Topics & Tools

Wellness/Fitness Task Force

The Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Task Force is an important partnership of the IAFF and the IAFC in collaboration with 10 local union-municipality pairs, dedicated to developing a holistic, positive rehabilitating and educational approach to wellness and fitness programs in the fire service.

The task force has developed three programs:

Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness/Fitness Initiative (WFI)
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
Fire Service Peer Fitness Trainer Certification

Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness/Fitness Initiative

This Wellness/Fitness program is designed for incumbent fire service personnel. It requires a commitment by labor and management to a positive, individualized wellness-fitness program. The manual includes information on these topics:

Fitness evaluation
Medical evaluation
Rehabilitation
Behavioral health
Data collection

Candidate Physical Ability Test

The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) was developed as a fair and valid evaluation tool to assist in the selection of firefighters, and to ensure that all fire fighter candidates possess the physical ability to complete critical tasks effectively and safely. The CPAT Program covers every aspect of administering the CPAT, including:

Recruiting and mentoring programs
Providing recruits with fitness guidance to help prepare them for the CPAT
Setting up and administering the test

The entire validation process is discussed in detail, as well as the legal issues that departments might face when implementing.

CPAT License

The CPAT Licensing Procedures affect the way this program can legally be used. These procedures were instituted by the task force to protect the integrity of the CPAT Program and the interests of the members of the IAFF and the IAFC by ensuring that the program is implemented properly and as intended.

Fire Service Peer Fitness Trainer Certification

Successful implementation of the Wellness/Fitness Initiative and the CPAT requires a firefighter in each department who can take the lead. This individual must have the ability to:

Design and implement fitness programs
Improve the wellness and fitness of his/her department
Assist with the physical training of recruits

The Fire Service Peer Fitness Trainer certification program was developed in conjunction with the American Council on Exercise to support this department-level leader.