Taking the Written Exam

Be sure to get sufficient rest the night before the written examination.  You should also eat a light breakfast prior to taking the exam.  A heavy meal may make you drowsy during the exam, and no food at all may cause you to feel fatigued.  You should plan to arrive at the test site early in case you encounter traffic, trouble finding parking, or some other time delay.  Dress comfortably, and be prepared to stand in line.

Be aware that some written examinations take several hours.  Therefore, when preparing, practice sitting and concentrating on preparation materials for lengthy periods of time.  This will prepare you for lengthy exams.  When you enter the exam area, listen attentively and follow all instructions.  Instruction is frequently given respecting how to fill out exam answer sheets, when to open exam booklets, and when the allotted time has expired.  Candidates that fail to follow instructions risk being disqualified.

When taking the exam, be sure to read the entire question and then select the best answer.  Be aware that a common test-writing technique involves supplying two obviously wrong answers--one answer that is almost correct and the correct answer.  If you do not know the correct answer, try to identify those that are clearly incorrect.  This will increase your chances of selecting the right answer if you have no other choice than to guess.  Never leave a question unanswered.  Even if you have no idea of the answer, you have a 25 percent chance of selecting the right answer if you guess.  Also, avoid spending extensive periods of time on questions that you are uncertain about.  Be sure to keep your eyes on your paper at all times; and turn in all materials following the exam, including scratch paper, if required to do so.

If you have prepared, you should have no problem successfully passing this part of the entrance process.

          3. The Physical Abilities Test

Fire fighting is physically demanding work.  Firefighters frequently have to lift or move heavy objects such as ladders, hose lines, or other equipment.  At times, firefighters work very hard for extended periods of time.  These elements of the firefighter’s work require strength and above-average stamina.  Fire departments, therefore, seek candidates that are in excellent physical condition--candidates that are capable of meeting the rigorous demands of the job.  One of the best ways to screen a candidate’s physical fitness is by means of a physical abilities test (PAT.).

The PAT allows the department to simulate actual work situations that a firefighter would typically encounter.  Situations, such as pulling hose, climbing stairs while carrying equipment, connecting valves to fire hydrants, carrying victims, crawling on the floor, cutting with an ax, raising ladders, and so forth.  Candidates frequently must perform a combination of these tasks within a specific period of time.  Because the test is designed to gauge fitness for firefighter duties, candidates who have not prepared or those that are not physically fit usually perform poorly or fail this phase of the exam.  With many departments, a candidate’s final score on the PAT will comprise a percentage of the overall score on which hiring will be based.  Candidates who fail will be eliminated from the entrance process.  Therefore, the PAT deserves careful attention.

Most candidates find the physical abilities test to be the most challenging part of the entrance process.  However, a few months with a good workout program are usually sufficient preparation for the modestly fit candidate.  Those that are out of shape, overweight, or underweight may require more preparation.  Special attention needs to be given to the type of workout program because preparing for a physical abilities test involves stamina building and attention to specific muscle groups that might be overlooked in more general workouts.  Calisthenics or simple weight training might not be sufficient preparation.  In addition to building stamina in general, your workout program should be tailored so as to prepare you for the specific events of the PAT you are preparing to take.  Many have found it helpful to talk with firefighters to determine what type of workout program will best prepare them.  Before starting any workout program, you should consult your physician.

                   What to expect

The actual components of the PAT differ from department to department.  However, candidates can easily find out what specific PAT’s will consist of by telephoning the department directly or by visiting one of the fire stations and speaking with a recently hired firefighter.  This will allow candidates to focus on weak areas well in advance.  As opposed to providing sample events, we suggest you contact the department early to determine the specific events of the PAT.

                   How to prepare

The first step that you should take in readying yourself for the PAT is learning exactly what the test will consist of.  This can easily be done by telephoning the department directly or by visiting a fire station and speaking with a recently hired firefighter.  Be advised, however, that PAT’s have been known to change from time to time.  Obtaining your information from any source other than an official department source could result in your having incorrect information.

