Trained by ex-military PTIs
Train for the Firefighter Fitness Test in Manchester
Applying to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service? Build the fitness for the bleep test and selection tests outdoors, with ex-military instructors and a team that pushes you every session.
CLAIM YOUR FREE SESSIONBecoming a firefighter takes fitness, grit and teamwork. The bleep test is one of the first hurdles, and it doesn't care how you feel on the day. At Manchester Outdoor Fitness, our ex-military instructors run outdoor sessions across 6 Greater Manchester parks, all year round, whatever the weather. MFers of every level train together, and recruits preparing for the uniformed services are always welcome.
Please note: Manchester Outdoor Fitness is independent. We're not affiliated with, endorsed by or partnered with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS). Requirements can change, so always check the current requirements on the official GMFRS website: manchesterfire.gov.uk/join-us/fitness-tests.
What the GMFRS fitness tests involve
(Taken from the GMFRS website, checked 29 Oct 2026. Always check the official pages before you apply.)
The bleep test
- GMFRS says the first test you'll take is a 20-metre bleep test, with a minimum pass mark of level 8.8. It advises practising with a bleep test app and making sure you can go above 8.8 to give yourself the best chance. Source: GMFRS Fitness Tests
- Its FAQ says the assessment finishes at 8.8, that you'll be expected to run to higher levels once on the recruits course, and that successful candidates will be advised to aim towards level 10 before their initial training course. Source: GMFRS FAQs
- The bleep test is part of the GMFRS recruitment day, "evaluating cardiovascular fitness". Source: GMFRS Recruitment Process
The National Firefighter Selection Tests
GMFRS says these must be completed successfully on your first attempt, with a full briefing and PPE provided on the day. Source: GMFRS Fitness Tests
- Ladder lift: raise the bar of a ladder lift simulator weighing 30kg to the height of a fire engine (182cm).
- Ladder climb: climb a 13.5m ladder to two thirds of its working height, take a leg lock, take your hands off the ladder and identify a symbol shown by the assessor below.
- Breathing apparatus crawl: wearing a breathing apparatus mask, complete a crawl with and without obscured vision within a set time.
- Casualty drag: drag a 55kg dummy backwards around a 30m course within a set time.
- Equipment assembly: assemble typical fire service equipment within a set time (manual dexterity).
- Equipment carry: carry items of equipment over a 25m course within a set time, including hose reel tubing on a drum, three coiled 70mm soft suction hoses, a 100mm hard suction hose and strainer in a basket, and a 33kg barbell.
GMFRS doesn't publish the set times for these tests on its website. It also runs its own pre-campaign fitness sessions to help candidates with cardio and upper body strength for the bleep test and ladder lift. Source: GMFRS Recruitment Process
What's the national standard behind 8.8? Other UK fire services publish the same 8.8 figure. Cornwall's fire service describes it as the national minimum of a 42 VO2 max, and says reaching level 8 shuttle 8 takes roughly eight minutes and 30 seconds of running. Source: Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service
How our sessions help you build the fitness for it
We're not a test centre and we don't run the official tests. What we do is help you build the all-round fitness the tests ask for, in a group that won't let you coast.
- Aerobic base: every session includes 10–15 minutes of aerobic work and a warm-up on the move, and our Running Club is there if you want extra miles. A strong base is what gets you through the later levels.
- Sprints, intervals and changes of direction: sessions include sprints, high-intensity intervals and quick changes of direction: repeated hard efforts with short recoveries, the kind of work that builds the engine for a test that keeps getting faster.
- Carries, drags and lifts: we train with sandbags, logs, tyres, stretchers, kettlebells and battle ropes, so carrying, dragging and lifting awkward loads becomes normal.
- Grip and upper body: sandbag and log work, partner drills and bodyweight strength build the grip and upper body strength that loaded tasks ask for.
- Mental toughness and teamwork: we train outdoors all year round, in the dark and the rain, as a team. Nobody gets left behind.
- The right level for you: Blue (beginners), Red (intermediate) and Green (advanced) bibs mean you're pushed hard at the right level, and every exercise can be adapted.
Use our sessions alongside your own bleep test practice, as GMFRS advises. Training with us won't guarantee a result on test day, but you'll turn up having put the work in, and used to digging in when it gets hard.
Tip: tell your instructor you're preparing for the firefighter tests at your first session, so they know what you're working towards.
Where we train: 6 Greater Manchester parks
Times and meeting points are on each park page. Arrive 10–15 minutes early, wear sports kit and outdoor trainers, and bring gloves and a hat.
FAQ
What level do you need on the GMFRS bleep test?
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service says the minimum pass mark for its 20-metre bleep test is level 8.8, and advises making sure you can go above 8.8 to give yourself the best chance. Its FAQ adds that candidates who succeed will be advised to aim towards level 10 before starting their initial training course. Always check the current figure on the official GMFRS website.
What other fitness tests are there for GMFRS firefighters?
Alongside the bleep test, GMFRS lists the National Firefighter Selection Tests: a ladder lift (raising a 30kg ladder lift simulator bar to 182cm), a 13.5m ladder climb with a leg lock, a breathing apparatus crawl, a casualty drag (a 55kg dummy dragged backwards around a 30m course), equipment assembly and an equipment carry over a 25m course. GMFRS says these must be completed successfully on your first attempt.
How long does it take to reach level 8.8 on the bleep test?
GMFRS doesn't publish a time. Cornwall's fire service says you need to run for roughly eight minutes and 30 seconds to reach level 8 shuttle 8, which it gives as the equivalent of a VO2 max of 42.3.
How do I train for the firefighter bleep test?
GMFRS says the best way is to keep practising the bleep test with a bleep test app and to make sure you can go above level 8.8. Many people also build their aerobic base and get used to sprints, intervals and changes of direction in regular sessions. Our outdoor sessions are one way to do that, alongside your own bleep test practice.
Is there a treadmill alternative to the GMFRS bleep test?
The GMFRS recruitment pages only mention the 20-metre bleep test and don't list a treadmill option. Some other fire services use the Chester treadmill test, but check with GMFRS directly for what applies to you.
Can I join Manchester Outdoor Fitness if I'm not very fit yet?
Yes. Every session is for all abilities, and our Blue (beginners), Red (intermediate) and Green (advanced) bibs put you with people at a similar level. Your first session is FREE.
Is Manchester Outdoor Fitness linked to GMFRS?
No. Manchester Outdoor Fitness is an independent outdoor fitness company and isn't affiliated with, endorsed by or partnered with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. Always check the current requirements on the official GMFRS website.
Ready to start?
Your first session is FREE. Pick a park, turn up, and let's get to work.
CLAIM YOUR FREE SESSIONQuestions? Tell your instructor or drop us a message.
Sources (checked 29 Oct 2026)
- GMFRS, Fitness Tests: https://manchesterfire.gov.uk/join-us/fitness-tests/
- GMFRS, Frequently Asked Questions: https://manchesterfire.gov.uk/join-us/frequently-asked-questions/
- GMFRS, Recruitment Process: https://manchesterfire.gov.uk/join-us/recruitment-process/
- Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service, Fitness and practical tests: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/fire-and-rescue-service/service-careers/fitness-and-practical-tests/
Manchester Outdoor Fitness is independent and isn't affiliated with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. Always check the current requirements on the official GMFRS website.
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