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This discussion is intended to give you a general idea of
what the testing and application process is like to
become a firefighter. The testing and application
processes are similar between departments. You will
find that there are usually small differences
between departments but the following will give you
a good idea of what to expect.
Before the tests (Applying):
Many departments require that you have certain
certifications before you apply for a position.
Common certifications that are required are:
Firefighter I, Firefighter II, EMT-B, EMT-I or
Paramedic certifications. Not all of these will be
required but several of them may. Make sure that you
have the requirements met before you go through the
work of applying. You will not be scheduled to test
if you don't meet all the requirements.
When you fill out an application for a firefighter position
make sure that you fill out your application/resume
completely and neatly. Do the best job you can.
Often these applications/resumes are scored and can
be used to rank you against other applicants. An
application and testing fee usually must be paid
when the application is submitted. You will not be
allowed to test if you haven't paid this fee. Make
sure you pay it on time.
Firefighter tests only happen once a year or once every
other year so departments often offer a interest
card to notify you when testing will take place. An
interest card is a postcard that you fill out
containing information such as your address, name
and so forth. When a department is ready to test
they take the interest card you filled out and send
it back to you. You then know that the department is
ready to test and you can request an application and
testing information. Make sure that you know how it
works in each individual department.
Once you have your application turned in and it meets all
of the before mentioned requirements you will
usually be sent a packet that tells you what the
testing will be like for that department. There are
usually five steps to involved in the selection
process.
1st Step - Written Test:
The written test and the physical test may or may
not be held on the same day. The written test may
include some math skills, spelling and grammar
skills, map reading skills, decision making skills
and interpersonal skills. It is sometimes difficult
to study for these tests but you can get books that
will explain what to expect. You can check them out
at the library.
2nd Step - Physical Test:
Many fire departments are now using the standardized
Candidate Physical Ability
Test (CPAT) to determine physical ability
to perform the essential job tasks of a
firefighter. Many departments that are not using
the CPAT have a similar test. The CPAT consists of
eight separate events. The CPAT is a sequence of
events requiring you to progress along a
predetermined path from event to event in a
continuous manner. Tests are designed to have
firefighter skills incorporated but still be simple
enough for the average person to perform even if
they have no firefighting experience. This is
usually a pass or fail test. Either you make the
allotted time or you don't. You aren't ranked
according to how fast you go through it.
3rd Step - Oral Interview Board:
The Oral Interview Board can also vary from
department to department. It is usually proctored by
the firefighters and/or chief officers who will ask
the candidates, who have made it through the written
test and the physical test, open ended questions.
These questions may or may not be related to
firefighting knowledge. If the department has the
requirement of firefighting knowledge or
certifications then look for some knowledge
questions. Many of the questions however will likely
be questions where you will have to make a decision
and explain why you made that decision. This
interview will rated and have an effect on your
ranking.
4th Step - Ranking:
After you complete the first three steps of the
testing process your scores on the tests and points
that may be awarded for your experience will be
totaled. All participants will be ranked according
to their point totals. The top five guys will be the
first to interview according to the rule of five. It
is to your advantage to be in the top five so that
you have the first shot at being hired. Not all
departments use this rule but a great deal do. No
matter how many guys they take there is one last
process before the choice is made, the Officers
interview.
5th Step - Officers Interview:
You will be contacted with a time and a place to for
your interview. The questions that are asked in this
interview vary greatly but are usually decision
making and questions to find out what kind of
employee you will be. If you can find out from a
firefighter that already works with department what
attributes are important in that department it might
give you a leg up. It is important to dress nicely
and I would recommend not wearing uniforms from
other stations. Some people like it – some don't –
but it is better to remain neutral.
Fire Department testing is a lengthy and patience testing
process. Fire departments want the best and they
want to make sure that you want to be a firefighter
bad enough to see the process all the way through.
If you look at this process and it seems like more
than you want to do you are not ready to be a
firefighter. If you are ready and willing to test
realize that it is a long process. That way you
don't get frustrated with how long things are
taking. |
