Firefighter (Retained Duty System)
What is the recruitment process?
The National Firefighter Selection Tests:
There are several stages to the recruitment process, which are:
Application Form
Candidates will be asked to complete a detailed application form which will be assessed against the national criteria standards to be returned by the deadline specified.
Many candidates fail the application stage because they do not read or follow the instructions. The instructions are there to advise you what we are looking for from candidates and help you to sell yourself, so please read them carefully.
Once applications have been returned, a number of successful applicants will be invited back to undertake a series of selection tests to include:
Psychometric Testing
New Interim Process for the National Firefighter Selection Process
Anyone who has Maths and English Language 'O' Levels Grades A-C, GCSE's Grades A-C, CSE Grade 1, the Scottish Standard Grade 1 or 2 or an equivalent qualification must provide copies of their certificates with their application form in order for them to have an automatic pass from the Psychometric Testing process.
If no copies of certificates are received candidates will have to do the Psychometric Tests.
This stage requires the candidate to complete a series of written psychometric tests. Candidates will be required to pass all of the following tests:
- Working with numbers
- Understanding information
- Situational awareness and problem solving
The Working with Numbers Test assesses your ability to understand and work with numerical information, based on information a Firefighter is likely to need to work with. It will include addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, along with estimations of numerical data.
The Understanding Information Test assesses your ability to read and understand written information of the type a Firefighter is likely to need to deal with. You will be asked to extract relevant information from a variety of written information.
Situational awareness and problem solving assesses your ability to ensure your own safety and the safety of others, and your ability to use information to solve problems. Each question describes a situation and gives four possible ways to respond.
Candidates with disabilities such as dyslexia must make themselves known to the assessment team. This should also be noted on your application form so that arrangements can be made for you.
Physical Testing
If successful at the written assessment you will be invited to attend the physical assessment. This is designed to assess your level of physical fitness and ability to become a firefighter. If successful you will be invited to attend an interview. If unsuccessful you will be given written feedback.
The tests are timed and consist of the following:
A ladder climb
This test is designed to assess confidence and co-ordination whilst working at heights. Candidates will be attached to a safety line
Casualty evacuation
This test involves upper and lower body strength and stamina.
Ladder lift
This will test upper and lower body strength.
Enclosed space
This involves negotiating through a measured crawl way wearing a Breathing Apparatus facemask within a set time.
Equipment assembly
This aims to test the ability of a candidate to comprehend and follow instructions. The candidate will be asked to assemble and de-assemble a piece of equipment following a series of diagrams within a given time frame.
Equipment carry
This tests aerobic fitness, muscular strength and stamina.
What can I do to prepare my fitness levels?
Interview
You will be required to attend an interview. This will last for approximately one hour and will consist of questions designed to demonstrate ways in which you meet the relevant Fire Service Personal Qualities and Attributes.
Medical
You will be required to undergo a full medical examination by the Service Occupational Health Department. The purpose of the medical is to assess your general level of health and to ensure you are fit to take on the role of a Firefighter.
Appointment
An offer of employment is conditional on satisfactory references and Criminal Records Bureau check.
You will commence on the Recruit Course, spending 3 weeks at our specialist training centre gaining the skills required to fulfil the role of a Firefighter.
General information about firefighting can also be found at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/fire/