Fitness Evaluation

In addition to a written examination that tests a candidate's academic capabilities, applicants for the position of Firefighter/EMT must successfully complete a fitness evaluation.

A fitness evaluation is required for all public safety applicants for the City of Marietta. The evaluation measures the applicant's physical ability to perform the essential functions of a Firefighter/EMT with or without reasonable accommodation. The evaluation is conducted by a certified fitness professional and follows the guidelines of The Cooper Institute's (http://www.cooperinstitute.org/index.cfm) universally accepted standard for public safety employees. The standard provides the minimum acceptable scores that an individual must achieve to proceed further in the hiring process.

All applicants will be given a stress test by a physician to determine if the applicant can safely undergo the fitness evaluation. Each candidate must complete the entire test, and must meet or exceed the specified minimum standard

Components of the Fitness Evaluation

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The fitness evaluation consists of the following components:

  vertical jump

The Cooper Fitness Institute absolute standard of 16.5 inches is the minimum passing score for this test. Upon completion, the candidate will rest for 2 minutes and proceed to the sit-up test.

  sit-up

The Cooper Fitness Institute absolute standard of 27 sit-ups in one minute is the minimum passing score for this test. Candidate will rest and then proceed to the Upper Body Strength Test.

  push up

The Cooper Fitness Institute absolute standard of 18 continuous push-ups is the minimum passing score for this test. Candidate will rest and then proceed to 300 meter run test.

  300 meter run

The Cooper Fitness Institute absolute standard of 68 seconds is the minimum passing score for this test. Candidate will rest and then proceed to the 1.5 mile runt.

  1.5 mile run

The Cooper Fitness Institute absolute standard of 15:20 minutes is the minimum passing score for this test..

Physical Agility Test

Firefighting is an extremely demanding occupation; it requires agility, strength, and stamina. The physical agility test is designed to evaluate the candidate's ability to perform firefighting activities and is a major part of the examination process for the position of Firefighter/EMT. Understanding this part of the examination and being prepared for it are critical factors for your success.

The City of Marietta Fire Department uses the Georgia Certified Firefighters Physical Agility Test; it consists of six stations, and is designed to test a candidate's capability for work in job specific tasks

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Candidates will successfully complete the following six stations.

  Stair Climb

The candidate, given two rolled 50-foot sections of 1¾ inch diameter hose and a multi-story structure, shall carry the hose section up one flight of stairs to the second floor and then return to the starting point with the hose. The candidate must use each step while climbing or descending the stairway.

  Ladder Extension

The candidate, given a 24-foot aluminum extension ladder in a securely supported vertical position, must completely extend the ladder's fly section (top section). The candidate must then lower the fly section in a controlled fashion to the starting position.

  Ventilation Exercise

Given a fire department sledge hammer and a Kaiser sled, the candidate will use the hammer to strike the weighted "sled" section of the Kaiser machine a minimum of 20 times. No hooking or dragging of the sled is permitted. Only good clean strikes by the mallet to the sled are allowed. The hammer must be raised completely above the shoulder line to simulate a chopping motion as if cutting a ventilation hole.

  Hose Advance

The candidate, given a charged (75 PSI nozzle pressure) 100-foot 1¾ inch hoseline, shall pick up the nozzle and advance the pressurized hoseline for a distance of 50 feet. After reaching the destination, the candidate shall lay the hose on the ground.

  Rescue Drag

The candidate, given a 165-pound dummy on a level surface, shall drag the dummy a distance of 50 feet.

  Ladder Removal/Replacement

The candidate, given a 14-foot roof ladder placed in a horizontal position at a height of 5 feet and with the ladder rungs in a vertical position, shall lift the entire ladder from its support and place it on the ground then pick the entire ladder up and return it to its original position.

Important Notes

Marietta Fire Department staff will provide each candidate with gloves, helmet, and a self-contained breathing apparatus (without the mask); fire department personnel shall assist the candidate with donning the equipment so that it is worn properly.

Prior to beginning the test, fire department personnel will identify the starting and ending points for each exercise.

Fire personnel shall give the candidate overall instructions and the instructions for each exercise prior to beginning the test. Instructions for all or any single exercise may be read again but time does not stop.

Candidate Instructions

1. The candidate shall wear gloves, helmet, and a self-contained breathing apparatus (without the mask) during the entire test.
2. The candidate may not run during the test.
3. Time will begin at the starting of the first exercise and shall stop when the candidate completes the last exercise. The candidate may pause during the test but time will continue to expire.
4. The candidate may ask that instructions for all or any single exercise be read again but time will continue to expire if the test has already begun.
5. The candidate must complete the entire test in seven minutes or less.

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Physical Testing Recommendations

Candidates are strongly recommended to make the following preparations prior to the fitness assessment:

Although the City requires applicants to undergo a stress test prior to taking the fitness test, candidates should consider having a complete physical exam at their own expense prior to the City's fitness test.