To be a fireman, a candidate must take the First Idea exam prep. This exam has multiple tests and evaluations and is part of a multi-tiered hiring process designed to get “the best of the best” in the candidates.
Fire departments regard them ready and worthy to enroll in a fire academy to be firefighters. After filling out an initial application for a firefighting job, candidates vying for a position within a fire department can expect to take several qualifying exams. To be hired as a firefighter, you must pass all these tests, exams, and interviews. Exam Types The following outlines the types of exams and gives you a general overview of what to expect during each exam. The Written First Idea exam prep features multiple-choice questions in a variety of subject areas. (This lasts for at least two and a half hours.) The Physical Ability Test is a typically timed exam that assesses the physical fitness of the candidates. This includes strength, endurance, and flexibility, all of which is to make sure that the examinees are physically capable to begin in a fire academy. The Oral Interview consists of a hiring panel that can include fire department leaders, local government representatives and local business people. The Medical exam is a complete physical performed by a certified physician to check the candidates for a variety of medical conditions. It is also to ensure that they are healthy enough to train to be firefighters. For the Psychological evaluation, there is a personality questionnaire and an interview with a psychologist. They help ensure that candidates can mentally handle the stress of firefighting. Written firefighter exam The written First Idea exam prep is usually the first step in the firefighter hiring process, after filling out an application. Written firefighter exams test candidates in a variety of subject areas. The following outlines the most common subjects and the types of questions related to each area. The Reading Comprehension are passages and question sets that test your ability to understand and interpret what you read. In Verbal Expression, the questions are those that test your grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills. In the Observation and Memory, there will be maps, diagrams, or passages that you have to study for some time. After which, the questions must be answered from memory. For Spatial Orientation, the questions will test your ability to visualize and navigate with the use of maps, floor plans, and illustrations. In Reasoning and Judgment, you shall be asked to make decisions using good judgment and logical reasoning based on situations in given scenarios or lists. Mathematics will deal with high-school math, including algebra and geometry. In Mechanical Aptitude, the questions are all about tools and simple machines. Interview tips The first important reminder is to be always on time. Get there at least 15 minutes early. Be friendly, polite and courteous. Offer a smile and a handshake at the start and the end of the interview. Know that interviewers may be instructed to avoid showing any emotion toward you. Sit up straight and maintain your focus during the interview. Avoid slouching in your chair and listen carefully to the interviewers. Ask for clarification if you think you need it.
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One of the very challenging jobs you can find around is that of a firefighter. Getting to be one is not actually a walk in the park with the firefighter exam and the training that you need to hurdle, including the all-important frame of mind you need to have.
The first obstacle is the written test which is not very hard if you have prepared yourself enough. The following are some notes that can help so you can give yourself the best chance to prepare and get a high score (and that job offer later). Requirements The written firefighter exam will follow after your application had been filed (and accepted). In total, the firefighter exam comprises around 100 to 150 questions, all multiple-choices. They are divided into categories with each one a having a time limit. These categories include reading comprehension, mechanical aptitude, match, spatial relations, map reading, logic and problem-solving, human relations, verbal comprehension and memorization, and math. All of the answers are very important information and skills needed in the job. Some requirements These exams are actually made up of general-aptitude questions and contain no portions related to fire or EMS (emergency medical service). However, if the department requires a firefighter or EMS, the test might include questions on basic firefighting principles (behavior or medical emergencies). The questions are lifted from particular published resources. The names are provided to the examinees before the exams. These are not common but are the cases with some exams. The exams vary from region to region. Grading The exam can get you a pass or fail, or is graded. If graded, your score may contribute a portion in your overall placement on the eligibility list. Some departments create a cut-off score. This cut off score is established prior or after the exam, or it may be set after the exam. Only those who score above the cut-off continue to the next step in the selection process. This is the reason why it is important to master these exams and to be able to score consistently high enough. Simple passing grade in the test is usually not enough. Some departments issue candidates with study guides. Around 10 to 25% of the exams has questions taken from these guides. Rules Carefully read the instructions. Every one of the tests is different. Calculators and scratch pads are generally not allowed. (There are a few that do allow them.) Maximize your advantages knowing the things that are allowed within the rules. Before the test proper, there are some other rules to know as well. For instance, the use of the bathroom might require raising permission from a proctor plus having an escort to make sure people don’t mingle. Before the start of the exam itself, you might need to fill in a form on your answer sheet. Ensure that you fill this form properly and completely according to the instructions. Missing it out can mean having your test paper rejected by the machine or the person processing the exam. Relax, but be alert to everything around. |
Photos used under Creative Commons from Kecko, [SiK-photo], The National Guard, Tony Webster