Employment

Job Opportunities

The City of Clarksville is an “Equal Opportunity Employer.” Clarksville Fire Rescue is not accepting applications at this time. Please check back later.

Testing & Employment Process

All segments of the testing process are pass/fail.

WHAT IS THE FIREFIGHTER ENTRY LEVEL EXAM?

The exam consists of three phases.


PHASE 1 – WRITTEN EXAM

The test is multiple choice and normally takes about two hours to complete.

As soon as possible after the written exam, applicants who passed will be notified of the date they will be taking the physical ability test.  If you pass both the written and the physical ability test you will go before the Interview Board.  The Interview Board will then provide the Fire Chief with a list of the top candidates based on the successful completion of the Physical ability test, and the aggregate scores of the oral interview, and the written test.  The Fire Chief will interview a certain number of the candidates (which number is based on the needs of the Fire Department).  A list will be compiled of a yet to be named number of candidates who will be on the hiring list for at least a year.


PHASE II – PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST

Fireground Physical Ability Test (FPAT) is a job simulation physical ability test, designed by IOS in partnership with Firesled Fitness, for assessing essential physical abilities of firefighter applicants and incumbent firefighters. The FPAT consists of a series of tasks designed to assess important physical abilities necessary for effective job performance as a firefighter. These tasks were developed to mirror real situations that firefighters encounter on the job. These tasks represent basic skills that do not require training or previous experience as a firefighter to successfully complete.

It must be emphasized that regardless of a person’s level of fitness, they should be in good health before beginning any training program.  A physical training program that emphasizes cardio respiratory fitness, strength, and muscular endurance can accomplish preparation for the physical ability test.  It is especially important that small framed individuals and individuals whose current jobs do not require physical exertion prepare more conscientiously for the test.  Most people can improve their level of physical fitness through an intensive training program that includes running for cardio respiratory fitness and weight lifting for muscular strength.

Applicants tend to underestimate the difficulty of the physical ability test and the effects it can have on them physically.  To help minimize effects, please follow these guidelines:

  1. Drink plenty of water 1 to 2 hours prior to the ability test

  2. Completely avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages for at least 48 hours prior to the test

  3. Avoid the use of any over the counter medication for 48 hours.  In particular, you should avoid aspirin containing products as well as the non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory agents (Advil, Nuprin, Motrin, Medipren, Midol, etc).  In addition, you should avoid products containing acetaminophen (Tylenol) and any decongestants, cold pill, and dietetics.

  4. Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours prior to the test.

Note: All applicants must sign a release of liability form before performing the physical ability test. 


The FPAT consists of thirteen job simulation components that assess essential firefighter physical abilities. The components are completed in a continuous series and you will be required to complete all components at or under the department-specific cut score. The following points should help to familiarize you with what will take place on the day of the FPAT.

  • You will be outfitted with a 50-pound weighted vest, gloves and a safety helmet prior to the FPAT. 
  • You are strongly encouraged to wear athletic shoes and appropriate clothing. You will be performing physical activities that demonstrate strength, agility, and endurance. It is important to be outfitted in attire that does not hinder your performance.
  • You will be guided through the course by a proctor. The proctor will provide proactive instruction and, when necessary, correct unwanted behavior. It is acceptable to ask the proctor questions concerning course rules and layout prior to beginning the course and while on the course.
  • The proctor will provide an initial warning should you engage in unwanted behavior. A second warning regarding the same unwanted behavior will result in disqualification. 
  • The proctor reserves the right to terminate your participation in the FPAT at any time, should you appear to be endangering the health or safety of yourself and/or others.
  • All thirteen components of the FPAT will be timed in a continuous series. Failure to complete the course in the allowed time will result in disqualification.
  • You must not run during the test. Failure to heed a first warning not to run will result in disqualification. Running is defined as any time both feet are off the ground at the same time while you are advancing on the course. 

It is the expectation that this web page will provide you with sufficient information to prepare for and succeed in the FPAT. The thirteen components that compose the FPAT are outlined below. 
 

 A video of a firefighter completing the FPAT course can be viewed on YouTubeTM by navigating your browser to the following URL: https://iosolutions.com/firesled-ios-fpat-instructional-video/


 

1. Equipment Carry

You will be required to carry two kettle bells (20 lbs. and 25 lbs.) at the same time, for a total distance of 100 feet. You will start the FPAT with your hands on each of the kettle bells. After lifting both kettle bells from the platform, your will walk down to the far marker cone, make a right hand turn around the cone, walk to the near marker cone, make a right hand turn around the cone, and then return both kettle bells to the platform. Candidates may rest or set kettlebells down at any time but may only advance forward while both kettlebells are being fully carried. If a kettlebell falls from the platform, the candidate must pick it up and return it to the platform.

 

2. Forcible Entry

You will be required to strike a target block/sled, mounted on a track, using a sledge hammer. You will walk to the right-hand side of Punisher and remove the sledge hammer. You will start with a right-handed grip and strike the target area of the “sled” until the sled reaches the end of the track. Then you will reverse grip and strike the “sled” back to its original position. You may not “push” the sled – it must be advanced using strikes. Once the sled reaches the end of the track, you will replace the sledge hammer in the holder.