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 department. 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.
Are you having problems with math, mechanical aptitude, or word comprehension? Try contacting your community college for tutoring. For the math portion, you only need to know about twelve formulas. Once you have the formulas down, just plug in the numbers or convert the word problems into the formula. For mechanical aptitude, use the ARCO Mechanical Aptitude & Spatial Relations book. Of all the books out there candidates tell us the Firefighter Entrance Hand Book is the best.
Try this approach. Instead of taking the sample tests in the written test books cold, go to the answers in the back and go through the first time with the answers. Then you'll know what they are looking for in the answers. It will cut your learning time. There are only so many ways they can ask a question on the same topic. You will get to the point where you can look at a question and go right to the answer.
ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS
You should try to eliminate, as completely as possible, distractions from your study environment. These distractions compete for your attention and effect your attitude and memory of the material that you are trying to emphasize. You should also select an area with the least amount of distractions. Proper lighting is important along with a comfortable chair and desk. Be sure that when you are studying, everyone else in your family knows that you are not to be interrupted.
Everybody has a different time of the day when he or she has extremely good retention capabilities. This time could be from 6:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon, or from 1:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M., or from 9:00 P.M. until 3:00 A.M. Only you know that. As you begin to study, find out which time of the day is best for you, where you have absolute retention of the material that you are studying. It is highly recommended that you take a break every hour, whether it be for 5 to 10 minutes just to get up, walk around, get a breath of fresh air, get something to drink, and then go back to studying. For some people, these breaks might only be needed after 2 to 3 hours of studying. Again, this is a situation where you are the best judge of when a break is needed. Many times, an individual becomes fatigued while studying. At this point, the material is not absorbed as easy as it is when you are well rested. Sometimes the best thing to do is to step away from the material, get a good night’! s sleep, and start over the next day. Trying to force your mind to study will only hamper the progress you are trying to make.
Also, remember that a sound body equals a sound mind. You should try to maintain a regular exercise program in which you feel good about yourself. This will put you in a better frame of mind, which in turn will enhance your studying.
Courtesy of : FirePrep: Don McNea Fire School, 13917 Cleveland, OH 44136 Web: www.fireprep.com |
|
|
