Firefighter Fitness Testing

Physical Aptitude testing is a common practice when applying to work for firefighting organisations. Individual departments may have specific requirements that include successfully completing the University of Alberta (UA) physical aptitude evaluation for structural firefighting. It is up to the individual to ensure that successful completion of the UA evaluation is the correct credential that they require.

As of the Fall of 2023 it is also up to the applicant to book their own testing date and proactively pass this evaluation in anticipation of upcoming job recruitments. This is a different approach than in previous years when each department would arrange for one or two days of dedicated testing. This change is intended to improve access so that applicants have more options, and are better able to plan and prepare, when they will attempt to pass the evaluation. Upon successful completion results are valid for 6 months (consult with your organisation for details about the validity period). This means that it is also up to the applicant to ensure they successfully complete the physical aptitude test ahead of when it is required but within the 6-month period when it might be needed.

Consistent with the volume of testing we have had in the past we will ensure that more than 100 testing spots are available throughout the Fall of 2023. Registration for testing will take place on the University of Alberta Activity Registration Website. We will open testing spots for September and October testing days on September 5, 2023 at 0900. We will open testing spots for November testing days on October 3, 2023 at 0900. It is critical that individuals are proactive and register and pay for their spots in advance while the greatest number of testing days are available for registration. If individuals wait until the end of the season there will be limited numbers of spots available and those individuals who do not register will have to wait for the Winter schedule of testing to begin in January.

These testing spots:

• Will fill on a first come first serve basis
• Will close for registration 2 weeks in advance of the testing day
• Will take about 4 hours to complete from check-in to checkout
• Will have assigned start times based on if the AM or PM block of tests is selected*

*NEW: When booking you will be asked to select either a MORNING or AFTERNOON appointment. Your exact start time will be assigned to you and sent to you via the email address you provide after registration closes. When you book a MORNING appointment your exact start time will be assigned. It will be one of the following times: 0800, 0830, 0915, 1000, or 1045.

When you book an AFTERNOON appointment your exact start time will be assigned. It will be one of the following times: 1130, 1215, 1300, 1330, or 1400.

Registration steps:

1. Be sure to enrol only in the correct section on our activity registration website.
2. You must create an account before you can register.
3. Questions about the registration website can be directed to the Customer Service Centre: activityreg@ualberta.ca or by calling 780-492-2231.
4. If registering by telephone, payment must be made by credit card.
5. Questions about the evaluation or tests should be directed to firetest@ualberta.ca.
6. On the day of your test please confirm with the testing staff which department(s) you will be applying to. We will record this information and obtain your consent to authenticate and share the results when they are needed

After registering and paying for your test, you will be sent or given a receipt for your payment. You will be directed to review the:

1. Medical clearance form (which is mandatory)
2. General Information Package (PDF)

Arrange an appointment with your physician to complete the medical clearance form.

The cost of the fitness test is $388.50 ($370.00 per test + $18.50 GST).

Payment must be made in full when booking your appointment to secure your testing time.

You may reschedule your test from one testing day to another provided that you are still two weeks or more away from the date of your test and provided that you are able to select another date and time is still available schedule. We do not retain credit for cancelled appointments.

Partial refunds will be given only if appointments are cancelled before the two week
registration closing date or for a medical reason with a note from a physician to document the incapacitating illness or injury.

There are NO refunds if you cancel your testing appointment after registration for that testing day closes or without a valid medical reason.

If you have a medical reason on the day of your test to postpone your test, including a suspected or a confirmed case of COVID-19, you must contact the Work Physiology Lab directly to begin the rescheduling procedure (email: firetest@ualberta.ca phone: 780.492.1859). Your payment will be held to secure the rescheduled test.

Training Suggestions (PDF)

Some days are set aside for “open house” opportunities. Participants will experience some of the same physical demands as the UA test but these sessions do not include exact duplication or practice of the standardized testing procedures.

Registration for the “open house” sessions is a separate activity from the physical aptitude evaluation but they are run by the Work Physiology Lab. The purpose of these sessions is to handle the testing equipment and ask questions about the UA test. It will include voluntary participation in strenuous physical activity such as hammering, advancing charged hoses, pushing, pulling, and climbing ladders. The intensity is likely to be moderate to very hard. All activity is monitored by our staff; however, we expect participants to monitor their own level of exertion and to stay within their own physical limits, based on their current level of fitness. The sessions are intended for all those who feel like they might take the test in the next 6 months to 1 year. Others can register but please understand that this is not a fitness class or group training sessions.

These sessions are not officially part of the recruitment process for any individual firefighting organization.

Registration for these sessions is also done through the activity registration website.

Evaluations take place in the Work Physiology Laboratory (3-450 Van Vliet Complex) in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation (Van Vliet Complex) at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. The tests are conducted in the Universiade Pavilion (usually called the "Butterdome") at the University of Alberta. This large yellow building is part of the Van Vliet Complex and is located near the northwest corner of the intersection of 87 Avenue and 114 Street. The main entrance is on the east side between the Butterdome and the new climbing centre.

When you arrive at the east doors to the Pavilion/Butterdome please call our laboratory (780 492 1859)

How to get to the laboratory:

Tests take place in the Universiade Pavilion (Butterdome) (PAV). This is a large yellow building on the northwest corner at the intersection of 114 Street and 87 Avenue. The street address is 11440 - 87 Ave.

→ Campus map

Pay parking is available at the Education car park and the Jubilee Auditorium car park and lot which are on the northeast and southwest corners of 87th Avenue and 114 Street. A large black and white sandwich board, with 'Firefighter Fitness Testing' will be standing outside the glass doors to the Pavilion.