Wholetime

Recruitment Tests

General Ability Tests
This test provides assessments designed to gain a more comprehensive picture of a candidate’s abilities. The tests measure reasoning processes, each using a particular type of material: words, shapes or numbers. They are designed to measure how well you can both recognise similarities and relationships and demonstrate that recognition by identifying further examples. One is also designed to test your ability to manipulate mental images. The main use of these tests is to select candidates who will be able to cope with the intellectual demands of the job of firefighter.

Physical and Role Related Tests
General
The following is a series of tests designed to assess fitness, strength, stamina, co-ordination, ability to understand and apply information, dexterity, ability to work at heights and in darkened confined spaces. They are all tests relevant to a firefighter’s role.

You will be given information about the tests and a practical demonstration by uniformed staff. All tests are supervised and assessed by qualified uniformed members. To make the tests more realistic and for your own health and safety, you will have to perform them in full protective fire gear (other than the multi stage fitness test). Every test has a minimum standard. If you do not reach the standard we will not be able to consider your application and you will not be allowed to take any further tests.

Multi Stage Fitness Test
You will be required to run back and forth between two lines 20 metres apart, maintaining a pace set by an audio cassette. The pace increases at one minute intervals throughout the test. The test finishes if you do not keep pace with the cassette or you reach the pre-determined target. This test is recommended as a good measure of a person's aerobic fitness. Applicants who do not reach the required standard of level 9.6 would not be fit enough to start a trainee firefighter's course.

Ladder Climb

You will be required to climb a fire service ladder up to a height of approximately 10 meters and carry out a task within a predetermined time. For the purpose of this test, applicants will be secured by a safety device. Firefighters use ladders to carry out rescues and enter buildings.

This test therefore gauges your aptitude, confidence, co-ordination and balance whilst working at heights.

Hose Running
You will be required to run out and then roll up a length of fire service hose (weighing approximately 17 kg) six times within eight minutes.

This test measures your strength, determination and stamina to complete the task whilst demonstrating self-control, dexterity and flexibility.

Dead Lift
You will be required to dead lift a weight of 50kg to your upright standing position and maintain this position for five seconds. The test simulates picking up one end of a fire service portable pump, and gauges both your explosive strength and leg and back pull strength.

Extending a Ladder

You will be required to haul a weight of 30 kg up to a specified height, within twenty seconds, using specifically designed equipment. This test exactly simulates extending a fire service 13.5 metre ladder and gauges your hand grip and upper body strength.

Breathing Apparatus Tests
You will be required to negotiate a set route through a darkened crawling gallery (a series of tunnels and obstacles) wearing breathing apparatus and a face mask. You will be required to undertake this test once with the face mask visor obscured. Time limits will be imposed. This test is designed to gauge your ability to remain calm and move about in a confined space.

Grip Test
You will be required to take a test of the isometric muscle strength of each hand individually using specifically designed equipment. You must meet the minimum requirements of this test, referred to as the ‘grip test’, which are:

• In relation to your dominant hand 35 kg.
• In relation to your sub-dominant hand 33 kg.