This chapter provides information about the steps necessary to become a firefighter. Although specifics may differ from one fire department to another, the basic procedures are, for the most part, similar.
There are several minimal qualifications or requirements to become a firefighter in most municipalities. These requirements are summarized below.
Age—Usually an applicant must be at least 18 years of age at the time the exam is taken and at least 21 to be hired.
Background—The applicant’s past records are reviewed, including driving history, residency, educational transcripts, arrests or convictions, and so on.
Character—Applicants will need to supply references from honorable and distinguished members of the community.
Citizenship—Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Criminal Record—An applicant’s record is reviewed; any felony or misdemeanor arrests and convictions may be grounds for ineligibility.
Discharge from the Armed Forces—A dishonorable discharge from the armed forces may make an applicant ineligible.
Driver’s License—Applicants should have a driver’s license valid in the state in which they are taking the exam.
Drug Screening—Tests are conducted to discover candidate use of marijuana, amphetamine, anabolic steroids, cocaine, heroin, methadone, morphine, quaalude, or other substances.
Education—Usually applicants are required to have a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED). More and more municipalities are requiring college credits and prehospital emergency care (EMT/paramedic) certifications.
Language—Applicants must speak and understand English.
Legal Status—Applicants should not have any legal impediments (felony conviction, for example) to their ability to perform the job functions of firefighter.
Medical and Psychological—Candidates undergo medical (including vision and hearing tests) and psychological examinations to determine if they can perform the functions of a firefighter. Reasonable accommodation is made to enable candidates with disabilities to take these exams.
Polygraph—A polygraph, or lie detector, may be used to review a candidate’s qualifications and suitability.
Proof of Identity—Applicants must provide proof of identity (birth certificate).
Residency—A candidate may be required to reside within the area in which he or she is seeking employment; preferential residency examination credit may be granted for candidates living in the area of employment.
It is important to learn about the qualifications, duties, and responsibilities of firefighters in the jurisdiction in which you wish to apply. There are several ways to learn about the job.
Consider joining one or more ancillary organizations. Volunteer fire departments provide the knowledge and training to perform many, if not all, firefighting duties. Membership in a volunteer fire department is an ideal way to learn the job, and, incidentally, to demonstrate to interviewers that you are serious about becoming a career firefighter.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is another way to learn about what a career firefighter does. This program trains men and women of all ages to respond to emergencies and give critical support to first responders. CERT training includes disaster preparedness, fire suppression, basic medical operations, and light search-and-rescue operations. The Boy Scouts of America administers the Fire Explorers, a program for children and young adults between the ages of 14 and 21 that provides valuable insight into the firefighting profession. High schools and colleges may have a Firefighter Cadet Program that provides curriculum and training to school-age children and young adults in firematics. Completion of a cadet program in some jurisdictions leads directly to appointment as a probationary firefighter.
The American Red Cross and local Volunteer Ambulance Corps and affiliates also provide courses in first responder emergency medical care ranging from basic first aid to advanced life support procedures.
A visit to the local firehouse is also helpful. Introduce yourself to the firefighters and ask about the possibility of your being able to spend some time with them to observe training sessions and drills.
The public library and the World Wide Web are other sources of information concerning the career of a firefighter.
The examination announcement is the official description of the career of a firefighter. It typically lists common firefighter tasks, including response and performance at fires and utility and medical emergencies, maintenance of the firehouse, apparatus, tools, and equipment, fire prevention inspections, participation in training activities, hydrant inspection and maintenance, and public fire safety education.
There are several steps in the initial application process, including obtaining and completing an application, submitting a résumé if requested, obtaining necessary information about a scheduled examination, and determining if special circumstances apply to you.
Applications for the job of firefighter are obtained in many different ways, depending on the jurisdiction you reside in. Some municipalities make the application available on their government website, where it can be downloaded, completed, and mailed in to the agency coordinating the candidate process. Modern methods may allow candidates to fill out their application online. Follow the directions carefully on how the application should be submitted. If you mail in the application, consider having it certified with a return receipt requested in order to document its transmittal and receipt.
In other areas, applications may be acquired by visiting fire department headquarters, the local fire station, or a designated municipal office building. Always read the directions for completion of the application carefully before you attempt to fill in the required information. Should you use pen or pencil to fill out the form? Does the application need to be notarized? Is additional documentation (birth certificate, driver’s license, résumé, etc.) required to be submitted with the application? And, finally, make sure you place the correct amount of postage on the envelope containing all the forms.
