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NEW FIRE ENTRY EXAM
ANNOUNCED
By Dr. Jeff Bernstein
On January 1st, 2010
the New Jersey Civil Service Commission (NJCSC) will begin
accepting applications for the Fire Entry Exam. The exam is
tentatively scheduled for late September / early October of 2010. In a study guide provided
by the NJCSC, they indicated the following regarding the 2010
entry exam:
The Fire Fighter
examination consists of three parts; a written cognitive
component, a video based non-cognitive component
associated with teamwork related abilities, and a
physical performance test. The cognitive examination will be
used as a ranking device, in concert with the “teamwork” and
physical performance components. Each of the three components
will be weighted as one-third of a candidate’s final
score. A minimum score must be obtained on each of the
three components of the examination in order to pass.
Failure to meet the established minimum score on any of the three
examination components will result in a failing score.
The cognitive test
component is designed to measure the general knowledge and
abilities of candidates relevant to the Fire Fighter job. It will
include such things as reading comprehension and basic
mathematics. For the reading comprehension section, a reading
passage is presented, and followed by questions pertaining to the
passage. No previous knowledge of the subject is required to
answer the questions correctly. The basic mathematics section is
simply designed to measure your ability to perform basic
arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and
division).
The NJCSC released
the following information on the video test. The
video-based, situational judgment component is designed to measure
a candidate’s teamwork abilities and job-relevant knowledge and
abilities that contribute to an individual’s success as a Fire
Fighter. The exam is a video presentation of vignettes depicting
characters engaged in firefighter-related situations. Following
each vignette, there are a series of multiple-choice questions
that ask candidates to identify the “best” and “worst” actions to
take in response to the situation presented. In addition, after
all of the vignettes are presented, candidates are asked to make
character judgments about each of the characters in the vignettes.
All of the questions are presented in multiple-choice format.
This test component will be either administered at the same time
as the cognitive examination, or as a separate test
administration apart from either of the other two components.
The physical
performance test is designed to measure the physical ability and
endurance of candidates. It will include a series of events that
are directly related to those physical activities performed on the
Fire Fighter job, such as dragging a hose, climbing a ladder, and
carrying equipment. Candidates will be notified of the date,
time, and location for taking the physical performance test.
In
order to prepare candidates for the upcoming fire entry exams,
Bernstein & Associates will be conducting a number of FREE classes
as well as PAID seminars. CLICK HERE FOR THE DATES AND TIMES.
