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Work Capacity Test Administrator's Guide
Work capacity tests are used to ensure that persons assigned to fire activities are physically capable of performing the duties of wildland firefighting. Before training for the test or the duties of the job, an individual must first complete a health screening questionnaire (or medical history) designated by the hiring agency. The agency may require a medical examination as part of the qualification process. Once individuals have received medical clearance, they may begin training for the work capacity test.
Those who have been regularly active may begin training (appendix E) as soon as they receive medical clearance.
Agencies participating in the wildland firefighter medical standards program are required to ensure that a candidate has received medical clearance before the candidate takes the work capacity test. Clearance requires completing the periodic medical exam (every 5 years for firefighters under 45 years old, or every 3 years for firefighters over 45) or review of the annual medical history and clearance form during the years between exams.
Individuals who have not been involved in regular physical activity are at an elevated risk for cardiovascular complications during exertion. They should not begin training for a work capacity test until they have participated in a gradual transition from inactivity to regular physical activity. Previously sedentary individuals should engage in 4 or more weeks of moderate activity (walking 30 to 60 minutes, 3 to 5 days per week) before they begin more vigorous training for a test or the job.
This document supersedes the previously published Work Capacity Tests for Wildland Firefighters: Test Administrator’s Guide (9851–2810–MTDC)
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