The below levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and physical strength and muscular endurance are a good guide for applicants on how best to prepare for the physical demands of the recruitment process.

You are likely to have the minimum level of cardiorespiratory fitness for UK firefighting if you can:

• Run 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres) continuously in 12 minutes or less (This is equal to running 6 laps of a 400m outdoor athletics track in 12 minutes).

• Run on a treadmill at 7.5 mph (12 km/h) for 12 minutes.

• Perform the multi-stage shuttle run test (bleep test) to at least level 8.

You are likely to have the minimum physical strength and muscular endurance if you can:

• Shoulder press 25kg once in an overhead, upright seated position.

Tip – to give you an indication as to what it feels like to undertake physical activities whilst wearing full fire kit and boots try training in wellies wearing a waterproof jacket.