FIRE SERVICE TESTS

FIREFIGHTER SELECTION PROCESS

​WHAT IS INVOLVED ?

STAGE ONE - ONLINE APPLICATION

STAGE TWO - BEHAVIOURAL INTERVIEW

STAGE THREE - PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT

STAGE FOUR - PRE EMPLOYMENT CHECKS

​You'll be assessed to ensure that you can work at heights, have good manual dexterity and the ability to combine upper and lower body strength and coordination. 

​PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT

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30kg grip test, with correct lifting technique.

Hold in position for 40 seconds, then lower the weight to the ground.

Important qualities for this test: grip strength, core body strength, upper body strength.

​TEST ONE - GRIP TEST

55kg

Drag the dummy by the straps around a 30-metre course, walking confidently and backwards guided by an instructor.

Time limit - 40 seconds.

Important qualities for this test: grip strength, cardiovascular fitness, upper body strength.

​TEST TWO - CASUALTY EVACUATION

You will be given a demonstration and a briefing then you will assemble and disassemble the equipment.

It is important to listen to the brief and follow the instructions carefully. 

Time Limit: 5 minutes 8 seconds.

Important qualities for this test: ability to follow detailed instruction, manual dexterity, attention to detail, problem solving.

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​TEST THREE - EQUIPMENT ASSEMBELY

In a breathing apparatus harness with cylinder attached and a breathing apparatus face mask blacked out you will negotiate a confined space cage.

You will be expected to make steady progress through the cage without putting yourself in danger or causing yourself undue distress.

Important qualities for this test; calmness and problem solving in difficult physical situations, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness.

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​TEST FOUR - CONFINED SPACE TEST

In a working at height harness and after a full brief, demonstration and chance to practice you will confidently ascend the 13.5m ladder with correct technique and perform a ‘leg lock’ with both legs before descending confidently with correct technique.

Important qualities for this test; ability to follow detailed instruction, hip and leg flexibility, grip strength and upper body strength.

​TEST FIVE - LADDER CLIMB TEST

​Equipment Carry Test on a 25-metre-long course. Involves four different pieces of equipment and shuttle runs.

Time limit: 5 minutes 47 seconds

​TEST SIX - PRACTICAL SELECTION TESTS

Holding the hose reel at waist height run it out to the 25m line and place down (marked with a cone).

Important qualities for this test: Grip strength, cardiovascular fitness.

​TEST SIX - PART 1

Run back to the start line (marked with a cone) and pick up the two coiled lengths of hose by the handles and carry them up and down the course for four lengths. Walk with a good brisk stride.

​TEST SIX - PART 2

Pick up one coiled length of hose and carry it by the centre lugs at chest height for 25 metres and place down at the marker cone.

​TEST SIX - PART 3

Run three lengths back to the starting cone.

Important qualities for this test: 
Endurance, cardiovascular fitness.

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​TEST SIX - PART 4

Pick up the silver hose and strainer basket and carry them both for four lengths of the 25-metre course then place down.

​TEST SIX - PART 5

​Run for four lengths of the 25-metre course.

Important qualities for this test: Endurance, cardiovascular fitness.

​TEST SIX - PART 6

​Pick up and carry the 30kg barbell for four lengths of the 25-metre course.

​TEST SIX - PART 7

​FIRE SERVICE TESTS

These are job-related tests, aligned to the National Framework, to ensure you have sufficient practical ability to handle fire service equipment.