At this stage of the process, you will be tested both physically and mentally with a selection of tests which are designed to replicate the type of work you will be expected to undertake as a firefighter. They are designed to assess your level of fitness, strength and manual dexterity as well as your level of confidence in simulated exercises.
All our tests are derived from the agreed National Firefighter Selection tests as set out by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).
An explanation of each test within the practical assessment is given below – click on the links to see a short video clip showing each task. There is also a single video available showing the whole process.
Ladder lift
You will be required to lift a bar which replicates the head of a large fire service ladder from a height of 75cm to a height of 182cm in the way demonstrated to you. The maximum weight of the bar will be 15Kg for the test. This will require upper body strength.
Casualty evacuation
To simulate rescuing a casualty, you will be required to drag a dummy backwards around a 30m course in a set time whilst guided by an instructor. Techniques for lifting will be demonstrated before the test. This requires core strength and endurance.
Ladder climb
Wearing a fall arrest harness, you will be required to ascend a fire service ladder to a marked height where you will then be required to take a leg lock and lean backwards and identify a number, letter or symbol being displayed from the ground. The method of climbing the ladder and the leg lock will be demonstrated to you prior to taking part in the test and you will have the opportunity to practice at a lower height beforehand. This test requires coordination and agility as well as you showing you are comfortable working at height.
Equipment assembly
In this test, you will be required to assemble and disassemble a piece of fire service equipment in a way shown to you prior to the test commencing, whilst following the instructions given. This requires manual dexterity and the ability to follow instructions.
Confined space
In this test, you will need to negotiate a set path whilst working with restricted mobility. You will be wearing a breathing apparatus set on your back and a mask will be on your face; however, this will not be providing air. The first part of this test is done without restricted visibility, however, for the second part, you will not be able to see, and you must use the techniques shown to you at the beginning to find your way. This test requires agility, endurance, concentration, and you to demonstrate you can work with restricted/no visibility.
Ladder extension
For this test, you will be required to lift a weight using a lifting method shown to you to a required height and then back down, whilst maintaining control. The weight to be lifted is 28Kg. This requires grip and upper body strength along with coordination.
Extend to lower
This test simulates the making up of a fire service ladder where you will be required to lift a weight of 42Kg. This requires grip and upper body strength.
Equipment carry test
This test involves moving items of fire service equipment over a set distance. You will be running, lifting, carrying and dragging various items in a set order, which will be explained before the test, with the methods of lifting, carrying and holding. As you do each stage, the next instruction will be given to you, so this is not a memory test. To complete this test, you will need to combine all aspects of fitness with good endurance alongside core, upper and lower body strength and agility.
On the day of the practical assessment, you will be fully supervised and will be provided with the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to wear. For the majority of the tests you will be in full fire kit, which includes boots, leggings, overcoat (tunic), helmet and gloves. You will need to ensure you wear appropriate clothing underneath which does not limit your movement, such as you would wear in the gym or exercising, which needs to include full leg coverings (leggings/tracksuit trousers etc), and a pair of full length socks (not ankle socks) is essential for a good fit in the fire boot.
In order to help you prepare for the practical tests, you will be able to find a 12 week training programme here. You can refer to this and use it as a training guide.
Online ability test verification
As part of stage four in the process, candidates will be re-tested on the initial online ability test(s) completed at the beginning of the process. These checks are in place to verify that you have completed these tests without assistance.