| Choosing to pursue a career in the fire service is | | | | So just what exactly will the test consist of? |
| a great choice for anyone who desires to make a | | | | Most departments are testing for basic reading |
| difference in today's world in a team-oriented | | | | and writing fluency, intermediate math abilities and |
| atmosphere. To many prospective candidates, | | | | the ability to grasp mechanical principles. You need |
| though, the firefighter entrance exam proves to | | | | not be a genius or mechanic to apply. Most |
| be a towering obstacle that stands in the way of | | | | departments simply require a high school diploma |
| a promising career. It need not be. This article will | | | | or G.E.D equivalency. That's it. Previous experience |
| provide insight and advice to assist aspiring | | | | is not a bad thing, but many departments |
| firefighters in their efforts to gain employment as | | | | nationwide really don't put to much weight on |
| a firefighter. | | | | that. |
| First of all, if you are reading this, you are already | | | | The exam will usually consist of multiple choice |
| a step ahead of others. The fact that you are | | | | questions and or some writing or listening for |
| researching how to become a firefighter shows | | | | comprehension questions. So how do you |
| drive and initiative. Employers love to see that. | | | | prepare? Here's my advice. You need to obtain a |
| Most departments across the country begin the | | | | couple study guides. There are some great ones |
| recruiting process with some sort of written | | | | out there that you can pick up rather |
| examination. It is your responsibility as a future | | | | inexpensively online. Visit my blog to see my |
| firefighter to research and investigate the when, | | | | recommendations and read independent reviews |
| where and how the department you are wanting | | | | from other candidates. Once you have your |
| to work for will recruit. City or fire district | | | | study guide you need to practice, practice, |
| websites usually provide this information in their | | | | practice. It took me months to prepare. Again, |
| employment areas. Contact personnel | | | | this is a very competitive field, so a high written |
| administrators and apply as soon as possible. It's | | | | test score will go a long way for you to make it |
| amazing to me how many stories I read in | | | | to the next level of recruitment. |
| firefighter forums about candidates that missed | | | | When researching your chosen departments, |
| opportunities basically because they didn't know | | | | make sure you check and see if they have their |
| about recruitment guidelines. The fire service | | | | own test specific guidelines. Many departments do. |
| wants employees who seek out opportunities so | | | | So study and study and gain confidence in your |
| research and do your homework on each and | | | | abilities. All the study guides that I recommend |
| every fire department you wish to work for. | | | | come with practice tests and it is imperative that |
| Successful candidates usually apply to multiple | | | | you take them. It is truly the only way you are |
| agencies and sometimes it's just to gain the | | | | going to get a feel for what it is you are walking |
| experience of testing and interviewing. This job is | | | | into come test day. Prepare yourself prior to |
| often compared to hitting the "career lottery" so | | | | participation and you should be fine. Don't develop |
| the competition is EXTREMELY competitive. As I | | | | test anxiety as these tests are not that difficult |
| type this, I am looking forward to 17 more years | | | | for anyone with a common education and mental |
| of service and a nice retirement. I currently work | | | | capacity. |
| 24 hours on and 48 off...that's 10 days a month | | | | Good luck and check out my blog for more tips |
| folks. I get ample family time and love every | | | | and practical advice on firefighter exam |
| minute of it. You get my idea, so test and test | | | | preparation. |
| often. | | | | |
