Firefighter Fitness Testing
Train. Test. Succeed.
Are you prepared for the physical demands of a firefighting career? The Firefighter Applicant Physical Aptitude Evaluation, delivered by Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation is designed to test your strength, endurance, and readiness to join the ranks of Alberta’s firefighting professionals.
Serving fire departments across Alberta, from as far north as Wood Buffalo to as far south as Medicine Hat, the rigorous evaluations include assessments of physical tasks such as ladder climbing and hose advancement, conducted in the Universiade Pavilion (Butterdome).
Check our website periodically for open house sessions that are offered to provide hands-on experience with equipment, helping candidates prepare with confidence. Read more about Open House sessions below.
Whether striving to join firefighting teams or gauging physical readiness for demanding roles, our assessments combine expert guidance, advanced facilities, and practical insights to support candidates in their physically demanding roles.
Booking and Registration
- Tests are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability.
- Results are valid for six months—ensure your test aligns with application deadlines.
- Confirm specific validity requirements with your department.
- Plan ahead to keep your certification current to meet your department’s hiring needs.
Test Duration and Schedule
Testing takes about three to four hours, with start times at 8:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., or 2:00 p.m.
Registration Steps
- Register Online — Enroll in the correct section on our activity registration website (account required). The registration tab will only appear when spots are available and they fill on a first come first serve basis.
- Need Help? — Contact the Customer Service Centre (activityreg@ualberta.ca | 780-492-2231).
- Phone registrations require credit card payment.
- Test-related questions? Email firetest@ualberta.ca.
- Test Day — Confirm your department(s) and provide consent to authenticate and share results.
- After Registration
- Review the Medical Clearance Form (mandatory).
- Read the General Information Package.
- Schedule a physician’s appointment to complete the medical form.
Test Location and Parking
Firefighter Fitness Assessments take place in the Universiade Pavilion (Butterdome) at 87 Avenue and 114 Street. Entry is from 87 Avenue, with the main entrance located on the east side of the building, between the Butterdome and the Van Vliet Complex. Once inside, go straight through the doors and continue straight ahead on the same level to reach the concourse.
How to access the registration area
Upon arrival at the east doors of the Pavilion/Butterdome, call 780-492-1859.
Parking
Pay parking is available at the Education car park (northeast corner of 87 Avenue and 114 Street) and the Jubilee Auditorium car park (southwest corner of the intersection). Look for a black-and-white sandwich board labelled “Firefighter Fitness Assessment” outside the Pavilion’s glass doors.
Test Cost, Refunds or Rescheduling
Cost: $399.00 ($380.00 + $19.00 GST), payable in full at booking.
Rescheduling: Requests must be made at least two weeks before the test date, subject to availability. No credit is retained for cancelled appointments.
Refunds: Partial refunds are available if cancelled before the two-week deadline or with a physician’s note for medical reasons. No refunds for late cancellations or without valid medical reasons.
Medical Postponements: Contact firetest@ualberta.ca or 780-492-1859 on the test day to reschedule; payment will secure your new date.
Open House Sessions
Open house sessions provide an opportunity to experience some of the physical demands of the U of A test but do not replicate the exact testing procedures. These sessions allow participants to handle testing equipment, ask questions, and engage in voluntary physical activities such as hammering, hose advancement, pushing, pulling, and ladder climbing.
The intensity ranges from moderate to very hard. While staff monitor activities, participants are responsible for staying within their physical limits. These sessions are intended for those considering testing within the next 6 to 12 months and are not part of any official recruitment process.
Sessions are $50 plus GST and require a minimum of six participants, with a maximum of 16 per session. If fewer than six individuals are registered three days prior, the session will be cancelled with a full refund.
Please check our activity registration website for the dates of these open house sessions. The registration tab will only appear when spots are available and they also fill on a first come first serve basis.
Resources
Downloadable Documents
General Information Packagepdf open in a new tab
Medical Clearance Form
Facility Waiver Form
Acceptable Leather Gloves
Video Series
Demonstration Videosyoutube open in a new tab
Copyright Notice
This content is protected by copyright and it is not to be reproduced, distributed, adapted or otherwise re-used without the prior approval of the University of Alberta, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation.
Contact Us
For general inquiries, please email firetest@ualberta.ca.
For urgent matters, such as being late for your appointment, you can contact test services at 780-492-1859 or reach the manager directly at 780-492-2213.