As mentioned earlier, it is also advisable to consult your physician.  It might be wise to get a complete medical examination prior to beginning your workout program.  Explain to your doctor that you are preparing for the physical abilities test to become a firefighter.  He may find some underlying medical condition that you should be aware of, or he may provide some direction as to how you should proceed with your workout program.

Once you have done these two things, you should be ready to begin your workout program.  As stated, this program should be tailored so as to prepare you for the specific events of the PAT you are preparing to take.

Some tests allow short rest periods between the various events.  With these tests, your focus will be more on strength building than on stamina, though stamina is vital.  Other tests require candidates to complete a series of events within a certain time frame.  Here the focus is more on stamina, though strength is also vital.

Although this website is not intended to provide health advice, it is generally respected that jogging and swimming are excellent stamina builders.  There are a variety of aerobic workout exercises and machines, such as treadmills and stair climbers that also build stamina.  Many firefighter candidates prepare by running up and down long flights of stairs.  This not only builds stamina, but it also greatly strengthens the leg muscles.  Most experts agree that these exercises should be performed three-to-four times a week, which allows adequate time for recovery.  Warm-up exercises, stretching, and sufficient liquids are recommended to prevent injuries.

As for building upper body strength, there are few exercises that work as well as weight training.  Muscle groups which should be your focus include the pectorals or chest muscles, the biceps, triceps, deltoids, extensors, and flexors, which are arm and forearm muscles; also the trapezius and latissimus, which are shoulder and back muscles.  Excellent exercises for strengthening these muscle groups include the bench press, dumbbell, barbell curl, reverse curl, dumbbell fly’s, widegrip pull down, upright row, and triceps press-down.  Also, be sure not to neglect your leg muscles since they are vital when lifting heavy objects.

As with any workout program, proper diet and rest are essentials.  Again, you do well to seek professional advice; such as can be obtained by your doctor or reputable health and exercise books available at your local bookstore or library.

                   Taking the physical abilities test

Be sure to get sufficient rest the night before the scheduled physical abilities test.  You should also eat a light breakfast prior to the test.  A heavy meal may make you drowsy during the exam or weigh you down adversely affecting your performance.  No food at all may cause you to feel fatigued.  You should plan to arrive at the test site early in case you encounter traffic, trouble finding parking, or some other time delay.

Your attire for the PAT should probably consist of lightweight workout clothes and a pair of tennis or jogging shoes.  If the exam requires any crawling, you should wear lightweight workout pants.  If there is a wait prior to your scheduled test time, avoid standing in the sun or drinking excessive liquids.  Some light stretching in the shade would probably be your best preparation.

When the time arrives for you to take the physical abilities test, be sure to listen to and follow all instructions carefully.  After coming this far in the entrance process, it would be tragic to be disqualified for failing to follow instructions.  If you have adequately prepared, successfully passing the PAT should present no problem.

          4. The Oral Interview

The oral interview without a doubt is the most common tool used by employers in selecting new employees.  Perhaps this is because it allows the employer to learn so much about the prospective employee in so short a time frame.  Prepared questions allow the employer to accurately compare candidates based on their individual responses.  The oral interview allows the employer to get a firsthand view of the candidate’s personality, communication skills, problem solving ability, appearance, and grooming.  The employer can also discuss firsthand the candidate’s work experience, education, and character traits.  The oral interview allows the employer to get a feel for the prospective employee unlike any other test or screening procedure.

It is no different with the fire department.  Here too the oral interview is perhaps the most important element of the entrance process.  In fact, with many departments, 100 percent of your overall score is based on your performance in the oral interview.   The next two chapters will discuss the oral interview preparation in greater depth.

          5. The Background Investigation

Because of the level of responsibility that the firefighter’s job entails, firefighter candidates are expected to have a background that demonstrates that they are responsible, law abiding citizens worthy of their community’s trust.  The background investigation is the phase of the entrance process where the fire department takes a close look into the candidate’s background to ensure that they measure up to the department’s standards.