If a résumé is required as part of the application process, it should be one or two pages summarizing your contact information, main objective, education, military history, work background, job-related life experiences, and pertinent activities, hobbies, and interests. It should always be sent along with a cover letter. The cover letter should be geared to the particular needs and requirements of the fire service position you are seeking. A cover letter allows you to focus the reader’s attention on your specific strengths and accomplishments, which are summarized in the résumé.
Always include a cover letter when sending your résumé. It can be just as important as your résumé. The cover letter is organized into several main parts—heading, body, complimentary close, signature, and indication of any enclosures—as follows:
Contact Information—Standard contact information should include your name (in bold letters), legal address, and home and work telephone numbers. This information should come first at the top.
Date of Letter—Spell out the month of the year, as in January 10, 2015.
Recipient Information—Give the name of the person to whom you are addressing the letter and the name and address of the organization.
Salutation—Use the title and last name of the addressee, if available. If you do not have a specific person or office to address, use “To Whom It May Concern” as a salutation. Examples: Dear Employment Director, Dear Mr. Fulton, Dear Chief of Personnel Cummings.
Initial Paragraph—Tell the reader why you are submitting your résumé (why are you interested in becoming a firefighter?), state the name of the position you are applying for, and include why you think you would be a good candidate for the job.
Second Paragraph—Describe your major (not all) strengths and how they are applicable to the position you are seeking. Demonstrate how your skills can be a positive addition to the organization you wish to join. Provide the reader with one or two examples of your qualifications and state that this, as well as additional pertinent information, can be found in your enclosed résumé.
Final Paragraph—Reiterate your interest in becoming a member of the fire service and state your eagerness to hear from or meet with the reader in the near future to discuss a possible relationship with the organization. State also that you appreciate the opportunity to submit your résumé for consideration.
Sincerely, Sincerely yours, Best regards—One of these closings should appear two lines below the final paragraph.
Signature—Use blue or black ink.
Identification Line—Beneath your signature, type your name.
Enclosure—Type “Enclosure:” or “Encl:” and the word “Résumé.” Example: Enclosure: Résumé.
The résumé needs to be formatted in a uniform and concise manner. It should be self-promoting, by focusing on your positive assets and demonstrating that you are an attractive candidate to be a firefighter. One word of warning: don’t put anything that is untrue or fabricated on your résumé; false information can be easily identified by fire department fact-checkers and interviewers and will result in your disqualification.
A résumé should be organized as follows:
Contact Information—Provide your standard contact information—name (avoid nicknames), legal address, telephone numbers (home, cellular, and work), and e-mail address, if applicable—at the top of your résumé.
Main Objective—Provide a clear, positive statement about your commitment to become a firefighter.
Education—List your educational information, starting with the most recent. Include college or postgraduate degrees earned, the year the degree was obtained, the name of the learning institution, and the area of concentrated study (major/minor). Include your grade point average (GPA) if it reflects high academic achievement (B+ or higher) and note academic honors. If a degree was not earned, include the number of college credits earned.
Military History—Provide the dates of enlistment and honorable discharge (if applicable), branch of service, assigned location, rank designation, duties and responsibilities, training certificates, campaign service (e.g., Gulf War) and awards, citations, and achievements.
Work Background—Provide employment history in reverse chronological order (last job first). If you have a wide array of work experience, confine your listing to activities that relate in some way to the work performed by firefighters (communications dispatcher, fire guard, fire safety director, peace officer/security, lifeguard, park ranger, truck/tractor-trailer driver, automotive mechanic, construction trades). For each position listed, include the name of the employer, location, job title and responsibilities, and dates of employment.
Job-Related Life Experience—Highlight special skills, competencies, and achievements (e.g., certified scuba diver, crane operator license) that may make you a valuable asset to the organization you wish to join. Also include any volunteer work that relates to the duties of a first responder and community service personnel [e.g., volunteer firefighter, volunteer nurse, member of the Peace Corps, Red Cross, Salvation Army, or Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)].
Activities, Hobbies, Interests—Include membership in civic and fraternal organizations, as well as pertinent hobbies, interests, and sports activities that may be considered as a positive reflection of your abilities to perform as a firefighter (e.g., ham radio operation, mountain/rock climbing).
