score you received on the written examination.