• Stage 1 - Questionnaire & Application Form.
• Stage 2 - Written Test Stage.
• Stage 3 - Interview Stage.
• Stage 4 - Physical Test Stage.

Please note that the process adopted by ESFRS is to have an Interview at Stage 3 and not Stage 4 as indicated on the DVD supplied in the Application Pack.

Stage 1 - Questionnaire & Application Form.

Self Assessment Questionnaire

This is a questionnaire for you to fill in before you complete your application form to be a Firefighter. It will help you decide if you have the potential to be a successful Firefighter, give you an idea of what it means to be a Firefighter and describe what Firefighters do. The Questionnaire is available on the Fire Gateway web site and will be included in the Application Pack.

Application Form

The information you provide to us on your application form is the only information we will use in deciding whether or not you are to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process. Previous applications and/or prior knowledge of you are not taken into account, even if you already work for the Fire Service.

Therefore, it is important that you take your time and complete the application form as fully and as accurately as possible. Many candidates fail the application stage because they do not read or follow the instructions. The instructions are there to advise you what we are looking for from candidates and help you to sell yourself, so please read them carefully. Remember we are seeking evidence of what you personally have done in specific situations.

Please note that Curriculum Vitae's (CV's) are not accepted, nor will they be considered as additional evidence if submitted.

Each Application Form will be scored and sifted and successful candidates will be invited to attend Stage Two of the recruitment process.

Top of Page.

Stage 2 - Written Test Stage.

These tests consist of a series of multiple choice questions designed to assess your abilities and aptitude for becoming a Firefighter. They are likely to be carried out locally, will take approximately three hours and are split in to two categories:

National Firefighter Ability Tests

This consists of three tests to be completed in a set time, they include:

1. Working with Numbers.
   Working with numbers test assesses your ability to understand and work with numerical information, based on information a firefighter is likely to need to work with. It will include addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, along with estimations of numerical data.
2. Understanding Information.
   The understanding information test assesses your ability to read and understand written information of the type a firefighter is likely to need to deal with. You will be asked to extract relevant information from a variety of written information.
3. Situational Awareness & Problem Solving.
   Situational awareness and problem solving assesses your ability to ensure your own safety and the safety of others, and your ability to use information to solve problems. Each question describes a situation and gives four possible ways to respond.

National Firefighter Questionnaire

This has been designed to provide information on personal style and behaviour. The information given will be considered alongside other parts of the selection process to decide if you are suited to becoming a Firefighter.

Those candidates who successfully complete these tests will be invited to attend the next stage of the recruitment process.

Top of Page.

Stage 3 - Interview Stage.

The purpose of the interview is to assess your general aptitude for the role of a Firefighter. Candidates will be unable to do any preparation, as the interviewer will ask questions about life experiences with regard to the relevant Fire Service Personal Qualities and Attributes (PQA). A full explananation of the National Firefighter Selection PQAs [pdf] can be found on the www.ipds.co.uk website.

The interview is up to an hour long, including a ten minute conversation, which is not part of the overall assessment but designed to help the candidate to relax. The candidate will be told when the assessment element begins. There is no right or wrong answers; candidates need only answer in a considered way drawing from their own experiences. Interviews will be conducted by two people, a Personnel Manager and a senior Operational Manager.

Those candidates who are selected from the Interview Stage will be invited to attend the next stage of the recruitment process.

Top of Page.

Stage 4 - Physical Test Stage.

Occupational Health Medical

Candidates are required to complete a Health Questionnaire [pdf] and undergo a full medical and step test by the Fire Service's medical adviser. The purpose of the medical is to assess the general level of health, including weight, blood pressure and lung function. Candidates will also have a hearing test, eyesight test and a urine test. Where applicable, a report may also be required from a hospital where you have received treatment or an independent specialist if the Service Medical Adviser requires it. Your consent is required to access these records and it is a condition that for your progression through the recruitment process this consent is given as requested.

Physical Role Related Tests

The Physical Role Related Tests aim to assess your level of fitness, strength and manual dexterity as well as your level of confidence in simulated exercises. These tests are designed to reflect operational practice and may change from time to time.

There are currently six tests that make up the National Firefighter Physical Tests. These are:

1. Ladder Climb
   This is a test of confidence whilst working at heights. Candidates must demonstrate the correct 'leg lock' at ground level before commencing the test. Wearing full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including a harness, candidates must ascend a fully extended 13.5 metre ladder to approximately second storey height and demonstrate a 'leg lock'.
   The candidate will then be required to lean back with arms outstretched and describe a symbol shown on the floor. The candidate will then descend.
   You will have to perform this within a specified time.
2. Casualty Evacuation
   This is a test of lower and upper body strength. Candidates in full PPE will be required to drag a 55kg casualty walking backwards (guided by an assessor) around a 30-metre course. You will have to perform this within a specified time.
3. Ladder Lift / Lower Simulation
   Again, this is a test of upper and lower body strength. Candidates in full PPE will be required to raise a bar 75 cm off the ground to a height of 182cm and back down to the 75 cm support. The weight of the bar at the lifting point will start at 5kg. The maximum load to be added is 15kg. This test is to be completed within a specified time.
4. Enclosed Space
   This is a test of confidence, agility and possible claustrophobia whilst working in an enclosed space. Candidates in full PPE and wearing a Breathing Apparatus facemask will be required to negotiate a measured crawl-way within a set time. Half the route will be with clear vision and the other half with obscured vision. You will be required to perform specific tasks during the test.
   Full instructions will be given prior to the commencement of the test.
5. Equipment Assembly
   This is a test of manual dexterity. Candidates will be required to assemble and disassemble an item of equipment and follow the colour-coded diagrams provided. This test is to be completed within a specified time.
6. Equipment Carry
   This is a test of aerobic fitness, muscular strength and stamina. Candidates will be required to:
   • Drag a hose reel from an appliance for 25 metres, then jog back 25 metres.
   • Pick up and carry 2-coiled hoses for 100 metres.
   • Carry 1-coiled hose at chest height for 25 metres, and then jog back 75 metres.
   • Pick up and carry a 2.4 metre suction hose and basket strainer for 100 metres, then jog back 100 metres.
   • Pick up and carry a simulated 'Light Portable Pump' for 100 metres (weighing approximately 30kgs).
   Again, you will be required to perform this test within a specified time.

Physical Role Related Tests will be undertaken at Hampshire's Fire & Rescue Services Training Facility in Eastleigh. Candidates will be offered assistance to get to Eastleigh.

Those candidates who successfully complete the Physical Test Stage will be considered suitable candidates for Firefighter roles. Selection of candidates from this list will be done on a points system, with those candidates getting the most points during the recruitment process being offered a post.

Top of Page.