Becoming a firefighter is a lengthy process and varies from department to department. Many fire departments require some written tests in addition to the physical tests when they hire new firefighters.
However, there is still no standardized test among states, which makes getting information regarding the process difficult. There are some similarities, though, between the tests in terms of when candidates take the tests and some of the test contents.
There are some differences though in what departments are looking for. These actually separate them from state to state with regards to firefighter exam.
Taking the test
These tests are usually administered as an after step in the application process. Usually, there are postings on applications and resumes to be submitted. Afterwards, there will be application reviews going into the tests.
Some departments or fire department systems use the submission of test result with an application. (In California, firefighter exam for open positions are available for registration right after a candidate submits an application.)
Different tests
Departments have their own goals and content for the firefighter exam itself. Some department systems may collaborate and create one standardized test for an area. Other smaller departments write their own individual test based as important for their firefighter.
Fire departments in Northern California are more concerned with wildfire threats in contrast to those in urban areas who are more concerned with building fires or public safety threats.
Contents
The tests are not really very job-specific. There are some general education type of questions and some basic education ones.
In paramedics, the questions are usually to determine the qualifications of the candidates. However, those questions are now included in behavioral questions.
Department-specific
Some departments have their current members take a test in order to create a baseline for what they want in the future candidates. This is also to determine what traits are desirable for a certain department.
Other departments tests only for general education. However, they follow this with an oral board review or panel. All of these are still determined by what a department has decided what is necessary for their specific stations.
Formats
The testing formats usually are in multiple choice types. Some may include free-form response questions.
These days, the tests have started to be leaning towards questions regarding the psychological nature of a person’s behavioral type. The aim is to find candidates who are introverted or extroverted.
They also would want to find out how well the candidate work with groups, how well they work on their own or how they handle situations when faced with a difficult situation.
Preparing for the tests
It is always helpful when preparing for the general education aspects of the firefighter exams. Brushing on education topics can improve scores. This is especially true for individuals who have not been recently in school and rusty in academic subjects.
Some agencies have sample test questions and give candidates a small listing of sample questions from that department. These are test prep materials based on general testing format on the firefighting exam.
Many times, candidates may be thrown off by behavioral questions in the exams. There is just no way to know what a department may seek from the candidates.
Paramedic School 