Most fire departments will not hire candidates that have a felony conviction or several misdemeanor convictions.  Therefore, prospective firefighter candidates should avoid any unlawful activities.  Candidates should also concern themselves with the number of traffic citations that they receive.  These areas will usually come to the attention of the department during the background investigation and, if negative, may cast doubts on a candidate’s fitness for appointment.  Law-abiding candidates who have no dark past of which to be ashamed should have no reason to be concerned about failing the background investigation.

There are other areas of the background investigation that candidates should be aware of.  In addition to checking for a criminal record, many departments look into each candidate’s credit history.  Candidates that have filed for bankruptcy or are consistently late on payments may be viewed as irresponsible.  Candidates with a high debt-income ratio may also be viewed with caution.  If you fit one of these categories, be prepared to give a thorough explanation.

The department is also likely to speak with many of your friends, relatives, and possibly, former workmates.  The character references that these individuals give will help the department form an idea of the kind of person that you are.

                   What to expect

As is the case with the other elements of the entrance process, the way that the background investigation is conducted differs from department to department.  However, there are some relative constants that candidates can anticipate.  The background investigation is generally composed of two parts--the background interview and the actual investigation.

The background interview resembles the oral interview in many ways.  Candidates are generally required to report to a department office to be interviewed by a department background investigator.  The investigator asks the candidate numerous questions relative to his background.  Areas that are discussed usually include work history, military service, and educational background.  The background investigator may ask questions or seek clarifications on any prior altercations, level of alcohol use, any drug use, driving record, credit history, and any problems with the law.  The aim is to reveal all adverse information that could cast doubts on the candidate’s fitness for appointment.

Following the interview, the investigator will telephone the prospective employee’s character references, former employers, and schoolteachers or counselors.  The purpose is two-fold:  (1) to verify the information as given by the candidate, and (2) to solicit information about the candidate that will aid in determining his or her suitability for appointment.  These conversations are always confidential and background investigators are never to divulge any information about the candidate to anyone other than department or city officials involved in the hiring process.

All of the information obtained by these means is crossed checked for accuracy and consistency with the completed background forms that the candidate must fill out.

If it is found that a candidate purposefully concealed information or lied to the background investigator, this usually constitutes grounds for immediate disqualification.

The background investigation usually uncovers questionable areas in a candidate’s background that would cast doubts on their fitness for the job.  Although fire departments do not seek perfection in firefighter candidates, they do frown on drug usage, extensive use or abuse of alcohol, numerous traffic citations, a poor credit history, numerous terminations of employment, and other activities of a questionable nature.  These are problem areas that would reflect poorly on a candidate’s judgment, maturity, and level of responsibility.

Fire departments make quite an investment in each candidate and rightfully should seek to uncover any unfavorable actions or patterns prior to employing anyone.  The business of the fire department is serious, and departments cannot risk employing immature, irresponsible, or otherwise problematic firefighters.  Such employees represent a risk to their fellow firefighters and the communities they will serve.  Serious firefighter candidates should take heed and be sure that their conduct will reflect well on them when the department conducts its background investigation.

          6. The Medical Exam

The rigors of a firefighter’s work are frequently extreme.  It is expected that firefighters be in excellent physical condition.  Fire departments cannot afford nor justify hiring employees with underlying medical conditions that in the future could render them unfit for duty or, worse yet, endanger their lives or the lives of the public.  For these reasons, fire departments require all prospective candidates to undergo a complete medical examination prior to appointment.  This also insures that any job-related injuries or illnesses that lead to complete disability are the result of occupational hazards and not some preexisting medical condition.

                   What to expect

Though not limited to these areas, most medical examinations include the following:

1. An eye exam

2. A hearing exam

3. A blood test

4. A urine test

5. A cardiovascular test

6. A respiratory exam

7. An exam of your musculoskeletal system

Eye exam - Most typically, departments require 20/50, uncorrected with each eye separate.  20/40, uncorrected, both eyes together.  The use of eyeglasses or contact lenses is not permitted during the exam.  Candidates are screened for color blindness, depth perception, and significant chronic eye conditions (such as glaucoma, cataracts, etc.)  Peripheral vision is also checked.

