Employment Testing for Firefighters

In the United States, vocations within the public safety sector often require Industrial and Organizational Psychology employment testing for initial employment and advancement throughout the ranks.

These include such professionals as firefighters, sheriffs and police officers, correctional officers, emergency medical services personnel including emergency medical technicians.

NFSI/IOS

The IOS National Firefighter Selection Inventory practice test, an entry-level examination, was developed as an alternative to conventional firefighter written entrance examinations.

It was developed by IOS, Inc. (Industrial/Organizational Solutions). Afterwards,  psychological testing became a standard practice done by many fire departments throughout the United States.

This screening IOS National Firefighter Selection Inventory practice test aims to focus on the cognitive skills and the behavioral characteristics of candidate examinees.

The test

The IOS National Firefighter Selection Inventory practice test has been shown to accurately predict the capacity and willingness of the candidates to succeed as firefighters.

Also, the NFSI is well-suited to predict the success all entry-level firefighter positions. The tests are all in strict compliance with all federal, state and local testing guidelines and regulations.

Here are the sections and the format.

Cognitive Skills

This section is made up of 105 questions spread out in over 8 different areas.

In Verbal Comprehension, the measurement is on your ability to read a scenario and what took place. The job-related passages are long with questions and alternative responses. The items involve information, analysis or conclusions from the scenario.

Verbal expression assesses your ability in bringing ideas through language, the highlights are on capitalization, vocabulary, punctuation, grammar, and English use. Select the (underlined) correct alternatives and select those spelled incorrectly.

In Problem sensitivity, you are tested for the ability to recognize a problem or the most serious problem through questions requiring you to identify the difficulty in a given scenario.

There are questions in Deductive reasoning that assesses this skill requiring the application of a rule or procedure to a set of circumstances.

Inductive reasoning presents a set of events or objects to the examinee. The task is to determine the rule or the connection that exists between the set’s individual elements. You will be asked to draw conclusions, or find the connecting link.

In Information ordering, the rules or procedures are provided. Apply them to statements to correctly sequence the sentences. The questions require the selection of the procedure to attend to first/last and sequencing of all statements, and selecting the alternative correct sentence sequence.

Mathematical reasoning includes encounter charts, tables, diagrams, pictures and math word problems. You carry out basic mathematical functions to answer the questions using the information in the charts.

In Number facility, the examinee calculate answers to mathematical word problems using fundamental math functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, ratios, decimals, averaging and square measures.

Personality Attributes

This has 50 multiple-choice, five-point rating scale questions. The rating is from “Strongly Agree” to Strongly Disagree.”

Like the other pre-employment personality tests, your choices will reflect your thoughts, actions and preferences in regards to work-based characteristics. The main characteristics assessed include stress tolerance (handling extreme work pressures), team orientation (essential characteristic), and motivation/attitude (main traits that establish outstanding of firefighters). 

Some Test Configurations

 

The FCTC study guide is actually a set of guidelines on the subject/theme of each question. Sometimes, it includes specific instructions on how to answer the questions and some practical advice.

There are no sampler questions, however, for each subject, just the guides on how to approach them accordingly. The rationale is that there are no set questions prepared for the practice test (even on a fctc study guide) but only on the real test proper itself.

The examinees are then advised to be alert and to recognize that each set is different from one another and to be able to adjust their mindsets accordingly.

RAP

RAP (reading ability procedure) is sometimes placed in the context and questions. The intention is for you to demonstrate how well you understand what you read. Firemen will have to read and interpret volumes of information.

How well you use your ability relates well with your job.

Memorization

You need to memorize the written information, pictures, and diagrams in the pre-text fctc study guide booklet in order to answer questions later. The ability to remember details, of what was seen or heard is a good trait of a firefighter.

This is the first material that you will be tested for in the exam. Practice memorizing other materials before the test.

Math

These question types involve mathematical reasoning to understand a word problem. It is also to figure out what information the word problem is trying to bring out.

You have to be able to manipulate the numbers to generate for you the right answer. There will be no calculator for you to use.  

The operations used generally are addition, subtraction, multiplication, divisions, percentages, fractions and some simple algebra. Sometimes, some data is presented and the examinee must perform some given mathematical computations.

Mechanics

The test-takers are asked questions on basic physical and mechanical principles. These would involve pulleys, gears, energy, motion, fluidity, and resistance.

For firefighters, mechanical reasoning is important because they must be able to understand how some tools and pieces of equipment work.

