Many people worry that they aren’t fit enough or strong enough to be a firefighter when this probably isn’t the case. Being a firefighter is a physical job, but with the right training most people can reach the average level of fitness that we require.
Our Fitness Team are here to support you throughout the National Firefighter Physical Tests to ensure you understand what’s involved and inform you on how you can improve your fitness level.
The exercises test your level of cardiovascular and muscular strength/endurance.
Make sure to follow our Fitness Team on Instagram for more fitness advice.
Have you seen our fitness training programme? Starting from the very first warm-up, it gives tips on how to improve both aerobic fitness and strength and helps you create a personalised plan to prepare for our tests and get yourself firefighter fit. You can download a copy to keep.
Make sure to follow our Fitness Team on Instagram for more fitness advice.
Have you seen our new fitness training programme? Starting from the very first warm-up, it gives tips on how to improve both aerobic fitness and strength and helps you create a personalised plan to prepare for our tests and get yourself firefighter fit. You can download a copy to keep.
You can also watch the video below where our Fitness Advisors have given demonstrations of exercises you can do at home or the gym to train for the assessment day:
You will have the choice of two aerobic fitness tests – either the Bleep Test or the Chester Treadmill Test.
The bleep test and involves running between two points which are 20 metres apart. You’ll need to get to level 8.8 to pass, which means eight shuttle runs into level eight.
The Chester Treadmill Test is performed at a set speed of 6.2kmph (3.9mph). The test lasts for 12 minutes and every 2 minutes the treadmill incline is increased by 3%. You must walk for the duration of the test and not hold on at any point.
You will have to decide which test you wish to take in your initial application form.
This ensures you’re confident at working at height.
A strength test to ensure you can lift a ladder.
Also known as a dummy drag, this will test your upper and lower strength.
Making sure you’re not claustrophobic and have confidence manoeuvring through tight spaces while wearing equipment.
This tests your aerobic fitness, strength and stamina.
Also known as the manual dexterity test, here you will put a piece of equipment together using a step by step instructional guide.
