CPAT - Frequently Asked Questions

A: The testing fee is $135, which includes (2) orientations, (2) practice sessions, and (1) official test.

A: Yes.  There are (3) waivers:

• Financial hardship (100% fee waiver)
   
• Military veteran (20% fee waiver)
   
• 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.

A: Orientation sessions provide candidates with the following opportunities:

• Candidates will be shown the IAFF/IAFC CPAT orientation video
   
• 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

A: Per IAFF guidelines, orientations and practice sessions are considered mandatory preparation activities.  However, if a candidate does not want to participate in any orientation or practice session, the candidate will be required to sign an official waiver prior to any official test.  Candidates are strongly encouraged to participate in at least (1) of each.

A: Candidates will report to the VU Gibson Center in Fort Branch, Indiana, for all CPAT activities.  Orientations will be held in the Gibson Auditorium (Room 134).  Practice and official tests will be held Room 121.

Address:

8100 South U.S. Highway 41

Fort Branch, Indiana 47648

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.

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.

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 (10) 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 (10) 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 (10) business days of the first scheduled event date.

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

A: The cost of a re-test or re-certification is $80.

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

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.  If yes, the candidate can pay the recertification fee ($80); if the candidate passes the test successfully, the university will issue a VU CPAT card.

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