This is why many experts suggest you take several different tests in different municipalities. Do this and you will not only get a good idea of what to expect, you will build your self-confidence.
The examination
On the average, a written firefighter examination takes about 3 1/2 hours. It will most likely include seven or more different kinds of questions. Here are the most typical types:
1. Recalling, visualizing, and spatial orientation questions.
2. Reading and verbal/listening comprehension questions
3. Questions on understanding and applying basic mathematics and science
4. Questions relating to tools and equipment
5. Questions about dealing with people
6. Questions relating to mechanical devices
7. Questions that test judgment and reasoning
Note: The first section, recalling, visualizing and spatial orientation questions, will most likely be broken into three subsections.
Six typical firefighter tests
FireTEAM
This testing was developed primarily as a way to prescreen entry-level firefighter candidates and save the hours and hours of staff time that was historically spent on oral board interviews. This test measures your skills and abilities in four categories: Teamwork, public relations, mechanical aptitude and reading ability.
FireTEAM Video-Based Human Relations Test
A second FireTeam test is the video-based human relations test. This test is multiple choice. Its goal is to test your skills in human relations
The video-based human relations test covers many performance dimensions related to being an excellent firefighter, including:
-Teamwork
-Positive versus negative influence on station internal relations
-Professional responses in difficult situations
-Situational judgment
-Positive relations with supervisors and management
-Professional behavior and bearing
FireTEAM Reading Test
This reading test completes the elements in the FireTEAM testing battery. It is designed specifically for firefighting, a job which requires the ongoing study of difficult and technical materials. It addresses the reading competency that you need to have for this job.
ErgoMechanical Animated Aptitude Test
This test, which represents the most dramatic update for IE testing in 60 years, is designed to assist your mechanical common sense. It addresses:
-Analytical problem solving
-Adapting and improvising
-Working with complex systems and sequences
-Understanding the physical world
-Anticipating predictable occurrences
Cooperative Personnel Services (CPS)
This test was used extensively in the early 1990s, but has been superseded in most cities by the FireTEAM tests. The most common CPS written tests you might run in today are:
-#2129: Entry Firefighter
-#2150: Entry Firefighter
-#2158-A: Entry Firefighter (EMT / Paramedic requirements only)
-#2179: Entry Firefighter
-#2199: Entry Firefighter
A fire department may also use one of the following supplemental tests designed to test specific skills
-
-EMT
-Paramedic
-Firefighter Essentials
-Ground Ladder Practices
These supplemental tests generally consist of 30 questions..
WH management Solutions - Selection Solutions Entry-level Firefighter Written Test
This entry-level, written examination has been used and validated by fire departments across the country. It is said to provide the most powerful selection process possible. It incorporates research on multiple intelligence and conditional reasoning as well as a broader range of job related abilities than traditional written test. While most entry-level written tests simply measure cognitive (knowledge) skills, this test also assesses several other dimensions that are important for success in fire service. These include interpersonal skills, self-awareness and emotional skills and practical skills.
You can visit the CMS website, cwhms.com, for more information on this test.
There may be several months between the time you take the exam and when the final answer key and the official list are published. When the final list of candidates is established, you will be notified by mail of your number on the list. The next step will be the announcement of appointments for physical and emotional tests but it may be several months before this happens.
Douglas Hanna is the publisher of the popular website, http://www.howtobecomeafirefighter101.com/ This site offers much valuable information about becoming a firefighter, how to find a firefighting job, sample firefighter exam questions and much more.
Hanna lives in a Denver suburb. He has written more than 200 ezine articles on a variety of subjects.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Douglas_Hanna
Unlike buying a Dodge off the lot, purchasing a Fire Engine requires a committee designated to the design process because each truck is hand built to specifications. The committee designs the truck around what equipment will be placed on the truck.
