Firefighter Testing Process
Written Test
The written test is a standard entry level aptitude test consisting of the following elements: reading comprehension, logical & mathematical reasoning, and situational judgment. Those candidates passing the written test with a score of at least 75% will advance to the physical agility testing.
Physical Agility Test
The candidate will be required to complete a physical agility test that consists of five events. The maximum time allowed to complete the test is seven and one half minutes. The test is pass/fail. Candidates should wear long pants or sweat pants and comfortable shoes. Campbell County Fire Department will provide the additional protective clothing required to be worn during the test.
Oral Interview
Candidates undergoing the oral interview panel will sit in front of an interview panel consisting of fire service personnel from Campbell County Fire Department and other fire departments in the region.
Eligibility List
Candidates completing all phases of testing will be placed on the eligibility list. Candidates will be ranked based on their test scores and oral interview score. When vacancies arise, candidates will be pulled from the eligibility list to complete further testing and a Chief's Interview.
Physical Agility Test In Detail
Each event must be performed in the order specified below. Time begins when the hose pack in Event 1 is touched and time ends when the candidate and the rescue manikin cross the finish line in Event 5. Candidates are allowed a maximum of seven minutes within which to complete the entire course. This test is strictly pass/fail.
Candidates will wear the following mandatory safety equipment during the test events: bunker coat, breathing apparatus with empty bottle, firefighting helmet, and structural firefighting gloves. All mandatory equipment will be available in various sizes at the test site. It is the candidate’s responsibility to make sure that the equipment provided fits properly and that all mandatory equipment is appropriately donned prior to undergoing the test. Tennis shoes, sweat pants, and tee shirts are recommended apparel but are not provided.
Event 1 – High Rise Pack Carry
This event starts at the base of the tower. The high rise pack cannot be touched before the start. The high rise hose pack may be carried in any manner and must be placed on the top floor. The high rise pack must stay on the top floor. The candidate is disqualified if the high rise pack falls from the top level of the tower. The hand rails may be used in climbing the tower. Steps may be taken in multiples on the way up.Event 2 – Hose Hoist
A donut roll of hose weighing approximately 45 pounds and 5/8” kernmantle rope is used for this event. The candidate must stand on the top platform while hoisting the donut roll. The evolution is complete when the donut roll clears the railing at the top of the tower and is placed on the top floor. The donut roll must remain on the top floor. When descending the stairs, the candidate must touch each step, and the handrail must be used.Event 3 – Forcible Entry
The forcible entry evolution utilizes a weighted sled. Using a provided nine pound shot mallet, the candidate must drive the 160-pound steel beam a horizontal distance of five feet. Pushing, pulling, or hooking the beam is not allowed, and only the head of the mallet is allowed to strike the beam. Upon completion the hammer shall be placed on the pavement.Event 4 – Hose Advance
The candidate must negotiate the 140-foot course without missing or knocking over any marker cones. The candidate must pick up the nozzle end of the 1 ¾ inch charged hoseline, forward of the stripe, six foot from the nozzle and drag it a distance of 75 feet. Once the nozzle crosses the 75 foot marker, the candidate shall open the nozzle and hit a target with the water stream, shut off the nozzle, and place it on the ground. The candidate must ensure the nozzle is completely shut off before advancing to the next event.Event 5 – Victim Rescue
The candidate will drag a 165-pound rescue manikin backwards a distance of 100 feet. Carrying the manikin is not allowed. Carrying is defined as follows: Lifting the manikin completely off the ground, with no portions of the manikin touching the ground. Time stops when the candidate and the rescue manikin completely cross the finish line. Failure to complete the above five events in a time of seven and one half (7 1/2) minutes or less will disqualify the applicant.