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University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, R3T 2N2
UM Recreation Services has provided assessments and testing for agencies for the last 30 years. Our Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) certified staff, testing facilities and equipment, and experience combine for an exceptional service for hiring agencies and standardized experience for applicants.
The Canadian Forces Fire Marshall's Firefighter Pre-Entry Fitness Evaluation (CFFM FPFE) is part of the application process for Brandon Fire and Emergency Services, Canadian Nuclear Laboratory, and Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Services.
The Canadian Forces Fire Marshall's Firefighter Pre-Entry Fitness Evaluation evaluates the physical work capacities of firefighter applicants. Wearing firefighting personal protective equipment, applicants complete a standardized aerobic endurance treadmill test and six job-related tests (completed in standardized time) including charged hose advanced, high volume hose pull, forcible entry simulation, victim drag, ladder climb, equipment carry and vehicle extrication.
Cost: $355 (+GST)
Test fees are non-refundable if changes are made within four business days of the test. Please review the full refund policy.
Duration: Expect to be at the University of Manitoba for at least three hours on the day of your test.
Extended orientations to prepare for your test may be available before recruitment. You can go to our registration page for any available sessions.
UM also offers a tactical conditioning program to help you prepare.
Please fill out and send the completed forms to occupational.testing@umanitoba.ca a minimum of four days prior to your test date. Please indicate your test date and time in the email.
Please bring a change of exercise clothes for after the treadmill portion of the test. Your t-shirt will be wet from sweat after the treadmill test. We recommend bringing sweats and a sweater to keep warm during the 60-minute rest period.
Wearing only a sports bra or wearing a tank top is not allowed.
We have a good selection of rubber firefighting boots, turnout gear and thick, fire-rated gloves. However, getting an exact fit may not always be possible.
If you choose you may bring your own gear (including all liners) but if what you have brought is not what is required for the test, we will outfit you with our gear.
You will not be allowed to listen to music during any aspect of the test.
Each test is followed by a rest period of three minutes for recovery and hydration. You are not permitted to leave the testing area or remove the PPE during the rest periods.
Aerobic fitness is measured during a progressive exercise test to near exhaustion on a treadmill. After a standardized five-minute warm-up, you will walk at 3.5 mph and a 10 percent grade for eight minutes. To pass the aerobic fitness standard, you must complete the eight-minute stage at 3.5 mph at a 10 percent grade.
After completing the treadmill test, you will be given a 60-minute rest period. The orientation to these tests will follow, consisting of a 'walk-through' session of each task. This portion will take approximately 30 minutes and familiarize you with testing procedures, providing a suitable warm-up for the following demanding tests.
The orientation and test practice are mandatory and you must complete them before proceeding with the test. You cannot skip sections to conserve energy.
You will drag a charged (full of water) 38-mm (1.5-inch) hose for 45 metres (125 feet). Three 15-metre (50-foot) lengths of hose are "snaked" behind the starting line. You hold the nozzle over your shoulder and advance to the finish line as quickly as possible. Running is not permitted. This test assesses lower body strength and power and must be completed safely in less than 31 seconds.
Using a rope, you will pull a bundle of hose weighing approximately 56 kg (123 lb.) a distance of 15 metres (50 feet) over a smooth concrete floor three times. You must stand still during the test and pull the hose bundle towards you using a 16-mm (5/8-inch) rope. This test assesses upper body strength and power and must be completed safely in less than 103 seconds.
You will use a 3.6-kg (8-lb.) "dead blow" sledgehammer to move a forcible entry machine against 1,200 psi as rapidly as possible. This test assesses muscle strength, power and endurance, particularly in the upper body and must be completed safely in less than 45 seconds.
You will drag a mannequin weighing 68.2 kg (150 lb.) a total distance of 30 metres, with the mannequin lying face-up on the floor. You will lift the mannequin and walk backwards for 15 metres, turn around a traffic cone and return to the start line as quickly as possible. This test assesses muscle strength and endurance and must be completed safely in less than 49 seconds.
You will climb a 7.3-metre (24-foot) ladder to the tenth rung and return to the floor as quickly as possible, repeating the task five times. This test assesses muscle strength, endurance and anaerobic capacity and must be completed safely in less than 109 seconds.
