Firefighter fitness, disabilities and medical conditions

Find out what level of fitness you need to be a firefighter, how new recruits are tested and what adjustments we can make for you.

Fitness
Disabilities
Medical checks
Medical conditions

Fitness

Our physical assessments test the basic level required during the selection process. Candidates should keep their fitness levels to a high standard and aim to be at a more advanced level at the start of their training, to maintain the stamina and determination required for the role.

Our fitness tests

As part of the recruitment process you will have a number of physical tests:

Bleep test - An assessment of fitness and determination. Candidates run between two points 20m apart at a progressively faster rate. Our entry level is 8.8.

If you pass the bleep test, you'll continue on to:

Ladder climb - An untimed test of confidence working at height. Candidates must climb a ladder and take a leg lock, then lean back with arms outstretched, look over their shoulder and identify a number shown below.

Ladder extension - An untimed upper body strength test. Candidates must fully extend and lower the 9m ladder.

Ladder lift - An untimed strength test. Candidates must safely lift and lower a bar with a 15kg weight, above a point 1.9m off the ground.

Enclosed space - A timed test of confidence, agility and claustrophobia working in an enclosed space. Candidates must negotiate a crawling gallery whilst wearing a breathing mask. Half the test will be with clear vision and half with obscured vision.

Equipment assembly - A timed test of manual dexterity. Candidates must assemble and then disassemble equipment.

Equipment carry - A timed strength test. Candidates must carry equipment up and down a course between cones that are 20m apart.

Exercise videos

Our Fit for Life videos show easy to follow exercises, including progressive variations so they're suitable for all levels of fitness. They aim to train all aspects of fitness, keeping you stronger and fitter for life.

Watch this introduction, then take a look at our other exercise videos.

Watch all our Fit for Life exercises on Youtube

Disabilities

We are a disability confident employer.

During the recruitment process, we'll ask what adjustments you need to take part in the selection process and to fulfil the role of a firefighter.

If we can make reasonable adjustments during selection, we'll replicate them on the incident ground.

Medical checks

If you pass our selection tests and interview, you'll have a medical appointment with our occupational health department, which you must pass. You'll need to complete some medical questionnaires and an optician's report before the appointment.

Please bring photo ID and documents on any medical conditions (such as letters from a GP or specialist).

The medical is in 3 stages:

medical tests with the occupational health adviser
a doctor's examination and DVLA paperwork
a fitness test with the service fitness adviser.

We'll check the following:

drugs test - we'll take a urine sample.
height and weight
blood pressure and pulse
your lungs
your hearing and eyesight (if required)
palpation of the abdomen
your reflexes.

No medical information is released to the service - we're just advised on whether you're fit enough for us to employ you. Your information will be held confidentially in the medical department and used as a baseline for your medicals, every 3 years.

Contact our occupational health department on 01438 847316 or fire.ohu@hertfordshire.gov.uk if you have any questions.

Medical conditions

Glasses

If you pass the selection tests and interview, you'll get an optical exam. Depending on your level of eyesight, we may provide you with prescription safety glasses.

Colour blindness

If you have a vision colour defect, you will undergo further testing and possible work related assessments to determine if you would be suitable for the role.

Dyslexia

If you have dyslexia, or think you might, let us know on your application form.

If you're shortlisted, you will need to provide an assessment report from a qualified health or education professional. This will help us work out how to support you through the selection process and in your career.

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Firefighter fitness, disabilities and medical conditions

Fitness

Our fitness tests

Exercise videos

Disabilities

Medical checks

Medical conditions

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