The work of first responders is difficult, to say the least. Emotions run high during fire and emergency incidents. Psychological tests are administered and interpreted by psychologists 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.
Psychological tests assess and evaluate information that you provide to the examiner. Generally the information is gathered through a series of written true or false questions, answers to questions read off a computer screen, and answers to interview questions. The accuracy of the test depends mainly on how pragmatically you answer the questions. Reviewing prior civil service standard professional psychological tests is difficult to do because the security of the tests must be maintained for ethical reasons. It is not so important that you know what questions you are going to be asked as it is to know what the examiner is trying to assess. This chapter provides you with a general understanding of what psychological tests are all about.
Civil service psychological tests can be broken down into three parts: occupational, personality, and polygraph. The following provides a short synopsis of these three major components of the test.
In general, an occupational test seeks to match the interests, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics of the candidate with those of firefighters already on the job. The theory behind this part of the test is that if you demonstrate attributes similar to most firefighters, then there is a good chance that you will acclimate readily to your new profession and fit in easily with fellow workers.
It takes a particular kind of person to want to perform rescue-related tasks. First responders and persons who gravitate to rescue-related work have been deemed by some psychologists to have a “rescue personality.” This concept is based on a hypothesis that individuals who choose to become firefighters and first responders have similar characteristics and a predisposition to be rescuers before entering the job. Psychologists have identified the following characteristics and traits as being typical of individuals with a rescue personality:
• action oriented
• easily bored
• enjoys being needed
• highly dedicated
• inner directed
• likes control (of situations and themselves)
• obsessed with high standards of performance
• socially conservative
• traditional
A personality test attempts to measure the candidate’s persona or appearance that he or she presents to the world. The most commonly used personality test given during the firefighter recruitment process is the revised Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2).
The original MMPI-1 test was developed at the University of Minnesota Hospitals and first published in 1942. The MMPI-2, a revised version, was released in 1989. It is the standard used today.
The MMPI-2 test consists of more than 500 questions and takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes to complete. It is used to assess the mental status of candidates and possible abnormality in some of the following areas:
• Hypochondriasis, or abnormal concern over the body’s well-being
• Paranoia, or persecution complex, characterized by rigid opinions and attitudes
• Schizophrenia, characterized by bizarre thought processes and social alienation
• Hysteria, or overreaction to stressful situations
• Depression, or dissatisfaction with one’s own life
• Hypomania, or accelerated mood, speech, and motor activity
• Psychopathic deviance, or nonacceptance of authority and amorality
A psychologist interprets the information gathered from the test in conjunction with other historical data (previous employment, academic performance, letters of recommendation, etc.) and constructs a psychological profile of the candidate. The MMPI-2 is also used as a screening device to eliminate candidates with obvious mental health problems.
Also called a lie detector, the polygraph assesses the candidate’s veracity when replying to pertinent questions of employment. The candidate is connected to a machine (polygraph) via wires and is asked a series of questions. During the question and answer session, the polygraph monitors biological responses, such as heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, skin temperature, and skin conductance. This information is used to assess the candidate’s honesty. For example, when answering neutral questions (What is your name?), the candidate should be relaxed and exhibit uneventful physiological feedback to the machine. However, when answering real questions (Have you ever taken illegal drugs?), the candidate may exhibit abnormal physiological readings that can be analyzed to help determine if the candidate is answering truthfully. To demonstrate validity and reliability, these tests have built-in gauges that raise red flags when there are indications of lying.
Note: When answering true or false questions or verbally responding to questions on a psychological test, don’t be untruthful in order to supply the psychiatrist with what you believe to be a healthy reply. In many cases there is no preferred answer or response. Don’t make the mistake of trying to make yourself “look good” by not answering questions in an honest and forthright manner.
Psychological testing is never completely valid or reliable. If you are disqualified from the job of firefighter for failing the psychological component of the exam, you may have a behavior or attitude disorder that you don’t recognize. It can also mean that the psychiatrist, psychotherapist, or polygraph examiner reviewing your test results made an evaluation mistake on your data or an inaccurate interpretation of your biological feedback results. Inquire about any recourse you may have regarding retesting and/or reevaluation. You may be required to undergo psychotherapy to discover the reasons for your failure prior to getting a second chance at participating in a new psychological test.
Firefighting is a profession that has earned the public trust. It is expected that firefighters perform their work at fire and emergency situations courageously and effectively. Firefighter candidates, therefore, require a multitude of positive traits and characteristics that veteran firefighters possess. Integrity and honesty are essential. Interpersonal skills and talents include self-motivation, flexibility, decisiveness, empathy, a pleasant sense of humor, common sense, cooperativeness, being a team player, initiative, and so much more. It therefore behooves the candidate to be aware of what the local fire department they seek to join deems as positive values. It should be noted that candidates who do not demonstrate the above qualities during various stages of the selection process run the risk of not being selected for hire. Examples include trouble controlling emotions, rudeness, rigid thinking, sensitivity to criticism, resentment toward others, a high degree of anxiety, and hostility.
