Firefighter Fitness Testing

Some operating procedures within our facility have changed in order to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 during the pandemic

The physical aptitude tests have not been changed. The same testing protocols and cut-scores will be used. For specific information about the tests, you can still refer to the general information package or email us at firetest@ualberta.ca with questions.

The Pandemic will impact four aspects of your experience:

1. Preparation and Pre-screening before your test
2. Arrival and Check-in at the University of Alberta
3. Testing
4. Check-out and Departure

Fitness testing is typically done as part of the application process for a specific fire department

You must be involved in the application process of the department in order to be tested in the Work Physiology Laboratory

Individual departments may have specific requirements before allowing applicants to register for fitness testing. If the department does not have specific information, the following registration information applies.

1. If you are invited to a specific recruitment process, be sure to enrol only in the correct section on our activity registration website. 
2. Questions about the registration website can be directed to the Customer Service Centre: activityreg@ualberta.ca or by calling 780-492-2231.
3. If registering by telephone, payment must be made by credit card.
4. Questions about the evaluation or tests should be directed to firetest@ualberta.ca.

After registering and paying for your test, you will be sent or given a:

1. Medical clearance form
2. Description of the physical fitness tests. See General Information Package (PDF)
3. Receipt for your payment

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.

There are NO refunds for missed appointments.

There are NO refunds if you cancel your testing appointment without a valid medical reason. Partial refunds will be given only if appointments are cancelled for a medical reason with a note from a physician to document the incapacitating illness or injury.

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.

• The cost per participant, per session, is $30 plus GST.
• The minimum number of participants is 4 the maximum is 16. (A minimum of 4 individuals is required for the session to proceed. If fewer than 4 individuals are registered then the session will be cancelled, but an alternative session time will be offered or a full refund given.)
• Each session is 90 minutes in duration of which about 60-70 minutes is hands-on activity.
• Registration should close 2 business days before scheduled appointments. This will give us time to assess how many sessions will go ahead and how many individuals need to be rescheduled.
• Cancellations may receive a 50% refund as long as they occur at least 2 business days (M-F) before the scheduled date of the session.
• Missed appointments will not be refunded.
• Please come dressed in appropriate physical activity clothing with good athletic footwear.

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.