You will carry small (18-kg or 40-lb.) and large (36-kg or 80 lb.) vehicle extrication tools (the "Jaws of Life") a total distance of 30-metres (100 feet). In addition, you will lift and hold the 18-kg tool in specific positions that simulate the work required to remove a vehicle door. This test evaluates the strength and endurance required to lift, carry and use heavy tools in rescue situations. This test must be completed safely in less than 270 seconds.
The Institutional Safety Officer & Qualified Person test is a part of the application process for Shared Health.
Physical fitness plays an important role in the protective services profession. This assessment is reflective of the demands an Institutional Safety Officer and Qualified Person may encounter including a Graded Walking Test, a push-pull station with controlled falls, and a weight carry.
Cost: $120 (+ GST)
Duration: Expect to be at the University of Manitoba for 90 minutes on the day of your test.
Fill out the PAR-Q. Print the Medical Release and take it to your Physician or Nurse Practitioner for them to complete. Send both completed forms to occupational.testing@umanitoba.ca a minimum of four days prior to your test date. Please indicate your test date and time in the email.
The Paramedic Physical Fitness Assessment is for those attending Paramedic Training programs at Criti Care, Manitoba Emergency Services College, and RRC Polytech Primary Care Paramedic, as well as for those applying for Paramedic positions with Shared Health ERS and Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Services.
This test is a standardized approach to assess an applicant’s physical fitness capacity and ability to perform essential job-related physical tasks paramedics encounter on emergency calls. The physical fitness assessment includes a Graded Walking Test (3.5 MPH at 5% grade), muscular endurance tests (plank and back extension), and a flexibility test (sit and reach). The job-related assessment of simulated work scenarios includes equipment carry (approximately 75lbs), CPR compressions, patient carry simulation (110lbs), patient transfer simulation (80lbs), and stretcher load-unload simulation (80lbs).
Cost: $155 (+ GST)
Duration: Expect to be at the University of Manitoba for 2 hours on the day of your test.
The Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation (PARE) is part of the application process for various agencies such as Canadian Border Services Agency, Commissionaires, Conservation, Motor Carrier Enforcement, Peace Officer, and Sheriffs. The PARE may be used as an equivalent test for Corrections and Police agencies.
The PARE is used to assess a person's ability to perform the physical demands of law enforcement work by simulating a critical incident of chasing, controlling, and apprehending a suspect. The Canadian Border Service Agency (CBSA) PARE test measures the essential physical capacities to perform law enforcement work through the completion of an obstacle course, push-pull with controlled falls station, and a weight carry station. Components must be completed in a standardized time.
Cost: $120 (+ GST)
Duration: Expect to be at the University of Manitoba for 2 hours on the day of your test.
There are NO TESTING SESSIONS during UM exams (April & December).
UM also offers a tactical conditioning program to help you prepare.
Par Q and UM Physicians Release or CBSA Medical Clearance
Please fill out and send the completed forms to occupational.testing@umanitoba.ca a minimum of four days prior to your test date. Please indicate your test date and time in the email.
Before the test administrator can proceed with the assessment, your resting heart rate and blood pressure will be taken. This is to ensure that your heart rate is not equal to or above 100 beats per minute and your blood pressure is not equal to or above 144/94 mm Hg. These national standards have been set as a safety precaution. If you are equal to or above these levels, you will be asked to see your physician again to get additional permission to proceed with the test.
The test is conducted in a gymnasium with the participant attired in clothing appropriate for physical activity and supportive footwear with good grip. It consists of running 400 metres (1/4 mile) over a six- lap course including climbing up and down stairs, jumping over low obstacles, followed by pushing and pulling 70 lbs. of resistance and finishing with lifting and carrying 80 lbs. a distance of 50 feet.
Most test participants will experience a maximum heart rate during the test. The PARE will place a brief but maximal stress on your cardiovascular system. It will also stress your anaerobic, muscular strength and endurance fitness. The test is designed to encourage you to work at your maximum physical abilities. If you have concern over your ability to perform hard work then you should not perform the test.