The following list of favorable traits and characteristics is not inclusive, but it will provide valuable insight into what your potential employer is looking for in you. It is recommended that you answer questions dealing with background information and character traits decisively. Try not to answer in a manner that makes your position unclear. Although there is no right or wrong answer, it is important to understand that the fire department you seek to be a part of will invest a lot of time, effort, and money into you becoming a successful member. Examining positive traits and characteristics that have historically led to success will be part of their hiring process.
While there are a multitude of positive traits and characteristics, the ones listed below are deemed by the author as essential. A brief explanation follows each one. Review this listing. It may provide some insight into what it takes to be a firefighter and whether or not you have what it takes to be one.
Adaptable—able to change your thinking as the situation dictates
Caring—for the well-being of your fellow workers and the citizens you serve
Common sense—use good judgment
Competitive—seeking challenges
Confidence—a belief that you can succeed in whatever you do
Decisive—able to make decisions based upon experience
Dedication—strive for excellence
Dependable—reliable and trustworthy
Empathy—supportive of others in times of need
Good sense of humor—not easily offended by comments from coworkers
Honesty—truthful
Honorable—righteous
Initiative—self-motivated
Integrity—strong moral principles
Loyalty—faithfulness
Maturity—acting like an adult
Mechanical aptitude—good at working with tools and equipment
Motivated—action oriented
Obedient—willing to comply with orders
Physically fit—able to perform the physical tasks of firefighting
Responsible—for your actions
Sacrifice—do without for the betterment of your department
Team player—work well with others
For all the questions below, choose the answer that best reflects your own personal opinion. Keep in mind, however, what has been discussed previously regarding the traits and characteristics fire department administrations historically seek in their firefighter candidates. Suggested answers located in the answer key at the end of the chapter are based upon the opinion of the author.
1. I am rigid in my thinking.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
2. I am a self-motivated person.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
3. My friends say I am shy.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
4. I listen to others regardless if I disagree with their viewpoint.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
5. Rules are made to be broken.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
6. I am an emotionally stable person.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
7. I always complete work assignments on time.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
8. I tend to blame others when a team project goes wrong.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
9. I would rather be an accountant than a mechanic.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
10. No good deed goes unpunished.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
11. Friends are more important than money.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
12. Working with other firefighters of different cultures will be beneficial to me.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
13. Homeless people are just plain lazy.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
14. I would rather be recognized for an award individually than with a group.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
15. I enjoy physical exercise and keeping myself fit.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
16. I become easily confused under stressful conditions.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
17. I often doubt if I am making the right decisions concerning my life.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
18. I use little white lies in certain situations.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
19. I don’t wear a hat when eating at a restaurant.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
20. Walking into an elevator makes me nervous.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
21. I like to organize people and lead them to confront the task at hand.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
22. On weekends I like to raise hell a little bit with my friends.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
23. I hold no grudges against others in my past.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
24. I have thoughts of sex all the time.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
25. I enjoy competition and strive to win.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
26. I like volunteering my time for good causes.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
27. I dislike taking orders from my boss.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
28. I avoid going to work on cold and snowy days.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
29. I am always there for friends who need assistance.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
30. I am not easily offended when I am the butt of a funny joke.
(A) agree strongly
(B) agree up to a point
(C) disagree
(D) disagree strongly
1. D. Firefighters must be flexible in their thinking and use others to help formulate decisions.
2. A. Firefighting is an action-oriented profession.
3. D. Firefighters enjoy working and socializing with others.
4. A. Firefighters are confronted with situations where people have conflicting views.
5. D. The fire service is a quasi-military organization.
6. A. During times of stress firefighters must be able to control their emotions.
7. A. Firefighters must be dependable and responsible.
8. D. Firefighters must be accountable for their actions.
9. D. Firefighting is a profession where you work with tools and equipment.
10. D. Firefighters require a positive outlook on life.
11. A. Firefighting is a vocation focused upon giving.
12. A. Cultural sensitivity and tolerance are positive values sought by the Fire Service.
13. D. Firefighters must be caring and show empathy toward others in time of need.
14. D. Firefighters work together in teams for the greater good.
15. A. Firefighting is hard work and demands that firefighters be in tip-top shape.
16. D. Firefighters must be able to think clearly at fire and emergency incidents.
17. D. Firefighters should exude confidence in themselves and the decisions they make.
18. D. Firefighters must be honest and trustworthy.
19. A. Firefighters are looked upon as role models by society.
20. D. Firefighters often work in tight and confined spaces during fires and emergencies.
21. A. The Fire Service is looking for candidates who demonstrate leadership qualities.
22. D. The Fire Service is looking for mature candidates.
23. A. Forgiveness is a positive trait.
24. D. Firefighters must demonstrate a strong moral character.
25. A. Firefighters like challenges and try to be successful.
26. A. Sacrifice is a positive trait.
27. D. Obedience in following orders is essential in the Fire Service.
28. D. Firefighters are dependable and eager to serve 24/7/365.
29. A. Loyalty is a positive trait.
30. A. A good sense of humor is a positive trait.