On-Call selection process
There are different stages in the selection process.
Selection process
Availability
To establish when you are available to provide cover, you will need to tell us your hours of availability. This will be verified alongside the requirements of the station and your ability to respond to the station within the required time.
Application Form
You will be required to complete an application form which includes your personal details and answer a number of Personal Qualities and Attribute (PQA) questions. You can download the Personal Qualities and Attributes guide available in our downloads section.
Online Tests
As part of the application process (if your meet the essential criteria) you will undertake two online assessments covering Maths and English Comprehension, which are timed.
Job Related Tests
The tests will determine whether you have the required levels of aerobic fitness and strength to carry out the role of a firefighter. These tests are designed to simulate aspects of a firefighter's role. You will be required to wear fire kit. The tests are as follows:
| Test | Description | YouTube |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Carry | To test aerobic fitness, stamina, upper and lower body strength and co-ordination | see video |
| Phobias | To test phobias, you will be required to complete a ladder climb and a claustrophobia test. |
Interview
This is a panel interview which will last no more than one hour. You will be asked several PQA and scenario based questions and we advise that you use the S.T.A.R. model to answer these questions. You can download the on-call firefighter interview practice booklet in our related documents.
Personal Qualities And Attributes (pdf 122.14 KB)
Firefighter Interview Practice Booklet (pdf 326.14 KB)
Firefighter Written Tests Practice Booklet (pdf 749.21 KB)
Swimming Test
If successful following the assessment centre, you will be required to demonstrate your ability to swim unaided at a swimming pool for a continuous distance of 100 metres. This will be two lengths of both front crawl and backstroke in under 3 minutes, followed by 1 minute of treading water.
Pre employment checks
Basic criminal records check
A satisfactory basic check will be requested from Disclosure England to ensure that you have not been convicted of a criminal offence which makes your employment in the role of a firefighter unsuitable. This application is made in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
Reference checks
At least two satisfactory references will be sought. One must be from you current or most recent employer. Your references will need to cover the past 3 years of employment.