Thank you for applying for a position in fire services! The information on this page will help you as we move forward in the process. If your application was accepted, you will be contacted by Wake County Fire Services staff, who will work with you to schedule a date and time for your test.
About the Test
The Physical Agility Test is designed to test your cardio and physical ability while performing fire ground-related tasks. The test consists of an agility course that is made up of six stations. You will be assigned a proctor who will evaluate you throughout the course and record your times. The test will be stopped if the participant feels they are unable to continue due to fatigue or the proctor determines it should be stopped due to safety or medical concern.
The test will take place at the Wake County Fire Training Center. Different mapping apps show different addresses for the facility, so please keep the following in mind when starting your trip, and be on the lookout for special signage once you get close.
Directions
- Google Maps: Enter "Wake County Fire Training Center" into your app. You will see two options: 5413 Shearon Harris Road and State Road 1134. Both will take you to the correct place.
- Waze: Enter "Wake County Fire Training Center" into the app. This will take you to the correct place.
- Apple Maps: Use 5413 Shearon Harris Road.
- Turn by turn from I-440 West:
- Take exit 89 toward New Hill Holleman Road
- Turn left on New Hill Holleman Road (1.1 miles)
- Turn right on Shearon Harris Road (1.4 miles)
- Turn left to stay on Shearon Harris Road/Shooting Lane/Route 1134 (.5 miles) – look for signs
- The Fire Training Center will be on your left
- Turn by turn from I-440 East:
- Take exit 89 toward New Hill Holleman Road
- Turn right on New Hill Holleman Road (1.1 miles)
- Turn right on Shearon Harris Road (1.4 miles)
- Turn left to stay on Shearon Harris Road/Shooting Lane/Route 1134 (.5 miles) – look for signs
- The Fire Training Center will be on your left
Videos: See Each Station in Action
Station 1 – Equipment Carry
When instructed, you should correctly pick the two pieces of equipment up out of the marked boxes, carry them 50 feet and set them down in the second set of marked boxes.
Station 2 – Ladder Raise
Properly lift and raise a 24-foot extension ladder. Extend the ladder all the way up, and then lower it back down locking the dawgs at the bottom. Leave the ladder against the building and proceed to the next station.
Station 3 – Stair Climb and Hose Lift
Enter the tower and climb the steps to the fourth floor. Once on the fourth floor, pull up the rope that is attached to a 50-foot roll of 3-inch hose. Pull the rolled section of hose up the side of the tower until it is over the wall and placed on the ground of the fourth-floor landing. Go back to the ground floor and move to the next station. You may use the handrails for safety but may not skip any steps going up or coming down the tower.
Station 4 – Keiser Sled
Grab the sledgehammer and stand on the Keiser sled. Begin striking the slide until it has passed the pre-determined mark for completion.
Station 5 – Hose Pull
Grab the charged section of 1 ½ hose and pull it 100 feet to the marked box. Place the nozzle in the box and proceed to the final station.
Station 6 – Victim Drag
Lifting with your legs, correctly grab and drag the rescue mannequin 50 feet to the marked line. Once the rescue mannequin’s feet have cleared the 50 feet mark, you have completed the course!
Practice Opportunities
Applicants are invited to the Fire Training Center to practice on the following days. You can drop by at any time during these time frames:
- Tuesday, June 25 | 3-8 p.m.
- Tuesday, July 9 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Thursday, July 11 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Saturday, July 13 | 8 a.m.-noon
- Tuesday, July 23 | 3-8 p.m.
- Thursday, July 25 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
During this time, the proctors will demonstrate and review what is required at each station. This will be the only time that proctors will be able to demonstrate or answer any questions about what task need to be completed. You will then be allowed to go through each station or any part of the course you choose, but you not allowed to run the full course. All participants are encouraged to attend a practice day but are not required to.
Test Day
Test days will take place Aug. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6. Wake County staff will contact you to schedule a date and time for your test.
A few tips for test day:
- Be well rested, hydrate and eat lightly before your test.
- Wear appropriate clothing – shorts, sweatpants, t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc.
- Wear comfortable shoes – no open toe shoes, flip flops or sandals will be allowed.
- Do not wear any jewelry or sunglasses (unless prescription).
- Water will be provided on site.
On the scheduled test day, you will check in and receive your evaluation form to give to your assigned proctor. You will then report to the staging area where you will be given an estimated start time for the test.