Medical Qualification and the Work Capacity Test

Most wildland firefighters are engaged in work activities that are defined as arduous and that require different levels of medical exams and physical tests. There are also many other types of wildland firefighting positions that have different physical fitness and testing requirements. 

Wildland firefighting is arduous work and firefighters need to be ready to meet the essential expectations of this duty. In addition to these considerations there is also a medical exam and a physical exam that must be completed by everyone. 

ARDUOUS DUTY: Wildland firefighting is arduous work and firefighters are expected to be able to perform the essential functions of this duty at any time.

This level of work requires a medical exam and physical fitness testing. It is important that you have first completed your medical exam and have a qualification certificate before you can participate in the arduous duty Work Capacity Test (AKA the pack test).

There are also many other types of wildland firefighting positions that have different physical fitness and testing requirements.  

MODERATE DUTY:  This field work requires the average endurance and conditioning of an individual who possesses complete control of all their physical faculties. Activities include but are not limited to considerable walking over irregular ground, standing for long periods, lifting 25 to 50 pounds, climbing, bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, and reaching.

LIGHT DUTY: This includes work characterized by light physical exertion in field and office settings requiring basic good health. Individuals almost always can govern the extent and pace of their physical activity. Activities include, but are not limited to: climbing stairs, standing, operating a vehicle, and long hours of work, as well as some bending, stooping, or light lifting.

There are three separate levels of Work Capacity Tests which correspond with the three duty types. The tests are defined as follows:

• Pack Test (Arduous): This is a job-related test to determine an individual’s ability to perform the minimum standards of arduous duty.  It consists of completing a 3-mile walk over level terrain in 45 minutes or less while carrying a 45-pound pack. 
• Field Test (Moderate): This is a job-related test to determine an individual’s ability to perform the minimum standards of moderate duty. It consists of completing a 2-mile walk over level terrain in 30 minutes or less while carrying a 25-pound pack.
• Walk Test (Light): This is a job-related test to determine an individual’s ability to perform the minimum standards of light duty.  The test consists of completing a 1-mile walk over level terrain in 16 minutes or less with no load. 

Light & Moderate – To participate you will need to complete a health screening questionnaire.  Just follow these quick and simple steps:

• Step 1: Contact your local Fire Management Officer. They will collect your information and enter it into the system. 
• Step 2: Your local Fire Management Officer will then order your Health Screening Questionnaire. 
• Step 3: You’ll receive a password and log-in to complete the Health Screening Questionnaire.
• Step 4: If cleared you’ll have access to printable certificate that you can take to your Work Capacity Test.

Certificates of qualification can be printed out through the new Acuity-CHS system, or you can contact your local Fire Management Officer or Human Resources staff and they can do it for you!

MEDICAL STANDARDS PROGRAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We understand the complexity of medical exams and the medical standards program, but each of these processes help to enhance the safety of our firefighting workforce. These frequently asked questions are here to help you through the process! 

For one-on-one technical assistance or questions please contact us at: wlffcsr@blm.gov.