One of the main reasons many fail the firefighter psychological exam is being ignorant on the information that these psychological tests are trying to elicit form the firefighting applicants.
The questions used in the firefighter psychological exam are determined by identifying the major psychological traits and characteristics of a successful firefighter. Knowing the personality traits and characteristics can increase your chances of scoring well.
Mental outlook
Here are some of the top traits needed in the fire department. Firefighters have to be flexible, not rigid, in thinking. Firefighting is a team effort, not an individual effort.
A firefighter has to be decisive, not wishy-washy or “maybe – sort of” in their personality traits. They have to make a decision and stick with it. The best firefighter is able to control and keep his emotions in check.
Responsible
Does the fire fighter applicant subscribe to the idea that there is a chain of command in the department and that procedures are important to the organization?
The fire department is a paramilitary organization. Is the candidate the type that believes that rules have to be followed?
Emotional state
In times of need, do you empathize and support others? Are you the type of person that goes above and beyond in your preparation for whatever you do? Do you go the extra mile? Do you give the extra effort?
Do you believe that people are honest in nature? On the other hand, are you always on guard that someone has an ulterior motive and is not sincere in their desires?
Are you the type that can concentrate while working on a task or are you easily distracted? In emergencies, you will deal with people coming up to you, interrupting you, asking you questions.
Sociability
Do you get along with most of the people that you meet? Are you friendly, outgoing? These are traits that are important as a firefighter dealing with the public.
Are you the type of person who likes volunteering for things in your community, church or school? Or do you sit back and wait for others to take the lead? Do you enjoy working with people as a group or do you prefer working by yourself?
Open-mindedness
Are you the type of person that would make suggestions and recommendations on how things can be improved on the job, or would you just sit back and not say anything?
If a fellow firefighter suddenly became aggravated with you or started ignoring you, would you ignore them back? Or would you try and find out what is wrong and try to alleviate the problem?
Are you the type of person that enjoys gossip or do you keep gossip to yourself? Even if you know a rumor that is true about another firefighter, would you share that information with others?
Are you the type of person that is flexible and not rigid in your thinking? Are you able to listen to others’ viewpoints and see things differently?
In today’s firefighter applicant field, you have to be a well-rounded, well-prepared candidate. The firefighter psychological exam is one way of getting to know you and to find out if you fit into the organization well.
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