The Fire Truck Committee needs to know what the truck is utilized for, ie: a rescue truck, engine pumper, ladder truck, wildland truck, where the tools should be placed to be effective and efficient, the right size pumps, what types of gauges are needed and where the gauges need to be placed. It requires working with the manufacturers throughout the entire process to see it through. The design of the fire truck needs to be made to meet the specific needs of that fire department.
Ken Carpenter, Fire Engineer, in Boulder Colorado, works with the folks at Sutphen Fire Trucks, Pierce and other fire truck manufacturers to design the trucks for Rocky Mountain Fire. Through years of experience working on the engines as a mechanic with the City of Boulder, Ken knows what it takes to design a good fire engine. "By engine, I don't just mean the motor itself" says Ken. The Fire Engine consists of pumps to spray water, gauges to run the pumps, different nozzles and adapters to attach hoses, tools for breaking apart cars to save people who've been in accidents and breaking into burning houses to put out the fire. All of these are organized in such a manner so that they are quickly accessible because to a firefighter, time is not money, it is someone's life.
"The most satisfying aspect of my job is helping people, says Ken. I like to take what is out of control and help get it back into control." Ken began his fire career as a volunteer in January of 1995. At the time, he was employed as a mechanic for the City of Boulder . He enjoyed his volunteer work so much that in August of 1999, he was hired on as a full-time firefighter. He quickly was promoted to Engineer and is currently in charge of maintaining the fire trucks. With 15 engines, that is no small job.
Ken has always been mechanically inclined. He took apart his bicycles as a kid. He then moved on to taking apart cars and motorcycles. His process now originates in his head, with mechanical ideas. He then moves onto paper and working with the manufacturer, implements the designs to work on the Fire Engines. This process is what he likes most about his job.
The most challenging part of Ken's job is keeping up with all the younger guys. At 45 years young, he is considered one of the older firefighters. It requires high physical stamina to fight a fire. While in a fire, firefighters work at their peak Level of performance, under high stress for many hours. Good physical and mental health is essential to deal with the stress because you often get a call in the middle of the night, taking you from sleeping to emergency mode in 60 seconds. This makes firefighting one of the top five most stressful jobs. In addition to being one of the top ten most dangerous jobs, it puts firefighters at a high risk for heart attack.
The most frustrating part of Ken's job is dealing with the public who are not involved in the accident and who don't move out of the way for the fire truck to get through. Personal vehicles are now manufactured with improved sound sealing which, in addition to people talking on cell phones, listening to loud stereos and/or their kids, they don't notice that you are running "emergent" and they simply keep driving.
Fire tools are basically used to rescue people who have been in an accident. Just ask Tools of the Trade Editor, Rick Schwolsky what that is like.
Ken's favorite tool is the Fire Truck itself but here is a list to show you just what's on it:
1. Jaws of Life - Hydraulic Spreader by Hurst - this is used to pry doors off of a vehicle that has been crushed in an accident - to extricate victims.
2. Hydraulic Ram - used to take off the steering wheel or floor of a vehicle
3. Hydraulic Cutters - used to cut the frame of a car or remove the roof.
4. Stihl Utility Chain Saw
5. Stihl Gas-powered Circular saw
6. Stihl Gas-powered Rescue Saw for cutting through roofs.
7. Various Axes, Pike poles and prying and Cutting Tools - Ken's idea was to put it on a swing out rack
8. SCBA's - Self contained breathing apparatus
9. Nozzles, adaptors - tools to spray large amounts of water
10. Pump - 1500 gpm 'Waterous' from St. Paul, Minnesota
11. Intake pump to get water from ponds
12. Ice and Water rescue equipment including climbing helmets and a boogie board for water rescue.
13. Station tools include battery operated Makita drills, Craftsman air compressor and various hand tools.
and of course: Ladders
Jude Herr is the editor for Toologics.com, a Tool Blog which provides information, news and reviews about power tools for the professional tool user and craftsperson. Visit http://www.toolking.com where they leverage their buying power to offer you the best prices on professional power tools and accessories.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jude_Herr
