CPAT FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the cost of an official CPAT?

A: The testing fee is $135, which includes (2) orientations, (2) practice sessions, and (1) official test.  The fee is not per test; it is per three tests.

Q: Are any fee waivers or discounts available?

A: Yes.  There are (3) discounts:

  • Financial hardship (100% fee discount)
  • Military veteran (20% fee discount)
  • Fire science graduates (VU alumni - 100% fee waiver; all other accredited programs - 15% fee waiver). 

See the fee waiver application to see qualification and submission requirements.

Q: What occurs during orientation and practice sessions?

A: Orientation sessions provide candidates with the following opportunities:

  • Candidates will be given a site specific walk-through
  • Candidates will have access to proctors and support personnel providing general overview of course events, including course layout, proper event techniques and mistakes,  and completion strategies
  • Candidates will be shown the Gibson CPAT course and have hands-on access to all course equipment and props

Practice sessions are test simulations and provides candidates with the following advantages:

  • Candidates will learn their physical readiness to perform an official test
  • Candidates will be observed by course proctors, who can offer advice on event strategies and and support personnel providing general overview of course events, including course layout, proper event techniques and mistakes,  and completion strategies
Q: Is it required to attend the orientations and practice sessions?

A: Candidates are strongly encouraged to participate in an orientation.

Q: Where is the VU CPAT course?

A: Candidates will report to the VU Gibson Center in Fort Branch, Indiana, for all CPAT activities.  Orientations and test are both in the CPAT Lab.

Address:
8100 South U.S. Highway 41
Fort Branch, Indiana 47648

Q: Can the results of a practice test be used as the results for an official test?

A: Yes, the results from a practice test can be used for official results.  However, the candidate must meet the testing dress code (pants, proper shoes), the test must be completed correctly and within the required timeframe; and there must be enough proctors onsite to properly monitor the test.

Q: During the week, is the CPAT lab available for practice or testing purposes?

A: Yes, the CPAT lab will often be available during business days - interested candidates should coordinate with VU staff to determine available times.  Call 812-888-2871 for questions.

Q: What if I am unable to attend my scheduled time for the official test?

A: If a candidate must reschedule or cancel the selected event dates, the candidate must notify the university as early as possible.  A full refund will be issued if the cancellation or rescheduling notification is sent before (5) business days prior to the first event date.  To cancel or reschedule, contact Clay Whitaker (cwhitaker@vinu.edu).  If a candidate sends a rescheduling request within (5) business prior to the first scheduled event, the candidate will be assessed a $50 fee.  Testing fees are non-refundable if a cancellation request is made within (5) business days of the first scheduled event date.

Q: What if I fail to appear for my official test?

A: If a candidate fails to appear for an official test, the candidate forfeits the testing fee.

Q: If a candidate fails an official CPAT, what is the cost to re-test?

A: The initial round of testing (3 total attempts) is $135.00; any subsequent round of testing (3 attempts) for the candidate is $80.00. 

Q: What if I lost my certification and need to replace it?

A: To order a replacement cert, call (812) 888-2871 or email your request to gibson@vinu.edu.

Q: If I have a CPAT card from another facility, is it possible to re-certify at VU?

A: Yes, it is possible to re-certify.  A candidate must provide a valid and current CPAT card that was earned from a licensed facility within the last 12 months.  If yes, the candidate can pay the recertification fee ($80); if the candidate passes the test successfully, the university will issue a VU CPAT certificate.

Q: Is the Gibson Center near any airports?

A: Yes, our location is 15 minutes north of the Evansville Regional Airport, which has daily flights to/from Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, and Orlando.

Q: Do you allow testing for candidates who are not from Indiana?

A: Yes, we allow candidates from other states to test at our facility.  As of January 2024, we have hosted candidates from 26 states (Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, North Carolina, Texas, Wisconsin, California, Arkansas, Missouri, Minnesota, North Dakota, Florida, Virginia, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, West Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, New York, Iowa, Vermont, and New Hampshire).