References—At the end of your résumé you may want to include the words, “References available on request.”
Note: Do not include your reference information on your résumé unless specifically asked to provide it on the notice of examination or job application. Before providing the names of references to prospective employers, be sure that the persons you name have a knowledgeable understanding of you and that they are recognized as upstanding citizens of the community in which they live.
To make your résumé easier to read and understand, try to adhere to the tips listed below:
Limit your résumé to one or two pages.
Avoid folding or stapling your résumé.
Use white or off-white paper only.
Use quality bond 8½ × 11-inch paper.
Use only one side of the paper.
Use a plain typeface.
Use only one typeface.
Don’t use italics.
Use easy-to-read font sizes (between 10 and 14 point).
Use no more than two font sizes.
Keep margins within the 0.75- to 1.5-inch range.
Spell and grammar check your résumé.
If mailing, use a large (9 × 12-inch) envelope to protect your résumé.
If mailing, consider Priority/Certified Mail options.
Follow up mailing with a phone call to confirm delivery.
George West
18 Harper Avenue
Bronx, NY 10473
718-342-8890
Objective: A position of firefighter in the New York City Fire Department.
Education
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Health Education, 2011, Queens College of the City University of New York (CUNY). Summa cum laude.
Summer research work at Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY, 2011.
Military History
United States Naval Reserves Airman. Honorable Discharge, 2007.
Work Background
Jacobi Medical Center Ambulance Corps, 2011-present.
Nutritionist, Wellness Gym. Yonkers, NY, 2007-2011.
Job-Related Life Experience
Volunteer Firefighter, Aviation Volunteer Fire Department, Bronx, NY, 2009-present.
Activities
College Health Fair Coordinator, 2010-2011.
Intramural swimming, 2007-2009.
References: Supplied upon request
Generally, references are not included on your résumé. It is common, however, for fire service applicants to be required to furnish a list of personal and professional references. These people will have to either submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf or be available to provide meaningful information (work history, work ethics, personality, interpersonal relationships, technical abilities, life experience, ambition, education, moral character, leadership qualities, communication skills, dependability, punctuality, managerial capabilities, etc.) concerning you, either in person or over the phone. Be prepared to supply between three and five references in each category. Do not include blood relations on your list of references. A good reference is a nonrelative who has known you for at least three years and who will substantiate what you have submitted in your résumé. Good references include past and present employers, former teachers or college professors, athletic coaches, clergy and religious associates, work and volunteer-related associates, former schoolmates, or neighbors held in high esteem in the community.
Once you have chosen your references, be sure to contact them individually to verify that they are willing to provide the reference. Give each individual a copy of your résumé personally and review with them your accomplishments and strengths, relating them to the duties of a firefighter. Talking to your references before they write or speak to the fire department will allow you to confirm what positive feedback will be generated on your behalf. Let them know that you are really interested in the position of firefighter and why you want to join the fire service. Thank them for agreeing to be a reference and for the time and effort required to complete the task.
Provide each reference’s name, home address, and phone number. If the reference has a relationship with first responder services, provide the person’s job title or affiliation with the pertinent organization.
Include your reference’s name, job title, company address and phone number, and e-mail address, if acceptable to your reference. Try to select professional references from positions in emergency service (fire and police departments, forest service, homeland security, nursing, ambulance service, etc.).
The notice of examination (NOE) is an informational summary of the minimum qualifications and requirements concerning the firefighter examination you will be taking in your jurisdiction. It is normally formatted and published by the civil service commission or fire department personnel office of the city conducting the exam. An NOE can commonly be accessed and reviewed in person at either of these two places or on their websites. Firehouses, post offices, libraries, and civic group agencies are other possible places to find this important initial document regarding the firefighter exam.
General information provided by the NOE is as follows:
Name of Exam: Firefighter.
Type of Exam: Phases of the exam—written test, physical ability exam, oral interview, etc.
Exam Number
When to Apply/File for the Examination
How to Apply/File for the Examination
Cancellation Information
Website Information
Written Exam Study Guide: Format and sample questions.
Physical Ability Test Preparation Guide and Training Site(s) Information: Overview of testing process and training locations.
Civil Rights Protections: Information concerning detrimental practices based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Protections: Information about discrimination for qualified candidates with disabilities.
Protest Protocols
Special Test Accommodations: Alternate exam dates for disability or religious beliefs.
