Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Practice Test

Which fire fighter rank is directly below the Battalion Chief?

1. Captain

2. Lieutenant

3. Driver Engineer

4. Volunteer Firefighter

The correct answer is: Captain

The rank directly below the Battalion Chief is Captain. In the organizational structure of the fire service, the Battalion Chief operates at a higher management level, overseeing multiple companies or units within a battalion. Captains, who are responsible for leading individual fire companies, report directly to the Battalion Chief. They manage the day-to-day operations of their crew, ensure training and readiness, and handle incident command at the scene. Lieutenants typically report to Captains and assist in leadership within the company. While Driver Engineers are critical members of the firefighting team, responsible for driving and operating the fire apparatus, they usually do not have the command authority that leads the entire company. Volunteer Firefighters play an essential role but do not rank within the same structured command hierarchy as career officers. This hierarchy ensures clear lines of authority and accountability within the fire department.