IMPORTANT NOTICE: The OPPAT is owned and operated under agreement by Wilfrid Laurier University and is administered at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario and at the City of Ottawa Paramedic Services Headquarters. We do not provide training programs or other test preparation services. We are not affiliated with, and we do not support or endorse, any third-party physical training programs, preparatory courses, or any products or services that claim to train or prepare individuals for the OPPAT. We are not responsible for the quality, content, accuracy or safety of any third-party services or products. The use of any third-party services and products is at the sole risk and responsibility of the user. Enrollment in and use of such third-party services or products does not guarantee that you will pass the OPPAT.
Candidates are asked to follow of the instructions noted below:
BEFORE THE DAY OF TESTING:
- Candidates MUST download, print, complete, and sign the CSEP Get Active Questionnaire that can be accessed on the OPPATTM website; both (2) pages MUST be brought to their appointment.
- Female candidates who may be pregnant or who have a confirmed pregnancy are required to have written medical authorization from their physician or other regulated healthcare practitioner that clearly indicates that the candidate can participate in physical demands testing
- ALL medical documentation signed by a regulated healthcare provider must be dated within 30 days of the candidates’ appointment.
Candidates with a resting blood pressure that is above 160/90 mmHg, and/or a resting heart rate that is above 100bpm at the time of intake on the day of their testing cannot be tested for reasons of safety.
DISCLAIMER: The OPPAT™ is only delivered at Wilfrid Laurier University and the Ottawa Paramedic Services Headquarters. The OPPAT™ is not affiliated with, and does not support or endorse, any external physical training programs, organizations, or agencies. If you have any questions or concerns please contact oppat@wlu.ca.
Candidates are asked to REFRAIN from:
- participating in a physical demands test with another provider at least 48 hours prior to their OPPATTM appointment;
- engaging in strenuous activity at least 12 hours prior to their OPPATTM appointment;
- riding-out or working on the road with a paramedic service organization at least 12 hours prior to their OPPATTM appointment;
- consuming caffeine (including coffee, tea, energy drinks, etc.) at least 8 hours prior to their OPPATTM appointment;
- using stimulants of any type at least 8 hours prior to their OPPATTM appointment.
Candidates with a resting blood pressure that is above 160/90 mmHg, and/or a resting heart rate that is above 100bpm at the time of intake on the day of their testing will not be tested.
ON THE DAY OF TESTING:
Candidates MUST:
- arrive AT LEAST 30 minutes PRIOR to their scheduled appointment time;
- have their hair above their collar, wear their school or allied services’ uniform, and wear their regulation (CSA approved) safety boots or shoes (please note: to avoid unnecessary slips, trips or falls, we ask candidates that during the winter months they bring their safety boots / shoes with them and put them on at the start of the test);
- in the absence of a school or work uniform, candidates are permitted to wear generic reflective cargo work pants (can be purchased from Walmart, Marks Work Warehouse or uniform store) and a plain dark (blue or black) t-shirt;
- take their regularly prescribed medications;
- bring one piece of government issued photo identification;
- bring their completed CSEP Get Active Questionnaire and all medical authorization forms (if applicable).
Candidates with a resting blood pressure that is above 160/90 mmHg, and/or a resting heart rate that is above 100bpm at the time of intake on the day of their testing cannot be tested for reasons of safety.
Candidates who do not follow the above instructions will have their test cancelled; NO refund will be issued. NO EXCEPTIONS.