Military Veteran Preference Points
Application Fee: Amount and fee payment (cash, check, credit card, etc.).
Test Date
DUI/DWAI/DWI Stipulations
Illegal Drug Activity/Use Stipulations
List Promulgation
Eligibility List
Exceptions: Age, education, disqualification, etc.
List Termination
Job Functions: Controlling and extinguishing fires, hazardous material incident mitigation, prehospital emergency medical care provider, maintenance of firehouse, apparatus, tools, and equipment, enforcement of local fire prevention laws and ordinances, fire safety educational activities, water supply and hydrant inspections, driving and operating fire apparatus, participation in training exercises and drills, etc.
Work Schedule: Normally long workweek hours and varied shifts.
Salary and Benefits: Base salaries generally range between $25,000 and $50,000 for probationary firefighters. Benefits may include pension, life insurance, medical and dental coverage, prescription drug plan, paid vacation and holidays, deferred compensation plan incentives, etc.
Probationary Period: Generally 12 months.
Some applicants for a position as a firefighter may have unusual circumstances that qualify them for special consideration in taking the written or other exams or in other aspects of the application and approval process. These special considerations may apply to the religious observances of applicants, to applicants with disabilities, to veterans, and to those who may have had a change of address problem. All fire departments have procedures for handling these circumstances and usually publish a special consideration form.
In most fire departments several different types of tests and examinations are given. Generally, the tests include a written test, an oral interview, a psychological test, a physical ability test, and a medical examination. Additional examinations can include video testing, which deals with interpersonal relationships and job scenarios.
The written examination—which is the main focus of this book—is typically a multiple-choice test. It generally contains 100 questions to be answered over a period of three to four hours. Questions cover many areas, including inductive and deductive reasoning ability, mathematics, mechanical aptitude, reading comprehension, memorization and spatial orientation, visualization, interpersonal relationships, and problem sensitivity.
The written examination requires extensive preparation. This book will give the reader a comprehensive overview and understanding of the type of questions historically asked on firefighter examinations. Some basic suggestions for preparing for this examination are given below in “Successful Study Habits” and “Test-Taking Tips.” A review of the content matter is provided in Part III of this book.
Successful study skills can be learned. The best students use their time wisely. They first consider the amount of time they can or are willing to spend studying, and then they stick to that amount. To do this they prioritize the importance of the tasks they perform each day. Tasks that are given a low priority are marginalized or postponed until the day after the important test for which they are studying. Good students also make the most of all their time every day. They take study material with them to read while traveling, lying on the beach, eating lunch, or sitting on a park bench. They budget their time so that they meet their study time allotment each day.
For the most part, it will require a few hours a day over a three- to four-month period to comprehensively read and answer all of the questions in this firefighter preparation book. Making this long-term commitment will allow the reader to gradually get a good general understanding of the nature of firefighting and emergency service work and how to prepare for the open competitive exam leading to a career as a firefighter. You will not be able to cram all the information in this book the week before the exam. Use this book in conjunction with other firefighter informational resources found on the Internet and in print.
Most of your study time should take place in a room or area that is readily available to you and provides an environment free of distractions and interruptions. Turn off your cell phone or move it out of the room. The temperature should not be too warm or too cold. Your study space should have adequate lighting so that you can see clearly to read without straining your eyes. Keep the noise level in the room to a minimum. Your desk should be large enough to place your computer, books, manuals, dictionary, notebooks, and pens and pencils in a manner conducive to active learning, reading, and researching. A comfortable chair is another essential. If your home does not provide such a space, consider going to your local public library, school library, or community center reading room.
Before each day of studying, set goals you wish to attain that day. Try varying your topics (math, reading comprehension, memory and visualization) to provide a variety of stimulating material.
Try to schedule the bulk of your study time during daylight hours when you are the most alert and energetic. Use these daytime periods to study difficult material that requires the most concentration. Nighttime hours should be reserved for light reading and easier subject matter. Avoid staying up late to reach your study goals for the day. Lack of sleep will affect your concentration and ability to learn during this time as well as the following day. Study time should be broken up into periods no longer than one hour, followed by a ten-minute break. Use the break to get up and walk around, go outside for some fresh air, or eat a snack.
Study actively by reading aloud, taking notes, highlighting, drawing pictures or diagrams while you read, and creating study questions as you go. Ensure that all your notes are transcribed into a notebook. This will help you organize information and main ideas and allow you to review the day’s learning at a later time.