The test will be described and demonstrated to you before your performance. Further, you will be given time to practice the test items so that you will know your capabilities and have the confidence to complete the test should you choose to continue.
The first section of PARE consists of an obstacle run, which the participant negotiates six times. The course is laid out in the following manner:
From the start marker, follow the arrow to the second marker, turn right and jump over the 5-foot mat. You will receive a five-second penalty for each time you touch any part of the mat.
On landing, you turn left around the next marker and proceed towards the stairs. You must run up and down the stairs, touching at least one step on the way up, the top platform, and one step on the way down. You then proceed towards the next marker and run back to the stairs going up and down again.
Upon landing, you then moves to the next marker, turn left, jump over the 18-inch hurdles en route to the next marker. If you knocks over a hurdle, you are assigned a two-second penalty.
You then run around the left side of the marker and turn right heading towards the start marker. Before reaching the start marker, you must vault over a 3-foot high railing. You must land in control on both feet on the opposite side of the vault, then fall on either your stomach (stomach, chest, hips on the ground) or back (both shoulder blades down on the ground), alternating front or back on each lap. After each controlled fall you must get up without assistance and proceed around the start marker to complete the lap.
You must complete six laps before starting the next section.
Upon finishing the obstacle run, you move immediately to the push/pull station, which consists of a specific push/pull unit. You may perform this activity in the order you choose, push first and then pull, or vice versa. Since the push is more difficult to perform, it is recommended that you do this activity first.
Upon reaching the push/pull unit, you grasp the handles and push the weight (70 lbs. for applicants or 80 lbs. for members) off the base of the machine, then move right or left, completing a 180° arc. You must complete six arcs. If you allow the weight to touch the base, you must repeat that particular arc.
Once the push activity is completed, you will lower the weight. You then move away from the unit about two feet and perform a controlled fall on the front executing a push-up like movement. You then come to a standing ready position and execute a second fall, this time on your back, shoulder blades on the ground. A sit-up like manoeuvre is required to come back up to the standing ready position. This sequence, front and back falls, is repeated until you complete two front falls and two back falls.
Once you have completed the sequence of falls, you grasp the rope and pull so the weight plates lift off the base of the machine and then move right or left. You must complete six arcs without allowing the weight to touch the base. If the weight touches the base, you must repeat that particular arc.
The weight carry section of PARE is a pass/fail activity; it is not timed. You must be able to pick up a weight (80 lbs. for applicants or 100 lbs. for members), and carry it over a distance of 50 feet. This activity should begin one to two minutes after you complete the timed part of the test. Participants failing the weight-carry section fail PARE.
To pass the PARE, you must perform all activities within the defined protocol and complete the timed portion within four minutes and 45 seconds and then lift and carry the 80-lb. torso bag a distance of 50 feet.
If you have concerns over your ability to perform hard work, you should not perform the test or sign up for the Law Enforcement Conditioning Camp. Those interested in taking the training program are assumed to have basic knowledge of resistance training/weight training technique. If this is not the case, we advise that you consult the University of Manitoba Recreation Services office for training facilities and personal training services, as proper technique is essential for preventing injuries and benefiting from any program.
Please keep in mind that at the beginning of any physical activity program, there are physical adaptations that occur to the body and therefore, mild pain or discomfort in the muscles is completely normal for the first week to 10 days. If the pain and/or discomfort persist, consult your physician.
University of Manitoba Occupational Testing does not offer the following tests:
COPAT
POPAT
SOPAT
WPS-PAT
If you are needing one of these tests, please ask your hiring agency if the CBSA Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation (PARE) is an acceptable alternative.
The Animal Services Officer Assessment is for the City of Winnipeg.
The Animal Services Officers Assessment evaluates general levels of physical fitness to determine whether applicants are qualified to perform essential tasks for the job. The general physical fitness assessment includes the Single-Stage Treadmill Walking Test, muscular strength and endurance tests, and a flexibility test. The job-related assessment simulates picking up, restraining, and moving animals and equipment including weight transfer, weight lifts, shoulder heath, and push-pull.
