Account
Complete required steps online
Use your account to complete required consent and agreements before assessment day.
OFAI Pre-Assessment Guide
Swim Test Pre-Assessment Guide
Everything you need to know before your Swim Test assessment.
Version 2026.2
This guide helps candidates prepare for the OFAI Swim Test and understand what to expect before, during, and after assessment day.
Welcome
Thank you for registering for an assessment with Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI).
This guide will help you prepare for your Swim Test and understand what to expect before, during, and after your assessment.
All assessment preparation, consent, communication, and results are managed through your OFAI candidate account.
Program Access
Your OFAI account
Your OFAI candidate account is your central point for completing consent, managing bookings, viewing certificates, and submitting questions or requests.
Bookings
Manage assessment activity
Bookings, cancellations, cancellation requests, certificates, and results are managed through your OFAI account.
Support
Submit tickets through Support
Log into your OFAI account, open Support, and submit the appropriate ticket. OFAI may respond in-platform and arrange a callback where appropriate.
Assessment Overview
About the Swim Test
The Swim Test consists of two consecutive components. Review the operational requirements and failure conditions carefully before your appointment.
Assessment components
Tread Water (10 Minutes)
Remain vertical, keep your head above water, and avoid contact with the wall, rope, or assistance where not permitted.
Failure conditions: inability to complete 10 minutes, floating, submerging, swimming, or repeated rule violations.
100 Meter Swim (5 Minutes)
Any stroke is permitted, but you must maintain continuous forward progress.
Failure conditions: exceeding 5 minutes, stopping, standing, holding the pool edge, or failing to maintain proper movement.
Assessment Day
Pre-assessment screening and check-in
Candidates should arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled assessment time. Late arrival may result in denial of entry. Check-in is verified against the registered booking in the candidate account.
Screening
Resting measurements are taken first
Before beginning the Swim Test, resting heart rate and blood pressure will be measured. Multiple readings may be taken where appropriate.
Safety
Safe thresholds apply
Candidates will not be permitted to proceed if measurements exceed safe thresholds.
Rescheduling
A screening stop is not a failed assessment
If a candidate does not pass screening, the assessment is not considered a failure and may be rescheduled through the candidate account.
Preparation
How to prepare before you arrive
Use this checklist to prepare for assessment day and avoid preventable issues at check-in.
Preparation guidelines
Avoid heavy meals
Avoid heavy meals for 2 to 3 hours before testing.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Avoid caffeine and alcohol for 12 hours before testing.
Avoid intense exercise
Avoid intense exercise for 24 hours before testing.
Hydrate and prepare
Stay hydrated and use the restroom before testing.
Bring required items
Bring government-issued photo ID, your booking confirmation in your account, a swimsuit, towel, water, and a light snack for after the assessment.
Location
Refer to your OFAI account for the latest booking details and updates.
Etobicoke Olympium - Olympic Pool
590 Rathburn Road
Etobicoke, Ontario
Assessment-day instructions and any updates will appear in your OFAI account.
- Follow evaluator and lifeguard instructions at all times.
- Safety decisions are final.
- Technical or environmental issues may require continuation, pause, or rescheduling of affected components.
Results are processed and uploaded to the candidate account.
Certificates are typically available within 72 hours.
Results are not issued by email.
If an assessment is not successfully completed, re-test eligibility and waiting periods are governed by the Registration Policy.
When you are eligible to book again, complete your new booking through your OFAI account.
Cancellation eligibility, refund windows, and supporting-document requirements are set out in the Registration Policy.
To request a cancellation or illness-related review, log into your OFAI account, open Support, and submit the appropriate ticket or cancellation request.
- Five or more days’ notice may be eligible for refund less the applicable administration fee.
- Less than five days may not be eligible for refund.
Illness or exceptional-circumstance requests must include supporting documentation and be submitted within the timelines set out in the policy.
If you need to raise a dispute or request a review, log into your OFAI account, open Support, and submit the appropriate ticket with your booking details and the reason for the request.
Candidates should not raise disputes with on-site staff, evaluators, or lifeguards at the pool.
OFAI reviews these requests through the candidate support system and follows the applicable policy and operational record for the assessment.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate professionalism, respect, and integrity at all times.
The following are strictly prohibited:
- harassment or abusive behaviour
- damage to property
- attendance under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- cheating, impersonation, bribery, blackmail, or other fraudulent conduct
Violations may result in removal from the assessment process and may lead to permanent disqualification.