The Biddle Exam administered by Victor Valley College is currently accepted by:
- Orange County Fire Authority
- San Bernardino County Fire Department
- Glendale Fire Department
- Long Beach Fire Department
If the agency you are applying to does not advertise that they accept the VVC Biddle, please contact Fire.Technology@vvc.edu.
PAT-Biddle | Video
PAT–Biddle Video
(Insert video here)
Testing Location
All Biddle Exams are held at:
Regional Public Safety Training Center
19190 Navajo Rd.
Apple Valley, CA 92307
⚠️ DO NOT go to the Victor Valley College main campus on Bear Valley Road.
Site Certification
Victor Valley College is an approved Biddle Physical Ability Test site.
View our Site Certification Certificate
Scheduling a Biddle Exam
We currently do not have any Biddle testing sessions scheduled at this time. (Spring 2026 Semester)
We are currently working on getting session scheduled starting this summer.
If we get enough request, we may schedule one sooner.
If you are in need of a Biddle Exam, please click below to fill out the
VVC Biddle Testing Inquiry Form
to be added to our interest list.
You will be added to an interest list and we will reach out when new testing sessions become available.
Things to Know About Testing at VVC
Biddle testing sessions may be offered in two formats.
Credit Course
- Listed in the VVC course catalog
- Participants register through VVC’s online registration system
Community Education Course
- Not listed in the course catalog
- Registration is handled outside of the standard VVC enrollment system
Because registration methods vary, it is best to email Fire.Technology@vvc.edu to confirm current offerings and registration instructions.
Additional Testing Opportunities
We occasionally offer a limited number of testing spots when Fire Academy students complete their Biddle testing.
This typically occurs:
- Mid-May
- Mid-November
Availability is limited and not guaranteed to be available.
What is the Biddle Physical Ability Test?
The Biddle Physical Ability Test (PAT) is designed to measure a firefighter candidate’s ability to perform common firefighting tasks under physical stress.
The test simulates real firefighting activities and must be completed within a designated time limit while wearing a weight that simulates firefighting gear.
What to Expect During the Test
The Biddle Test consists of several timed stations that simulate real firefighting activities, including:
- Stair climb
- Hose drag
- Ladder raise and extension
- Equipment carry
- Forcible entry simulation
- Search crawl
- Victim rescue drag
Participants must complete all stations within the required time limit in order to pass. See the video above for a detailed demonstration.
What to Wear and Bring
Participants should arrive prepared for a physically demanding test.
Recommended Clothing
- Athletic clothing suitable for physical activity
- Running or training shoes with good traction
- Weather-appropriate layers (testing may occur outdoors)
Recommended PPE (if available)
- Structure coat
- Gloves
Loaner equipment may be available at the testing site; however, participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment if available.
⚠️ Do not bring personal SCBAs. SCBAs are not required for this test and personal equipment may be damaged during testing.
Bring With You
- Government-issued ID
- Water
- Any required paperwork from the hiring agency (if applicable)
Participants should arrive well rested and hydrated.
Test Day Expectations
Arrival Time
Participants should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled test time for check-in.
Late arrivals may not be allowed to participate once testing begins.
Check-In
Participants must check in with testing staff and present a valid government-issued ID.
Warm-Up
Participants are encouraged to perform light stretching and warm-up exercises before testing.
Testing Procedures
Testing will be conducted under the supervision of certified staff. Participants must follow all instructions provided by testing personnel.
Failure to follow instructions may result in removal from the testing session.
Passing the Biddle Test
The Biddle Physical Ability Test is a pass/fail exam with a time component.
Participants must successfully complete all required stations within the 9 minute 34 second time limit to pass the exam.
If a participant cannot complete a station or exceeds the allowed time limit, the test will be recorded as unsuccessful.
Because the Biddle Test simulates real firefighting tasks, it requires a combination of:
- Cardiovascular endurance
- Strength and muscular endurance
- Functional movement and coordination
Participants are encouraged to train and prepare prior to testing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to be a Victor Valley College student to take the Biddle Test?
If the test is offered as a credit course, you must be a Victor Valley College student and register through the VVC enrollment system.
Enrollment and registration information can be found here:
https://www.vvc.edu/steps-enrollment-new-returning-students
If the test is offered through Community Education, you do not need to be a VVC student.
How much does the Biddle Test cost?
The cost varies depending on how the testing session is offered, such as whether it is run as a credit course or through Community Education.
Please email Fire.Technology@vvc.edu for current pricing and registration information.
When will I receive my certificate?
Participants who successfully complete the test will receive a paper certificate on the day of testing.
An electronic version can be emailed upon request.
Do I need to bring my own gear?
Participants are encouraged to bring their own structure coat and gloves if available.
Loaner equipment will be available, but not all sizes are guaranteed.
⚠️ Do not bring personal SCBAs.
Questions
For additional information about Biddle Testing at Victor Valley College, please contact: