National Firefighter Selection Tests

This test is designed to assess confidence at heights. Applicants in full Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) must wear a safety harness and practice a leg-lock at ground level. The applicant then has to ascend two thirds of the way up the ladder (indicated by a mark on the ladder) then take a leg-lock. They will then be asked to lean backwards and outstretch their arms to the sides, and then whilst looking over their shoulder they should say out loud what symbol is being shown by the assessor at ground.

This is a test designed to assess upper and lower body strength and co-ordination. Applicants wearing full PPE are to drag a 55 kg dummy backwards around a 30M course, by a carrying handle fixed to the dummy. Applicants are permitted to watch other applicant's performance. Applicants can be briefed one at a time or in small groups to allow them to continue onto the next test without delay.

Applicants will be told the performance standard they need to achieve to pass the test and are permitted to watch the performance of others.

This is a test designed to assess upper and lower body strength and co-ordination. Applicants wearing full PPE are to raise the bar of a ladder lift simulator to the required height with 15 kg of weight placed on the simulator cradle, which gives a total of 24 kg.

Applicants will be assisted if necessary by the Safety Officer. Applicants are directed to perform an initial lift with 5 kg of weight on the cradle to ensure they are prepared for the test.

This is a test designed to assess confidence, agility and stamina. Applicants in full PPE are to put on a facemask and with un-obscured vision make their way through a crawl and walkway. Once inside the crawl/walkway they have their vision obscured and return to the start.

Applicants who travel in the wrong direction or do not make any progress for 30 seconds will be stopped and directed so that they can continue, however, the stopwatch will run.

This is a test designed to assess manual dexterity. Applicants will be given a demonstration of the test before having to assemble and disassemble a number of components to make an item of equipment.

The assembly will be timed and recorded and then the disassembly will be timed and recorded. Wherever possible this test should be conducted prior to the equipment carry to give applicants a pause before their last most strenuous effort.

Applicants will be told the performance standard they need to achieve.

This is a test designed to assess upper and lower body strength and co-ordination. Applicants are to carry items of equipment up and down a course between two cones placed 25M apart. They will be given brief demonstrations of correct lifting techniques and permitted to practice picking up the various items.

Applicants will be reminded of the sequence of events as the test progresses as they are not required to memorise them.

Applicants will be told the performance standard they need to achieve.

To be fully prepared please bring the following:

• A water bottle. If you do not have one we can provide water for you.

• A thick pair of socks (or two thin pairs)

• We recommend that you wear tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt during the tests.

• You are not required to wear a mask, but you can do so if you wish

• Shower and changing facilities are available. You will need to bring your own towel.

• There are hand sanitising stations throughout Headquarters and the Training Centre

There are two doors into the reception; one from Winsford Fire Station side and one from the carpark side.

Once inside the building, please report to reception:

• Inform the person on reception that you are here for practical selection tests

• You will be asked for your name and your vehicle registration (if you have parked) and you will be given a visitor pass. Please keep this with you until you leave

• You will be asked to wait in reception while they inform your assessor

• There may or may not be other candidates waiting

• You are welcome to sit in the chairs at reception

• When they are ready the assessor(s) will come and collect you and any other candidates - They will be wearing blue or white shirts.

• Your assessor will guide you through the training centre and find a room where you and any other candidates can sit while your assessor explains the process of the day

• There will be a medical questionnaire to complete

• If you do not bring your own pen we can provide one for you

There are toilets located:

• in reception

• by the canteen

• in the locker rooms

When everyone is ready you will be taken into part of the training centre to be fitted with appropriate fire service PPE. You will wear this for the duration of the tests and return it at the end of the day.

Our Sadler Road sight is a working office building and training centre, you could see the following:

• Live training exercises including fire and smoke

• Service vehicles

• Fire staff throughout the building

During your visit you will be escorted around the premises so there’s no need to worry about getting lost during your visit.

At the end of the day you will be:

• told if you have reached the benchmark or not

• asked for possible interview dates

• able to ask your assessor for feedback

• able to hand over your PPE

• escorted back to reception where you will hand in your visitor pass

If you are successful you will receive an email inviting you to an interview.