two firefigthers demonstrating ice rescue

​Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • High School diploma or GED

  • Current EMT/Basic or higher medical provider certification is required, EMT-P is preferred**

  • Current CPAT Certification is required at the time of application or by date stated in the job posting

  • Valid Colorado Drivers License with a safe record (out of state license accepted at hire, Colorado license is required within 30 days of hire)

  • Pass entry level oral board examination

  • Successful completion of the requirements for Colorado State Firefighter I or higher certification preferred, but required within one year of entry-on-duty

Disqualifications

  • Use of marijuana in past year

  • Use of any illegal drugs in the past 5 years

  • Any drug and/or alcohol convictions in the past 3 years

  • Loss of driver license for any reason in the past 3 years

  • Reckless driving in the past 3 years


Care Forward Colorado Logo Transparent.png

**Care Forward Colorado is revitalizing Colorado’s healthcare workforce. Begin the process to become a Firefighter/EMT-B through zero-cost, short-term training programs at community and technical colleges. Visit the Colorado Community College System website to learn more: https://cccs.edu/care-forward-colorado

Starting in Fall 2022, students who enroll in eligible healthcare certificate programs will have tuition, fees, and course materials covered as Care Forward Colorado funding allows.

Care Forward Colorado is made possible by Senate Bill 22-226, which dedicates $26 million in state recovery dollars to train healthcare workers across Colorado.



Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)

The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is the standard assessment for measuring an individual's ability to handle the physical demands of being a firefighter and a minimum requirement for employment with the Thornton Fire Department. The CPAT is a timed test that measures how candidates handle eight separate physical tasks or functions, designed to mirror tasks that firefighters would have to do on the job.

During the test, candidates are required to complete 8 separate tasks in a period of 10 minutes and 20 seconds. The tasks are as follows:

  • Stair Climb (climbing stairs while carrying an additional 25 pound simulated hose pack)

  • Hose Drag (stretching uncharged hose lines, advancing lines)

  • Equipment Carry (removing and carrying equipment from fire apparatus to fire ground)

  • Ladder Raise and Extension (placing a ground ladder at the fire scene and extending the ladder to the roof or a window)

  • Forcible Entry (penetrating a locked door, breaching a wall)

  • Search (crawling through dark unpredictable areas to search for victims)

  • Rescue Drag (removing a victim or partner from a burning building)

  • Ceiling Breach and Pull (locating a fire and checking for fire extension)

During the test, candidates are required wear a helmet, gloves and a 50 pound weighted vest. This is designed to simulate the weight of a firefighter's personal protective equipment. For the stair climb, candidates are required to carry an additional 25 pounds of weight, which simulates the carrying of a hose pack into a high rise fire. Candidates are accompanied by a test proctor, who calls out directions for the test events and scores the candidate's success. Each event of the CPAT must be completed as directed. If a candidate fails any component of the test or does not complete the test within the 10 minute and 20 second time limit, they will fail the entire test.

View the National Testing Network's list of CPAT Organizations to find a testing location near you.

CPAT Orientation Video