Preparing for the Test

Setting aplan of how to reach your promotional goals can be a very intimidating process.There is a multitude of information and it can be overwhelming. I encouragepromotional candidates to look at their future exam through a different set ofglasses, those of the person creating the exam.

One of my favorite sayings is, Become the test maker, not the test taker. It isimportant to understand that when an exam is created the designers meet withfire administration and ask what they would like to see in an exam. The firechief meets with the exam developer and expresses his or her wishes.

If youwere writing the exam, what would see as important information (become the testmaker)? As a general rule, exams are very predictable. How often have youwalked out of an exam and said, That wasn’t that hard, I should have donebetter, or, I wished I would have studied the right stuff.

While it is not necessary to become a subject matter expert ineach of the following areas, serious candidates should have a thorough workingknowledge of each one. Remember that you are NOT studying tobeat the exam, rather to learn the position. A candidate who has covered all of his or her bases during the study period will usually performwell once awarded the position. Nobody aspires to be appointed to a position and not be competent to function in the role.

All types of fires:
•Residential
• High rise
• Strip malls
• Center hallway and garden style apartments
•Commercial (NFPA 704 Diamond)
• Tanker and refineries
• Wildland

Tactical Considerations
• Develop templates for every major size up potential
• Develop a system of tracking resources
• Think big lines, multiple supply lines, (save a spot for the truck)
• Have a plan for RIC deployment(including tactical frequencies and a leader)
• Have a plan for what to do when you locate a victim
• Don’t be afraid to call for multiple alarms
• Don’t forget outside agencies
• Have a plan for getting things back to normal

Candidates should have a plan to handle:
1. Weapons of Mass Destruction
2. Hazardous Materials spills
3. Multi-casualty incidents
4. Aircraft emergencies
5. Marine firefighting
6. Refineries

Administrative
• Knowthe department’s policies and procedures
•Understand the departments progressive discipline system (know how to conduct acounseling session using the 8 step process)

• Have aplan to:
o Address your new crew (conduct a meeting)
o Train a probationary firefighter
o Coach, mentor, and train your crew
o Document a substandard employee

• Whatwould you do IF:
o Firefighter stuck with a needle
o Firefighter under the influence
o Firefighters involved in a fight in thestation
o Unmotivated firefighter
o Firefighter habitually late
o Firefighter with a poor attitude

•Understand the injury on duty policy and how a firefighter returns to dutyfollowing injury

Oral Interview

• Knowthe job for which you are applying
• Find a role model who can teach you the idiosyncrasies of the position
• Develop thoughts and ideas about current events
• Understand the daylight positions

The term “Assessment Center” often sends promotional candidatesinto frenzy. It is unfamiliar to many people and as a result their alreadyincreased anxiety over the promotional process is heightened. The purpose ofthis article is to shed some light on the process. No department wants to havequality candidates get lost in the testing process, rather it’s an opportunityfor those who have prepared for the position be rewarded for their efforts. I don’t believe in “having a bad day.” Ibelieve that those who have not prepared for the position are identified duringthe testing process. I do not advocate studying for the exam, I believe instudying for the position.

“AssessmentCenter” is a fancy way to refer to a series of examinations. Some commoncomponents of an assessment center are:

• Tactical Scenario (often called a job simulation exercise)

• Oral Interview

• Employee Counseling Session

• Oral Presentation (more information in Step 3)

• In-Basket Exercise

Ofcourse, your promotional examination may include all, or some, of the eventslisted above. Each fire agency has the choice of what they want to include intheir testing process.

Five Great Ways to Prepare

• Read fire department publications and internet chat boards to stay up on current events

• Become involved in the department committees

• Be familiar with the problems facing your department and the fire service

• Understand the rules to the testing process

• Prepare for EACH part of the process early, NOTafter the previous phase is complete