Hearing exam - The hearing exam usually consist of an audiometric screening test wherein each ear is tested for the ability to hear tones at specific decibels and Hertz frequencies.  No hearing aids are allowed, and significant hearing loss usually results in disqualification.  Candidates are also screened for ear infections.  Serious or chronic conditions may result in disqualification.

Blood test - Candidates are screened for serious blood disorders.

Cardiovascular test - Candidates are screened for hypertension, arrhythmia’s, murmurs, and poor heart condition reflected by a high pulse rate after several minutes of resting.  Any significant cardiac history is also considered.

Respiratory exam - Chronic conditions such as tuberculosis, bronchitis, emphysema, or other serious conditions or history are screened.

Musculoskeletal system - Screened for significant congenital or developmental conditions.  Any prior accidents or surgical procedures must restore candidate to full and permanent function.  Candidates are also screened for any impairment of joints and any significant weaknesses.

The general condition of candidates is also observed.  At this phase, the physician examines the candidate’s weight, body fat, skin condition, existence of any nervous disorders, and general health.  Candidates with serious disorders are usually disqualified.

                   Appeals

In some instances, you are able to appeal a medical disqualification.  The first step is to request an explanation as to why you were disqualified.  You should also request information as to the department’s appeal process since they vary from department to department.  You could request a review of your case by another medical authority or, better yet, seek an outside medical opinion.

If your private physician feels that the condition for which you were disqualified would not prevent you from performing the duties of a firefighter, you should request him or her to prepare a letter to that effect.  This letter together with any substantiation, such as exam results, should be presented to the department for review.  In many cases, this is all that is necessary to overturn a medical disqualification.

If you are unable to overturn a medical disqualification, realize that such department standards are designed with your safety in mind.  Such a disqualification could in fact be protecting you from a future serious injury or worse.  It is for this reason that we suggest that you get a complete medical examination prior to beginning the entrance process.  Such an exam could save you much time and heartache.

                   Drug Testing

Increasing numbers of departments are requiring candidates to be tested for drug use prior to being hired.  This test usually consists of a blood and/or urine test. The candidate’s blood and/or urine are examined for traces of specific controlled substances.  Detection of such substances usually results in immediate disqualification.

There is not much that a candidate can do to prepare for this exam other than simply not use drugs.  However, there are a few things that candidates should be aware of.

The consumption of certain foods or ingredients prior to the drug test can result in false positive results.  Certain medications, such as painkillers and foods containing poppy seeds, have been known to cause these false positive results.  Obviously then, it would be wise to avoid such foods.  If you are taking a prescription medication, be sure to inform the department since evidence of the medication may show up in your blood and/or urine.  Even if you are no longer taking the prescription, you should be aware that certain medications could stay in your system for several weeks or months.

          7. The Psychological Exam

Frequently, a firefighter’s work is emotionally taxing.  Firefighters must be able to handle very stressful situations, as well as perform at the scene of emergencies that involve severe injuries and even death.  Psychological stability is a must if firefighters are to perform in a predictable manner and thus not endanger themselves or their co-workers.  For these reasons, many departments require candidates to pass a psychological examination.

The psychological exam usually consists of two basic parts.  The first part is a lengthy questionnaire, which requires candidates to answer a series of questions about themselves.  The second part consists of an interview wherein the candidate explains his reasoning behind the answers given on the questionnaire.  A trained psychologist usually conducts this interview.

The psychological examination is a pass or fail exam.  There is not much that candidates can do to prepare for this test other than be honest.  Due to the length of the test, candidates should be well rested when reporting for this test.

          8. The Fire Academy

Once hired, the firefighter candidate will be required to complete a fire academy.  Some fire departments require all new recruits to complete an Emergency Medical Technician course prior to permanent appointment.  For all that the recruit has had to go through to get to this point and for all that is at stake, he or she would be wise to focus their energies so as to be successful in completing the fire academy.  This will require getting sufficient rest, having a well-balanced diet, and maintaining intense study habits.  Although occasional recreation may be refreshing, the candidate should limit outside activities to a minimum.  Any dangerous activities, such as motorcycle riding, should be avoided.  An off-duty injury sustained while in the fire academy could result in disqualification.