This guide focuses on the online tests. Due to the high numbers of people taking part in these tests, we are not able to provide a pass mark; however, this process takes the top performers.
We are limited to the number of people we can take through to the practical assessments, and these tests help us bring candidates down to a manageable number.
What do the on-line assessments consist of?
At the initial stage of the recruitment process, you will be asked to sit online tests. These will be completed online at home, ideally on a laptop or at a desktop computer.
You will be sent a link to each test. As you pass each test, you will progress to the next one and this is usually over a period of a few weeks. If you do not pass, we will be unable to progress your application any further.
- Behavioural styles questionnaire: This test assesses whether you have the right kind of strengths, attitudes and behaviours required to be a firefighter.
- Situational judgement test: This test has been chosen because it assesses capabilities that have been identified as important for successful performance in the role.
- Fire Service ability tests: This consists of three separate tests – Verbal reasoning (English), Numerical reasoning (Maths) and Mechanical reasoning.
Verbal reasoning measures your ability to evaluate, reason, and conceptualise with words and sentences – click here for practice test.
Numerical reasoning measures your ability to understand, interpret, and logically evaluate numerical information – click here for practice test.
Mechanical reasoning measures your ability to apply cognitive reasoning to mechanical, physical and practical concepts to solve related problems – click here for practice test.
You will be asked to re-sit one test for validation purposes when you attend on an assessment day.
We lose quite a few applicants because they are not prepared for these tests. Take some time to practise the tests online so that you know what to expect when you sit them.
Below are some more websites with sample questions. Please note that these may not reflect the level of difficulty for our tests:
- www.shldirect.com
- www.numericalreasoningtest.org
- www.verbalreasoningtest.org
- www.assessmentday.co.uk
- www.practiceaptitudetests.com
Top tips
- Take your time to read the question. The most common cause of avoidable mistakes is simply not reading the question or the instructions properly.
- Make sure you’re ready for the supervised test. Although asking someone to complete the online test for you may seem like a good idea, remember you’ll be asked to undertake verification testing later, to validate your previous result.
- Practice makes perfect. Practising tests beforehand is by far the most effective preparation. Practising one or more tests beforehand can help with familiarization of test layouts, increased confidence and decreased anxiety.
- Test environment. Complete your test in a stress-free, quiet environment. Pick a location with a reliable internet connection.
This is the end of your second recruitment guide, please move on to the third guide when you are ready.