Fitness & PAT
Beep test and PAT standards, state by state
Every fire service runs its own beep test and physical aptitude test. Here's what each one involves. Our $29.99 fitness courses train you for the tasks in your state's PAT.
Minimum standards
Checked against official recruiting sites in October 2026. Confirm with your fire service before testing.
Fire Rescue Victoria
Details →- Shuttle run (beep test)Level 9.6 (second attempt allowed)
- Physical Aptitude Test (PAT)11 firefighting tasks in PPE (second attempt allowed)
- PAT tasksLadder raise and extension, stair climb with high-rise pack, container haul, chain cutting, hose advance and pull, equipment carry, hose couplings, crew member rescue
Queensland Fire Department
Details →- Beep testLevel 9.6 (a second attempt is offered if you reach 8.0)
- OFAT part 1: rescue cutter holdAbout 19 kg hydraulic cutter held at 3 heights, under 4:10
- OFAT part 2: six-station courseStair climb, forcible entry, ladder, equipment haul, hose drag and 85 kg rescue drag in a 20 kg vest, under 8:35
- OFAT part 3: hose reel drag90 m of hose reel in two 45 m drags, under 3:24
Fire and Rescue NSW
Details →- PAT stage 1 (untimed)Reduced-visibility search and ladder simulation
- PAT stage 2Jerry can carries, stair climb with jerry can, rescue tool holds, repeated hose drag (usually under 15 minutes)
- PAT stage 3Fire attack simulation and firefighter rescue (usually under 2 minutes)
- PPEFRNSW PPE plus ankle weights; must be passed on the first attempt
DFES
Details →- Beep testLevel 8.7
- Tunnel crawlIn breathing apparatus with a frosted mask, within 10 minutes
- CircuitLoaded stair climb (12 kg), 80 kg rescue drag over 30 m, ladder handling, 180 m charged hose drag, heavy tool holds (about 19.5 kg), under 25 minutes
- Working at heightsClimb an extension ladder and training tower to about 20 m
SA Metropolitan Fire Service
Details →- PAT 1: shuttle runLevel 9.6 (one attempt)
- PAT 211 firefighting tasks within 32 minutes (one attempt)
- PAT 2 tasksHose hold, tunnel crawl in BA, 75 kg casualty drag, ceiling breach and pull, ladder raise, tower climb with 13.5 kg pack, container haul, forced entry, hose drag, equipment carry, encapsulated suit task
Tasmania Fire Service
Details →- Shuttle runStandard not published
- Physical abilities assessmentWorking at heights and in confined spaces
ACT Fire & Rescue
Details →- Physical Aptitude TestSee the ACT ESA PAT page
NT Fire and Rescue Service
Details →- Fitness assessmentSee the NT recruitment pages