Writing out questions related to what you are reading on index cards is another excellent way of studying. Write one or more questions on one side of the index card and the answers to the questions on the flip side of the card. Over the course of three to four months, you should have several hundred questions for instant review. Index cards can be carried anywhere, so you can study even when you are not in your normal study area.
Relate new information to previously learned material and to your prior knowledge to improve memory by association. Repetition and continued review are the best ways to guarantee understanding of the study material.
The following provides a general overview of what to do and how to handle typical multiple-choice tests. Most of the advice, suggestions, and tips, gleaned from experience in taking civil service examinations, are applicable to the firefighter examination.
Before the Test
• Leave yourself plenty of time for traveling to the test site.
• Wear a watch so you can calculate your time during the exam.
• Carry plenty of pencils, pens, and erasers to the exam.
• Bring water and appropriate snacks for a pick-me-up when needed.
• Enter the building where the examination is taking place as soon as allowed and find your assigned room and proper seat quickly.
• Set up your test-taking materials on your desk in an easy-to-use way.
• Shut off your cell phone and leave it off during the entire test.
During the Test
• Generally a series of bells or buzzer signals guide you through the start and conclusion of the test. Listen to the monitor in charge of your test room and read the instructions concerning what these directional sounds mean—for example, first signal: test is handed out to candidates; second signal: open test booklet and read test-taking instructions; third signal: start the test; fourth signal: end of test.
• Read the written instructions very carefully. They provide important information about the timing of the examination and its segments, whether you can or cannot mark up the question booklet, the use or nonuse of supplemental items (calculators, scrap paper, rulers), penalties for wrong answers, and the number of questions you are required to answer.
• Examine your test booklet thoroughly before you begin the test. Ensure that you are not missing pages. Inform the monitor immediately if there are any irregularities with your test booklet.
• If you are allowed to mark up your question booklet, underline key words or phrases in each question and make notes, if necessary, in the margins.
• Review the answer sheet and ensure all required information concerning you and the examination you are taking is filled out accurately. Check to see which way your answers should be transcribed on the sheet (vertically or horizontally).
• Answer each question in the order that it appears in the question booklet.
• Apportion your time. Divide the number of questions into the number of minutes you are allocated to complete the exam to determine approximately how long you should spend on any one question. Allow at least 20 minutes for review of your answers.
• Skip over and checkmark difficult questions and come back to them later on a second or third review of the exam.
• Read each question carefully to ensure you fully understand what is being asked. Pay particular attention to words such as all, most, fewest, least, best, worst, same, opposite, and except.
• Answer questions on the basis of all of the information presented. Do not select an answer based on unwarranted assumptions.
• Don’t get personally involved when reading the question; remain objective.
• Read all the answer options. Eliminate those that are obviously wrong and those that only partially answer the question. Select the answer you feel is best and check it against the facts presented in the question.
• If there are no penalties for wrong answers, select an answer for every question. Even if you guess, you still have a decent chance of selecting the correct answer.
• Don’t change your answers once they are transcribed onto the answer sheet unless information gathered while answering questions further into the exam provides you with new information warranting such a change. Usually your first instinct in the selection of an answer is best.
Some fire departments require an oral interview; some do not. If an oral interview will be given, the examination announcement will outline what general areas it is designed to evaluate. For information on how to prepare for an oral interview, see Chapter 3.
Psychological tests are administered as part of the overall recruitment process to help the fire service determine whether candidates are mentally prepared to cope with the stressful nature of the job. A candidate cannot study for psychological testing, but knowledge of what to expect is valuable. See Chapter 4.
Firefighting is a physically demanding profession, and most fire departments require a candidate to pass a physical ability test. One of the most common tests used is the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). Information about that test and tips on how to prepare and train for a physical ability test are provided in Chapter 5.
Throughout the country, medical guidelines have been established for the position of firefighter. Most of these requirements can be found in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1582 (Standard On Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program For Fire Departments). In general, candidates will be examined by a physician in the employ of the fire department or civil service commission conducting the hiring process.
A medical exam is essential to ensure that potential candidates are physically capable of performing firefighting tasks. The examination includes screening for a list of possible conditions that would or could prevent a fire department member or candidate from performing as a firefighter and thereby present a significant risk to the health and safety of fellow firefighters and civilians. Any impairment that may adversely affect the ability of the candidate to perform the duties of the position could constitute grounds for disqualification. A candidate who is rejected for a medical condition that over time is corrected or improves may be able to apply for a reexamination within the time frame of the eligible list.