Shapes (spatial questions)

Test-takers are presented with various shapes and are required to mentally rotate and re-arrange things according to given specifications.

The objects that are to be mentally assembled appear at the start of each item and often are marked. This will identify them to some particular place on the object.

The candidate must choose the correct choice from the presented arrangements. The given objects may need to be flipped, turned, or rotated.

Maps

Directional orientation is one good trait for good firefighters. This ability helps them respond to urgent situations and go from one point to another more efficiently and quickly.

In the exam, you will be presented with a map or plot diagram. Based on this, you will answer questions related to the most direct route from one point to the next.

Closures

In this question type, an image of something related to fire suppression is presented with four possible pictures. Three of the pictures are slightly altered.

The question is identifying which of the images is the same as the original picture.

The Demands Of A Firefighting Job

Firefighting has become one of the most aspired careers by young Americans nowadays. Especially after the fateful 9/11 tragedy, firefighters have been regarded as heroes of America and many not only want to emulate the firefighters’ courage and dedication to the nation but to actually want to become one as well. Not everyone knows though the demands for a firefighting job.

Below is a long list of just some the fire-related duties and responsibilities of firefighters:

• conduct project and building inspections to ensure compliance of existing applicable fire codes, ordinances, laws, regulations, and standards;

• checks and tests fire extinguishers, water hoses, and pumps to ensure that they are in good condition and can be readily used when needed;

• update building owners about the findings of the inspection particularly about safety zones, hot zones, collapse zones, and the hazard zones;

• issue citations for fire code violations;

• prepare and submit written inspection report;

• conduct fire prevention seminar, training and drills and training and make a report about it;

• do maintenance duties such as cleaning and maintenance of firefighting equipment;

• be always ready to perform whatever firefighting task assigned by the incident commander;

• be always ready to drive fire trucks and operate firefighting machines and equipment whenever assigned to;

• able to assess and manage traffic hazards in relation to fire incident and apparatus placement;

• communicate with the incident commander regarding safety issues and support needed;

• knows how to monitor conditions, operations, radio transmissions, and other activities;

• conduct risk assessment of incidents or scene operation and submit corresponding report;

• work closely with law enforcers investigating cases of arson;

• ensure that the accountability system is being utilized;

• testify in court against violations that occurred; and

• attend in-service classes, seminar, or training to remain current in knowledge of codes, laws, ordinances, regulations, methods, and the like.

Beyond the fire-related duties and responsibilities, firefighters are expected to work closely with law enforcers, emergency first responders, and medical responders in- conducting rescue missions, relocation of victims to safe zones, and giving first aid to injured victims, and of emergency situations.

Such a long list of duties and responsibilities, firefighters have to be fully equipped in order to fully discharge whatever task is assigned to them. This sets the qualification bar so high for those aspiring to become firefighters.

EB Jacobs written exam has been helping would-be firefighters qualify for the job since the 1950s through its custom-designed firefighter practice tests, promotional Assessment Center test preparation products, and entry-level seminars.

What makes the services of EB Jacobs written exam unique is that each of its products is custom-designed to the test consultant who is giving the exam. It includes 350 in-depth custom-designed practice examination questions on written comprehension, written expression, problem sensitivity, inductive reason, deductive reasoning, informative ordering, and visualization. It also contains over 175 practice examination questions on how to deal with situations and on the required personality traits and behaviors.

EB Jacobs written exam pursues to help those who aspire to become firefighters acquire competitive edge in qualifying examinations thereby helping them achieve the most coveted firefighting badge.

Qualities Required Of Firefighters

 

Firefighting is a very challenging and risky job. With it comes great responsibilities that entail utmost dedication and determination. Waging the challenges entails forbearance, resilience, and patience. Facing dangerous and tragic incidents requires mental and emotional toughness. Dealing with medical emergency situations requires competence. The specific tasks require flexibility and endurance. The job in itself is serving others at dire situations requiring both courage and compassion.

Firefighting is a job only for the fitting- those with steadfast personality. Someone who is firm and determined in conducting his duties and responsibilities. Someone who remains dedicated to the job regardless of the difficulties and determined to execute the task and service expected of him.

Firefighters are often confronted by situations beyond their control. Required of them is forbearance to carry-on however hopeless circumstances may seem, patience and temperance in conducting calculated moves as they maneuver against dangerous situations, and resilience amid complicated and complex problems.

