The Wildland Firefighter Work Capacity Test (WCT) assesses a firefighter's physical ability to perform essential tasks. It involves walking a specific distance within a set time, carrying a weighted pack, and simulating the physical demands of wildland firefighting. There are three levels of the WCT, corresponding to different duty types: Arduous, Moderate, and Light.

1. Start training at least 4-6 weeks before the test.
2. Begin by building cardiovascular fitness with activities like hiking and jogging without a pack.
3. Gradually increase the weight and distance, simulating the test conditions.
4. Focus on building leg strength by hiking hills with a pack.
5. Use comfortable, supportive footwear for training and the test.

This test is for all wildland firefighters and involves a 3-mile hike with a 45-pound pack, completed in 45 minutes or less.

This test is for positions like safety officers and fire behavior analysts. It requires a 2-mile hike with a 25-pound pack, completed in 30 minutes or less.

This test is for positions like staging area and helibase managers. It is a 1-mile walk in 16 minutes, without a pack.