In this issue, we focus on practical assessments and the fitness test. You will be invited to our practical assessment centre in Salisbury and, over a period of half a day, you will undertake several tests.
On the day of the practical assessment, you will be provided with the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to wear. For most of the tests, you will be in full fire kit, which includes boots, leggings, tunic, helmet and gloves. You will need to wear appropriate clothing underneath, which does not limit your movement – a t-shirt, full length leg coverings and a pair of full-length socks (not ankle socks).
The most common issue we see is that candidates need to improve their strength and fitness levels. If you fail any part of the day, you will be removed from the process. Each part of the practical assessment is listed below with common issues that we see, and tips to help you.
Each test will be always demonstrated first and there will be an instructor with you during your turn.
Ahead of this, you can have the opportunity to come and try some of the practical tests before the assessment day. Check our social media or ask your buddy when these are.
Daphnée is one of our firefighters, as well as a General Trainer at one of our training centres. Here she shares what you can expect from the practical assessment day:
Ladder lift
You will be required to lift a bar which simulates the head of a large fire service ladder, starting from a height of 74cm to a height of 190cm, as demonstrated. Within the lifting zone, you will be required to lift approximately 30 kg. The movement involves performing a bicep curl to bring the bar to chest height, followed by a shoulder press to reach 190 cm. This task requires significant upper body strength. Watch video clip.
- Common issues – lack of upper body strength and technique.
- Tips – work on upper body strength and practice good manual handling techniques.
Equipment assembly
Against the clock, you will assemble and disassemble a piece of firefighting equipment using pictorial and written instructions. This test requires manual dexterity and the ability to follow instructions. Click here for demonstration video.
- Common issues – People think they must go quickly, and they rush.
- Tips – Listen and watch the demonstration carefully. You can complete this within the timeframe if you keep a slow and steady pace. Remember, there are written and pictorial instructions, this is not a memory test.
Casualty evacuation
Using both your upper and lower body strength, you will need to walk backwards while dragging a 55kg dummy around a 30 metre course in a set time whilst guided by an instructor. Take a look at the video.
- Common issues – general strength.
- Tips – you will be guided by an instructor, trust them so you can focus on dragging the dummy
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, 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 before the test. Here’s a video demonstration.
- Common issues – Fear of heights and poor coordination.
- Tips – Listen to the instructor. This is not timed, so take a slow but steady pace. Do not look at your feet and, remember, you will be wearing a harness, so you will not fall.
Ladder extension
For this test, you will be required to lift a weight using the demonstrated lifting method, raising it to a specified height and lowering it back down while maintaining control. The weight is approximately 25 kg. This task requires grip strength, upper body strength and coordination. Take a look at the video.
- Common issues – Not having enough upper body strength and grip strength.
- Tips – Work on your strength!
Extend to lower
This test simulates the process of making up of a fire service ladder, requiring you to lift a weight of approximately 35 kg. This task requires grip strength, upper body strength and control. The video demonstration shows what is needed.
- Common issues – Not having enough upper body strength and grip strength.
- Tips – Work on your strength!
Confined space – known as the enclosed space test
Testing your agility and ability to work in a small space, you will crawl around an enclosed route that we affectionately call the ‘rat run’. You will be wearing a training breathing apparatus set on your back and a mask on your face; however, this will not be providing air. The mask will not be connected to the set, and you will be able to breathe freely through the hole in the front of the mask, it may however mist up.
The first part of this test is done without restricted visibility; however, for 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. The video shows what is involved.
- Common issues – This is where some people realise they suffer with claustrophobia if they did not already know!
- Tips – Keep calm and be methodical with your searching as you progress. Use your hands to feel all around you, there is only one way through the course, so you cannot get lost. Even the largest firefighters can make their way through so you won’t get stuck! All external panels can be removed so you are always easily accessible.
Equipment carry test
This test involves moving items of fire service equipment over a set distance (25 metre shuttles) You will be walking/jogging/running, lifting, carrying and dragging various items in a set order, which will be explained before the test, along 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. Click here for the video.
- Common issues – poor levels of fitness and not strong enough. Good grip strength is essential.
- Tips – listen to the instructor, this is not a memory test. Work on your strength and cardio fitness. Do ‘farmer carries’ with weights to simulate carrying hose, each coiled hose we carry weighs approximately 14.5kgs each. You will be expected to carry two at the same time. You will also have to carry a 32kg barbell over 100m. You can use mixed, overhand or underhand grip.
This is the end of your fourth recruitment guide, please move on to the fifth guide when you are ready.
Please note that this guide was provided during the 2024/2025 recruitment process. This may not be exactly the same going forward, but it gives you an idea of what a future process may look like.