Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com: A major development has taken place in the south suburban fire departments as they unveiled the region’s first firefighter candidate testing center on Wednesday. This initiative marks a significant move toward aligning local hiring procedures with national standards, making the process more efficient and fair for all applicants. The testing center was established by MABAS 24, an alliance of 20 fire departments located in southern Cook County. In collaboration with the National Testing Network, a leading pre-employment testing service, the facility is now operating at the Division 24 headquarters in Homewood. This partnership brings a new level of accessibility and consistency to the recruitment process for aspiring firefighters. Previously, many candidates had to travel long distances—sometimes even across state lines—to take the nationally recognized Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), which is required by numerous fire departments. Now, residents in the area can complete the test locally, saving time and money while also reducing the logistical challenges of testing. Beyond convenience, the new center aims to bring greater uniformity to the hiring process. Historically, individual departments and fire protection districts have developed their own physical ability tests or outsourced them to third-party companies. This lack of standardization led to inconsistencies and, in some cases, legal disputes. For example, the city of Chicago faced lawsuits over its testing procedures, with applicants claiming that the assessments were biased or unfair. The CPAT, which will be administered at the Homewood facility, is widely regarded as a legally sound and non-discriminatory assessment. It is endorsed by both the International Association of Fire Fighters and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, giving it strong credibility across the industry. The test consists of eight physically demanding tasks, including dragging a hose, raising a ladder, and performing a search and rescue maneuver. Candidates must complete all tasks within 10 minutes and 20 seconds. The CPAT is designed to simulate real-world firefighting scenarios and assess a candidate's physical readiness for the job. For those interested in becoming firefighters, registration for the CPAT is available online at the Homewood location. The $125 fee includes a training packet with practice exercises and access to orientation sessions where candidates can familiarize themselves with the test stations. Additionally, two timed practice runs are available for $39 each, allowing candidates to build confidence before taking the official test. Once passed, the CPAT certification is valid for one year and is recognized nationwide. This means that a certified candidate can apply to fire departments across the country without needing to retake the test, significantly streamlining the application process. The Homewood testing center will initially offer two testing sessions per month, with plans to increase to up to three times a week depending on demand. In addition to firefighter testing, the facility will also provide computer-based assessments for entry-level law enforcement officers, corrections officers, and emergency communications professionals. All revenue generated from the testing center will be used to offset the initial $70,000 investment made by MABAS 24 to purchase specialized training equipment. This model not only supports the financial sustainability of the program but also ensures that the facility can continue to serve the community for years to come. Jiangsu Huayu Electric Co., Ltd , https://www.huayutransformer.com