RECRUITMENT & SELECTION TESTS

As part of the entry requirements into the retained fire service you will be required to participate in a series of selection tests:-

PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENTS

The psychometric assessments form an important part of the selection process and assess characteristics related to the role of the firefighter.

These consist of:-

National Firefighter Questionnaire - this provides objective, fair and relevant information on the key skills, attributes and personal qualities needed to become a firefighter.

National Firefighter ability tests:-

•  Working with numbers
•  Understanding information
•  Situational awareness and problem solving

When you receive your invitation to undertake these tests, a practice booklet will also be enclosed, approximately 2 weeks beforehand. This will allow you to prepare for the tests and familiarise yourself with the types of questions you will be asked.

You must pass each test in order to progress onto the next stage.

 PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT TESTS

Firefighters need to have sufficient fitness and strength to be able to do the job. As part of the selection process we will assess your fitness and strength against national standards. We do this at a practical assessment day - they are held at regular intervals at our Training & Development Centre in Devizes.

You will also be issued with a Preparatory Fitness Programme, developed by Firefit which offers guidance on physical training preparation for these tests.
Click here to view the Firefit Preparatory Fitness Programme

The purpose of this note is to give you information on what takes place at the practical assessment day.

MEDICAL PRE-SCREENING

At the start of the physical assessment day you will be subject to a medical pre-screening by the Occupational Health nurse. The purpose of the pre-screening is to ascertain whether you are fit enough to commence the physical assessments. The medical pre-screening consists of :-

• A detailed check of the pre-employment medical questionnaire, which is supplied with your application pack.
• A check of your blood pressure & pulse.

You will also be asked to complete a medical disclaimer before you will be allowed to perform any of the tests, which will ask questions about your actual fitness on the day.

PHYSICAL TESTS

If your medical pre-screening is satisfactory you will be asked to undertake six physical tests. You will need to pass all six tests in order to proceed to the next stage. At the commencement of each test you will be given a detailed briefing on the test you are asked to perform. A brief introduction to each test is detailed below for your information. If you fail any test you will have to wait 3 months before being given an opportunity to retake them.

WHAT DO THE TESTS INVOLVE?

If your medical pre-screening is satisfactory you will be asked to undertake six physical tests. You will need to pass all six tests in order to proceed to the next stage. At the commencement of each test you will be given a detailed briefing on the test you are asked to perform. A brief introduction to each test is detailed below for your information. If you fail any test you will have to wait 3 months before being given an opportunity to retake them

This test is designed to assess confidence at heights and the ability to follow instructions. You will be asked to:-

• Ascend a 135 Fire Service ladder (13.5 m) to a point two thirds of the way up and take a leg-lock.
• Lean backwards, arms outstretched and whilst looking over your shoulder, identify a symbol being shown by the assessor at ground level.

CASUALTY EVACUATION

This test is designed to assess upper and lower body strength and co-ordination. You will be asked to:-

• Drag a dummy (55 kg) backwards around a 30m course around 4 cones, by a carrying handle fixed to the dummy. You will be guided by a safety officer. The test must be completed within 41 seconds.

This test is designed to assess upper and lower body strength and co-ordination. You will be asked to:-

• Raise the bar of a ladder lift simulator to the required height (190 cm) with 15 kg of weight placed on the simulator cradle, which gives a total lift load of approximately 30kg.
• You will be given the opportunity of perform an initial list of 5 kg on the cradle.

BREATHING APPARATUS IN ENCLOSED SPACE

This test is designed to assess confidence, agility and stamina and an identification of claustrophobic tendencies. You will be asked to:

• Wear a breathing apparatus set with the facemask obscured and negotiate a crawl way within 3 minutes.

EQUIPMENT ASSEMBLY

This is a physical test of manual dexterity. You will be asked to :-

• Assemble and then disassemble a portable pump following a demonstration of the test by one of the assessors.
• A set of pictures will be visible throughout the test to describe the assembly/disassembly.
• The time allowed to complete the test is 5 minutes, 8 seconds.

EQUIPMENT CARRY

This test is designed to assess upper and lower body strength, co-ordination and stamina. You will be asked to :-

• Carry items of equipment up and down a course between two cones placed 25 m apart.
• It is not a test of memory as the assessor will remind you of the sequence of events.
• Demonstrations will be given of the correct lifting techniques and you will be given an opportunity to practice picking up the various items.
• The time allowed to complete the test is 5 minutes, 47 seconds.

At the end of the physical assessment day you will be informed of your results and if you have successfully completed all six tests, you will then be advised of the date of your interview.

INTERVIEW

Following your successful completion of the psychometric tests and physical assessment tests, you will be invited to a panel interview consisting of no less than 2 members. The Interview Preparation paperwork will be issued to you along with your invitation to undertake the physical assessment tests.

END OF PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT & FUTURE PROGRESS

Before you leave you will be given the results of the final assessment. If you pass you will then be asked to agree appointments for a full medical and an eyesight examination. It will help if you can bring your diary or work rota.

A detailed description of the recruitment process including the physical tests and training tips can be found on the DVD "So you want to be a firefighter?", which is available to view/borrow from your local fire station.

ACADEMIC ASSESSMENS

As part of the entry requirements into the Fire Service, you will also be required to undertake some written tests. These academic assessments comprise of four tests and they are carried out on the physical assessment day at our Training & Development Centre, as follows:-

1. Message taking test, where you write a message and then read it back.
2. Copying test, where you copy written information.
3. Comprehension test, where you read a passage and write written answers to questions.
4. Arithmetic test, where you have to complete basic calculations.

The academic tests will be changing with effect from April 2007 and will be replaced by psychometric tests. (Details to be advised in due course).