Fire Service Employment. Firefighter and Emergency Medical Career Advice

THE TESTING PROCESS
First is the application period. All applications must be turned in on time, and all requirements met. Then is the Aptitude test/Written & math exam. These test typically take 2 to 3 hours to complete and consist of 100 to 300 questions. Most departments require a 70% or higher score to move on to the Physical Ability Test. Firefighting is a physically demanding profession. A physical ability test is used to identify candidates who meet the basic physical requirements for the job. The physical ability is a pass/fail test. A series of physical tasks are performed. The tasks are determined by specific job requirements that are required of a firefighter on the fire ground. Applicants will wear a helmet, turnout coat, gloves, AND breathing apparatus. The test is timed and candidates must complete the course within the established time standard. Usually a pass/fail is given. If you pass you will then move onto the Interview Panel and Chiefs interview.

EXAMPLE OF TASKS PERFORMED DURING THE PHYSICAL TEST
Ladder Extension - A 24-foot extension ladder is affixed and secured to the drill tower in a vertical position rendering it immobile. Using hand over hand motion, the candidate must extend the fly section vertically until the fly section strikes the stops and locks in place and then retract the fly section returning it to the start position. High-rise Pack Carry/Stair Climb - The candidate is required to pick up a standard high-rise pack weighing about 75 pounds and carry it up five (5) floors using the exterior stairs of the drill tower. The candidate drops the high-rise pack on the 5th floor landing. Crawl - The candidate is required to get on hands and knees and crawl 36 feet around traffic cones placed on the floor of the 5th floor of the training tower. The crawl is out and back, starting and finishing and the same point. Forcible Entry - The candidate will use a 9-pound molded plastic sledgehammer to drive a 160 pound steel beam on the Keiser Force Machine a horizontal distance of five feet Hose Advance - The candidate is required to pull an S-lay, charged 1 ¾ inch attack line, using an over the shoulder grip for a distance of 100 feet. Victim Rescue - The candidate will drag a 185-pound rescue mannequin a set distance. The most qualified candidates that successfully complete the physical ability test will be invited to interview.