The C.P.A.T. consists of 8 critical physical tasks that simulate actual job duties on the fire ground. (Stair Climb, Horse Drag, Equipment Carry, Ladder Raise and Extension, Forcible Entry, Search, Rescue, Ceiling Breach and Pull.) The CPAT fee is $150.00. This fee is subject to change.
Applicants with current CPAT certification shall have priority over those without CPAT certification for entry into the St. Louis County Fire Academy.
Applicants without CPAT certification will be allowed entry into the Fire Academy but must pass the CPAT in order to graduate with their respective class. It is suggested that applicants obtain CPAT certification prior to applying to the Fire Academy.
To view a video of the C.P.A.T. and for a detailed booklet on this test, visit the dedicated C.P.A.T page.
Candidates who do not pass the CPAT by the end of the course will not be eligible to sit for any of the final exams, will not graduate with their class, and must repeat the entire course at their own expense to obtain St. Louis County certification.
There are 3 classes held each year.
Classes begin in January, April and September.
All required items must be submitted by the following deadlines to be eligible for the rostering of the specific class mentioned.
- January Class – Last Monday in October
- April Class – Second Monday in January
- September Class – Last Monday in June
Required items are as follows:
- Complete application packet (background check MUST be submitted with your application.)
- Proof of qualifying points
St. Louis County has 43 different fire departments and fire protection districts. Each agency does its hiring and has its hiring requirements. Therefore, you would need to contact them directly regarding employment.
You must be certified through the St. Louis County Fire Academy to work at any of the 43 fire service agencies in St. Louis County.
There are two ways to go through the Academy. One way is to be hired as a full-time, paid firefighter by a fire department or fire protection district in St. Louis County. Anyone hired as such must attend the St. Louis County Fire Academy’s Basic Firefighter Training Program within six months of their employment date. Therefore, New Hires receive priority in seating in each Academy Class.
While some of the 43 agencies will hire individuals and send them through the Academy, others will only hire those individuals who have already gone through the Academy. In addition, most agencies that hire and send through the Academy require a Paramedic license for employment.
For your information, approximately 1,551 firefighters are presently working at the 43 different agencies in St. Louis County. Of those, 82% are Paramedics, 12% are EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians), and 6% have no EMT licensure. So, as you can see, a Paramedic license is essential when seeking employment within the St. Louis County Fire Service.
The second way to go through the Academy is to participate in the admission process for Self Sponsored Students. That process involves obtaining, completing, and submitting an application packet.
As you can see, a Paramedic license is very important when seeking employment within the St. Louis County Fire Service.