Requirements that may be specified in a standard medical examination are as follows:
Visual acuity of 20/20 binocular with or without correction or uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 binocular for wearers of contact lenses or glasses.
Hearing of standard average threshold, without correction, and not worse than 25-decibel loss in the 500-, 1,000-, 2,000-, and 3,000-hertz ranges. Testing with a hearing aid is not permitted.
Heart of normal size, rhythm, and rate.
Blood pressure within normal range (systolic = 90 to 140, diastolic = 60 to 90) and normal blood conditions.
Lungs at normal function. A history of asthma or chronic bronchitis may constitute grounds for disqualification.
Skin in normal condition. Contagious skin conditions and allergies related to the job of firefighter may constitute grounds for disqualification.
Gastrointestinal system function normal. Chronic digestive diseases (ulcers and hemorrhoids) may constitute grounds for disqualification.
Weight within normal limits. Excessive body fat and obesity may constitute grounds for disqualification.
Extremities in normal condition. Loss of fingers and toes and joint diseases and/or disorders may constitute grounds for disqualification.
Muscular and skeletal systems that are normal. Abnormalities in these two areas of the body may constitute grounds for disqualification. For example, a candidate with a hernia, either complete or incomplete, would be disqualified until the hernia is repaired.
Neurological function normal. Disorders such as epilepsy may constitute grounds for disqualification.
General good health. Any condition in any other systems of the body that is deemed by the medical practitioner conducting the examination as having the potential to interfere with the candidate’s ability to perform the duties of a firefighter may constitute grounds for disqualification.
As stated earlier, teamwork and interpersonal attributes and judgments are now being tested using video-based examinations specifically designed for firefighters. In fact, video-based testing has proven to be a reliable factor in the selection process, and it is currently being used in some areas of the United States as a replacement for the oral interviews.
The public expects the fire department to provide numerous services, and firefighters have been placed in the role of community leaders, looked upon as symbols of safety and protection. Potential firefighters must show competence in dealing with all types of situations and people, and video-based testing attempts to ascertain if the candidate has the attitudes and temperament to meet these requirements.
During a video-based exam, the candidate is seated with a group of candidates to watch a sequence of videos dealing with firefighters operating together to accomplish tasks on the fireground or in the firehouse or videos showing interrelationships between firefighters and civilians. The scenarios depict typical incidents (firehouse maintenance, family disputes, medical emergencies, auto accidents, summons violation issuance, fire inspections, vehicles parked in front of fire hydrants, fire drills, etc.) that probationary firefighters can expect to encounter.
While watching the video, the candidate must concentrate on the goals and objectives the firefighters are trying to attain and on any stumbling blocks presented by their behavior. Are all the firefighters in the scenario working together for the common good? Is someone in the group not cooperating and hindering the effort of the team?
At the conclusion of the video scenario, multiple-choice questions are placed on the screen for candidates to answer either electronically or manually on an answer sheet. The questions are given sequentially and must be answered in a relatively short period of time. You may be asked what the best or worst course of action is that could be taken by the firefighters in the video. Quick judgment and keen insight are essential to answering these questions accurately and in a timely manner. No firefighting experience or training is needed to answer these questions appropriately. Base your answers on what is being presented on the screen—and on common sense and good interpersonal skills.
The questions about the videos typically assess specific performance dimensions, including the following:
Ability to take orders
Attitude and temperament
Courtesy and respect for others
Demeanor and actions during stressful situations
Flexibility
Ingenuity
Interrelationships with fellow firefighters inside and outside the firehouse
Open-mindedness
Professionalism
Public relations
Relationships with superiors
Teamwork
Written test answers can usually be found sometime after the examination on municipal government websites or in the local civil service newspaper. Candidates are allowed time to protest answers they feel are inaccurate. You should also provide a protest if you feel the answer you gave was as good as or better than the answer denoted on the official answer key.
Test results are usually mailed to participants within a short time of completion of the written examination. Along with your score, you will be informed whether you have passed or failed this portion of the exam. If you pass the written exam, you will be instructed in the mailing what steps you are required to take to complete the candidate process. If all exams are successfully completed, a list number will be given to the candidate for hiring purposes.