Cost: $155 (+ GST)
Duration: Expect to be at the University of Manitoba for 90 minutes on the day of your test.
To book your assessment please complete the required forms and contact occupational.testing@umanitoba.ca. Please include the day which you would like the test completed by and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Please fill out and send the completed forms to occupational.testing@umanitoba.ca a minimum of four days prior to your test date. Please indicate your test date and time in the email.
This 4-week Self-guided exercise program is built for individuals preparing for, or already working in, physically demanding roles such as policing, firefighting or other first responder and tactical settings. This plan combines strength, conditioning and circuit-based training to support performance on job-related physical tests and tasks. All sessions are delivered through our training app, allowing you to train independently while tracking your progress over time.
The Caretaking Services assessment is for UM Physical Plant at the Fort Garry and the Bannatyne campuses.
The UM Physical Plant caretaking services fitness assessment tests the physical challenges required to perform the job including caretaking tasks like picking up and moving garbage bins, cleaning, vacuuming, and sweeping floors. The general fitness assessment includes a Single-Stage Treadmill Walking Test as well as muscular strength and endurance tests. The job-related assessment includes weight transfers, weight lifts, a shoulder health evaluation, and a push-pull test.
Cost: $155 (+ GST) covered by UM Caretaking (see exceptions below)
There will be no fee charged to the applicant to complete this test unless:
Duration: Expect to be at the University of Manitoba for 90 minutes on the day of your test.
To book your assessment please follow the instructions shared with you from Physical Plant.
Please fill out and send the completed forms to occupational.testing@umanitoba.ca a minimum of four days prior to your test date. Please indicate your test date and time in the email.
The Vita Health Physical Assessment is for positions with Vita Health's Manufacturing Department.
The Vita Health physical assessment tests general levels of fitness and job-related tasks to ensure employee safety and preparedness to do various jobs within manufacturing. The general fitness assessment includes a Single-Stage Treadmill Walking Test, muscular strength and endurance tests, and a flexibility test. The job-related assessment includes progressive weight lifts, weight presses, pushing, and pulling.
Cost: $180 (+ GST), covered by Vita Health (see exceptions below)
There will be no fee charged to the applicant to complete this test unless:
Duration: Expect to be at the University of Manitoba for 90 minutes on the day of your appointment.
To book your assessment please follow the instructions shared with you from Vita Health.
PAR-Q and Medical Release
Please fill out and send the completed forms to occupational.testing@umanitoba.ca a minimum of four days prior to your test date. Please indicate your test date and time in the email.
All first aid and basic life support courses are Heart & Stroke or Red Cross certified and taught with a maximum of 12 participants to one instructor. Participation in learning practical skills is required. All courses are taught with one mannequin per student.
Courses include:
Most of our courses are held between the spring and fall terms. To set up a particular course for six or more participants, please contact Morteza Talebian Nia.
Ready to wear the mic and lead the class? Register for the pre-requisite training courses to be certified to group fitness classes. All courses are led by MFC-certified Trainers of Fitness Leaders and are based on the MFC and Fitness Leadership Canada training standards.
NLS is the nationally recognized lifeguard certification and the final step to becoming a lifeguard. It includes all necessary lifeguard employment certifications (standard first aid, CPR level C, and NLS).
Visit our registration page and select your test.
Review the available test appointments and add your selection to the cart.
Review the details of your test selection (including date, time, and what forms are required to complete your registration). Logon to your sportandrec account (or create a new account) to book.
Book your test appointment. Checkout and you will be prompted to review and sign the Assumption of risk, release of liability, waiver of claims and indemnity agreement.
Complete payment.
Email the test specific, required forms to occupational.testing@umanitoba.ca as soon as possible. The completed forms must be submitted by four business days of your appointment in order to take your test.
Please note there are different registration steps for the Vita Health physical assessment, UM Physical Plant caretaking services assessment and the City of Winnipeg Animal Services assessment. Review the specific sections above for information on how to register for those programs.
Please contact us if you have questions about testing, or if you would like to add your agency to this list or create an occupational testing protocol for your agency.
Occupational Testing
145 Frank Kennedy Centre
420 University Crescent
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2 Canada
