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Work Capacity Test Administrator's Guide
To be read to participants before they take the pack, field, or walk tests:
Welcome. You are about to take a job-related work capacity test to determine your fitness for duty. The test you are taking has been determined by the requirements of the job. You will be taking the [ ] test, intended for [ ] duties.
(Read the following description for the appropriate test.)
The pack test is intended for those involved in arduous duties, defined as requiring an aerobic fitness score of 45, lifting more than 50 pounds, and an occasional demand for extraordinarily strenuous activities. The 3-mile test with a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes is strenuous, but no more so than the duties of wildland firefighting.
The field test is intended for those with moderately strenuous duties, defined as requiring an aerobic fitness score of 40, lifting 25 to 50 pounds, and an occasional demand for moderately strenuous activity. The 2-mile test with a 25-pound pack in 30 minutes is fairly strenuous, but no more so than field duties.
The walk test is intended for those whose duties involve light work with occasional field activity, defined as requiring an aerobic fitness score of 35. The 1-mile walk in 16 minutes is moderately strenuous, but no more so than the duties assigned.
You should have completed the health screening questionnaire (or medical history) before taking the test. Some agencies may require that you sign an informed consent form. It is your responsibility to discuss any health concerns with your physician before taking the test. The test and the work of wildland firefighting require individuals who are healthy and physically fit. If you have doubts about your health, you should talk to your physician. If you are not in good physical condition, you should undertake a training program before you take the test.
You are free to wear clothing that suits the activity and environmental conditions. Your footwear should provide good support for your feet and ankles. Ankle-high hiking boots or athletic shoes are recommended for the pack and field tests.
The course is [ ]. (Describe local course and any safety issues, such as traffic and heat. Encourage candidates who are not acclimatized to the heat to delay testing until conditions are more favorable, or until they have become acclimated by exercising for at least 1 week in the heat.)
You should stretch and warm up before the test, and cool down after the test. (If heat stress conditions exist, explain that water will be available at the [ ] point on the course.)
The test begins when I say go and finishes when you complete the required distance. We will announce the elapsed time when you pass the [ ] (1- or 1.5-mile point) of the course. You are free to stop the test at any time, for any reason. Simply notify the course monitor that you have decided to stop.
The course monitor will have you stop the test if you are having difficulties or if you are substantially behind the pace required to pass the test.
The test requires a fast walking pace. Jogging or running is not allowed and will lead to disqualification.
When you finish the course, remove your pack and keep moving until you cool down. Pack weight will be checked after the test. Your test score is the time required to complete the course. At this elevation, [ ] feet, you will receive an altitude correction of [ ] (minutes:seconds), so you must complete the course within [ ] (minutes:seconds) to receive a passing score.
If you do not pass, you are encouraged to train before you retake the test. Retests will be possible [ ] (indicate when).
Before we begin, do you have any questions about the test, the course, or related matters? (Answer questions.)
Complete your warmup. The test will begin in 5 minutes.
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