Emergency situations faced by firefighters almost on a daily basis could be very taxing and wearisome. Firefighter needs to have mental and emotional toughness to be able to handle tragic adversities with utmost calmness and presence of mind.

Especially during emergencies, a firefighter has to be professionally equipped with the needed knowledge and skills in confronting situations that require quick yet precise decision making like in actual firefighting, rescuing people, and administering first aid.

The specifics of firefighters’ job come in a spectrum of most menial tasks to salient obligation to highly professional functions. A firefighter has to be flexible enough to be happy doing the routinely clean-up and maintenance tasks. He must be equipped to do medical related services during emergencies. He must be knowledgeable enough to do professional functions from conducting fire inspection, dealing with clients, and making reports.

Firefighters’ duties and responsibilities are anchored on service for others oftentimes in dangerous emergency situations. A firefighter must have that innate courage to face the odds and the compassion to pursue human welfare and safety at all cost.

Firefighting methods and approaches become more difficult and complicated because of the increasing complexity of modern and industrialized living. Advanced technologies are now being employed to advance the efficiency of firefighters. This impacts the competencies required of firefighters.

cwh firefighter exam is a fire school that has been helping those aspiring to become firefighters since 1950 to beat the tough qualifications for the job. It conducts entry-level seminars, promotional Assessment Center test preparation products, and custom-designed firefighter practice tests to help firefighting applicants attain the ultimate edge and be able to surpass the screening process.

What makes the services of cwh firefighter exam unique is that each of its products is custom-designed to the test consultant who is giving the exam. It specifically targets the testing subjects for that test consultant. No other company can match the detail it puts into its exam preparations.

The custom-designed examinations of cwh firefighter exam is what makes the difference in fire applicants continually scoring in the top percentile and getting that coveted fire department badge.

Firefighter Written Test

All of the application processes take full effort and time to fully hit the position. Most especially if a person wants and dreaming to be a firefighter. The process of becoming a firefighter is lengthy and ranges from department to department. Most fire departments require some sort of written test in addition to a physical test when hiring a new firefighter. This firefighter written test is the entry-level of the department. It was being prepared by the firefighter testing center department regards on the skills needed in the position and the knowledge that the applicant possesses. This test is being conducted to know the capability of an applicant regarding the recalling of the data, cognitive skills, and pace of completion. The key to high scoring on the written test is preparation. Practice answering test questionnaires, reading to add up knowledge and the process of clear comprehension must build strongly during the preparation. Every preparation indicates strong determination and concentration.

There are many applicants who fail to pass the written test because of inadequate preparation. Hence, it means that adequate study, practicing, and every proper preparation is the key to the success of every aspiring firefighter. One of the preparations that have to be done is exercising the mind for reading comprehension, verbal and listening comprehension, and oral and written communication as part of the cognitive skills. Practicing one mind with these can make them successful for their mind will be able to process pieces of information accurately and quickly. The deductive, inductive, and verbal reasoning requires a systematic way of answering the problem. It enhances and sharpens the way of thinking of one mind in studying these, therefore, in the actual test, there will be no such hard time as they accomplish the test because they are totally prepared for it.

As every exam was designed, it always incorporates the mathematical problems, includes basic math operations, problem-solving, and charts. The spelling is part of the language knowledge, memory and visualization require strong logical skills for the test. The knowledge of human relations is also part of the test which requires a study on the relations between the organization and interpersonal. It is because a firefighter works with a team and has to know if the applicant is able to work with the group of firefighters or not. Also, since a firefighter serves the public, good public relations must be built up in any case. A firefighter is an intense position in which the job is very rewarding not only for themselves but for their family too. It is a self-sacrificing job wherein people who used to work on it had risk their lives and the aspiring applicant will once hire. In the written test, they must show up their capabilities not only cognitive but also the prior skills to be needed for the position. Applicants must answer the firefighter written test with confidence so they will gain a positive sense that they could make it through. When they take a firefighter written test, they are placed on the eligibility list from the higher score to the lowest score.  Obviously, no one wants to be on the lowest score. Doing preparation makes the applicant get the chance of moving onto the next level of the testing process.  The more they study and prepare, the better the score they will get. Trust not on the good lucks but trust the mind and capability to answer the test.

