WRITEN EXAM
Written examinations are usually given by a neutral third party other than the fire department that will be hiring. The written examination generally takes approximately 1-3 hours and includes questions on: Reading comprehension, Basic mathematics, Basic science, Mechanical aptitude, and Communication skills. The amount of fire service knowledge depends on the departments. Passing scores are generally 70-80%, however successful candidates are generally in the 95% plus range. If a candidate has served active duty in the armed forces and has been discharged under honorable conditions, they might be eligible for veteran's preference points. These points are generally added to the final score.

TIPS ON IMPROVING READING COMPREHENSION
Reading comprehension is required to read the mass amount of fire related books so one can improve his/her knowledge base. From the time a candidate begins academy training through each promotional step, a vast amount of material will be studied, interpreted, and applied to the job. Much of this material is technical and requires sincere effort to retain the information. Therefore, in most fire fire fighter exams, reading comprehension is an expected element. Candidates have stated this is the most difficult of all parts of the exam. Verbalizing what you're reading helps in retaining that information.

A recent survey of firefighter examinations given nationwide indicates that there is a wide variation in the subject matter of these exams. The single topic that is common to all exams is reading. Some exams include classic reading comprehension questions that present a passage and then ask questions on the details of the passage and, perhaps, on its meaning. Other exams require candidates to indicate proper behavior based on their reading of printed procedures and regulations. Still another type of reading-based question requires candidates to reason and predict next steps on the basis of information presented in a reading passage. Of course, questions of judgment in emergency and non-emergency situations rely heavily on reading as well. (click here to continue)

> ABOUT THE JOB
> MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
> SELECTION PROCESS
> JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS
> TESTING PROCESS
> PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST
> FIREFIGHTER WRITTEN EXAM
> READING COMPREHENSION
> STILL HAVING PROBLEMS
> ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS
> MEMORIZATION TECHNIQUE
> WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW > GETTING A FIRE SERVICE JOB
> FIRE SERVICE JOB PART 2

> ATTITUDE VS. APTITUDE
> FIRST IMPRESSIONS
> ADDRESSING THE PANEL
> DON'T BE CHATTY
> ORAL BOARD QUESTIONS
> LOADED QUESTIONS
> CLOSING THE DEAL
> ROOKIES SUCCESS GUIDE
> MASTER THE FIRE SERVICE FIREFIGHTER HIRING GAME
> AGE & THE FIRE SERVICE
> SKELETONS & TESTING
> ADDITIONAL LINKS