CPS Exam Study Guide

Every preparation is very important for success and to hit the desired goal. The guide is what everyone asks for the proper orientation to thrive and be prosperous for the objective of the act. One of the important things that an aspiring firefighter must perform the necessary preparation is to have such a guide for the firefighter test. The customed-designed practice examination specifically structured for the firefighter applicants is the CPS firefighter examination study guide. The CPS or the cooperative personnel services exam study guide is the customed designed written examination that gives guides to accomplish and achieve the top percentile of the exam and to finally get the coveted firefighter badge. This made the overall preparation for the firefighter aspiring and to be fully and certified firefighter who is ready to take a rewarding job.

The cps exam study guide consists of the design that will take the journey of dreamers to fully grab the desired occupation and duty they are dreaming of. With the use of the CPS exam study guide, the applicant of the firefighting department will know the understanding of written information. This part of the examination guide will help the aspiring applicant to easily understand and learn all the information written given. It is very vital for everyone, especially to the firefighter and those whose life is always on the risk. Understanding the situation written and all the conditions that could make up a situation into a better or worse, it will always depend on the understanding of what is written. There is also the mathematical and mechanical ability, which is very significant to any work prospect. Mathematic is what people used to do every day and one of the vital learning of an individual. The mechanical is always been a part since people always uses machine and any mechanical equipment most especially nowadays. Mechanical tests are a widespread term for assessment tests assessing mechanical understanding and mechanical knowledge of the future firefighter. Mechanical reasoning is the ability to understand mechanical and physical concepts. Studying and understanding these ideas is essential for achievement on tests of mechanical comprehension. The mechanical knowledge, electronic knowledge, and mechanical tools are some part of the mechanical guide test.

Through the help of the CPS, people can easily learn the real meaning of teamwork, a team thrives when they have diverse people who can provide individual ideas. Teamwork supports each other to solve problems and collaboration within a group can help solve tough problems. Since firefighters are all public servants, they must possess a good public relation where they can help, assist, answer some questions about incidents in the community and also do some coverage for the confidential issues. Teamwork, public relations, and community living are some of the things that a cps exam study guide provided. Also, CPS helps the learner to be guided on interpreting maps, diagrams, and graphs. These graphics made a brain cracking for those who cannot understand it well. So, as this is a part of the firefighter examination, it was well designed to be easily understood this kind of test by the CPS test guide exam. And lastly, one of the important factors that a group must have is good communication. Written communication made easy by the CPS test guide on its practice tests. All things must follow in accordance with its proper way so it will never get hard to be understood and everything needs a deep understanding of the better action.

The Tests and Some Tips

The firefighter written exam is made up of two test parts, Parts 1 and 2. When a candidate passes Part 1, the Part 2 of the firefighter written exam will then be scored. The passing score of both test parts is valid indefinitely.

When a candidate fails in Part 1 or Part 2 of the written tests, they can take the entire written test again after two years when they took their last written test date.

The test

Part 1 of the test actually measures mathematics (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, ratios, square roots, decimals, fractions and percentages). It also measures the candidates’ reading comprehension.

Part 2 measures job-related personal characteristics that have been demonstrated as indicators of success for a firefighter.

The test is not intended for the candidate to study for. His high school education and personal experiences have given him the training in reading and mathematics. If the candidate feels he needs improvements in these areas, he can always study for them.

Format

The questions in the Firefighter written test are either multiple-choice or a true or false types. This would mean that the question gives you a set of answers which you can choose.

You are to choose the one answer that is the best one, the one most nearly or most often correct, or the one usually true for you.

Some of the questions may sound basic, obvious and some that may be short of wizardry. But the guide should be that you do them all, the basics and the obvious ones. Here are more guides on how to do them.

Read the questions thoroughly

You do this before marking your answer. It could be that your second or third or fourth answer choice might have some keywords or a recognizable phrase that you can latch on.

If you skim the question and come across some familiar words and phrase that you can associate together, that could be them. However, it may not be. Don’t trust a quick scan. Again, read the question thoroughly.

Answer those you know first

To save on time and not linger on anything that eats away your time, finish off those that you know the answers. Skip those that you are in doubt of, or cannot grasp right away.  

Since you went by your answers quick enough, you have enough time now to go through the unanswered question once again when you finish the others. This time, try to dig deeper and try to see what the questions asks.

Again, leave out those you cannot answer again. You can go back to them a third or fourth time whichever is feasible.

First impulse myth

There is this myth that the first answer and resist any later desire to change it. This is false because as you may read the question further down, you may jog your memory and get the right answer.

Changing your first answer can be good, because there is nothing sacred with your first answer. Multiple choice questions can be confusing but a thorough reading clears things and you might get an inkling of the answer as you do.