Selection Process

Application Form

Candidates will be asked to complete a detailed application form which will be assessed against the national criteria standards to be returned by the deadline specified.

Application Pack

The Application Pack contains the following:

Detailed information and guidance on the selection process. This will advise you about the stages of the selection process in order for you to prepare.
Pre-Application Checklist. This is an opportunity for you to assess if you are suited to the role of a firefighter and that you are eligible to apply.
An application form which must be fully completed in your own handwriting or typed using a word processor and returned to HFRS with a DL sized (A4 sheet folded into 3 - 220mm x110mm) stamped self addressed envelope.

Many candidates fail the application stage because they do not read or follow the instructions. The instructions are there to advise you what we are looking for from candidates and help you to sell yourself, so please read them carefully.

How to apply

Once applications have been returned, a number of successful applicants will be invited back to undertake a series of selection tests to include:

Psychometric Testing

This stage requires the candidate to complete a series of written psychometric tests. Candidates will be required to pass all of the following tests:

National Firefighter questionnaire
Working with numbers
Understanding information
Situational awareness and problem solving

Candidates with disabilities such as dyslexia must make themselves known to the assessment team. This should also be noted on your application form so that arrangements can be made for you. You can bring in any colour overlays etc with you.

The National Firefighter questionnaire assesses your attitudes and motivation based on personal qualities and attributes:
- Working with others
- Commitment to diversity and integrity
- Confidence and resilience
- Commitment to excellence
- Commitment to development
- Situational awareness
- Openness to change
Situational awareness and problem solving assesses your ability to ensure your own safety and the safety of others, and your ability to use information to solve problems. Each question describes a situation and gives four possible ways to respond.
The understanding information test assesses your ability to read and understand written information of the type a firefighter is likely to need to deal with. You will be asked to extract relevant information from a variety of written information.
Working with numbers test assesses your ability to understand and work with numerical information, based on information a firefighter is likely to need to work with. It will include addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, along with estimations of numerical data.

View the National Firefighter Selection Personal Qualities and Attributes (pdf)

View the National Firefighter Questionnaire Preparation and Practice Booklet PDF 103Kb (download Acrobat Reader).

View the National Firefighter Ability Tests Preparation and Practice Booklet PDF 548Kb (download Acrobat Reader).

Physical Tests

These tests are designed to test fitness and the ability to understand and apply information. They are related to the actual tasks a firefighter will have to do once appointed. A firefighter needs to be physically fit (see the Person Specification).

It is important that you wear appropriate clothing in order to carry out the fitness and workplace tests; these being, t-shirt, shorts, jogging trousers and training shoes. Do not wear any jewellery or bring any valuables with you. Also please bring with you a packed lunch and bottle of water. It is advised from the health screening perspective that you do not drink alcohol the night before or drink large amounts of caffeine within 24 hours of the selection day - this includes caffeine based drinks (such as coffee or energy boosting drinks) as this can cause problems with blood pressure results and can eliminate you from taking part in the fitness test. You will be allocated a date and time for testing.

The tests are timed and consist of the following:

A ladder climb - This test involves climbing a 13.5 metre ladder and carrying out a selected task within a time limit. This test is designed to assess confidence and co-ordination whilst working at heights. Candidates will be attached to a safety line
Casualty evacuation – This will involve a simulated rescue of a casualty from an open space. This test involves upper and lower body strength and stamina.
Ladder lift - This test involves lifting the weight of a ladder within a time limit to simulate housing a ladder back on an appliance. This will test upper and lower body strength.
Enclosed space - This involves negotiating through a measured crawlway wearing a Breathing Apparatus facemask within a set time. Half the route will be with clear vision, the other half with obscured vision. You will also be required to perform tasks during the test.
Equipment assembly – This aims to test the ability of a candidate to comprehend and follow instructions. The candidate will be asked to assemble and de-assemble a piece of equipment following a series of diagrams within a given time frame.
Equipment carry – A variety of equipment will need to be carried to a fire scene within a specific time limit. This tests aerobic fitness, muscular strength and stamina.

Further information on the selection process can be found in the guidance notes or from the Department of Communities and Local Government.

Interview

You will be required to attend an interview. This will last for approximately one hour and will consist of questions designed to demonstrate ways in which you meet the relevant Fire Service Personal Qualities and Attributes (see psychometric testing). See the Firefighter Rolemap for more information.

Medical

You will be required to undergo a full medical examination by the Service Occupational Health Department. The purpose of the medical is to assess your general level of health and to ensure you are fit to take on the role of a firefighter. This will include:

Hearing test
Eyesight test
Weight
Fitness
All candidates will be screened for drugs
A medical report from your GP will be applied for, for which your consent will be required

The Decision

Candidates will be advised whether they are likely to be offered a position within HFRS.

References will also be taken and you may be required to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check PDF 77Kb (download Acrobat Reader).

Work Permit (Asylum and Immigration Act 1996)
The Service is required by law to ensure that any persons it employs has the right or permission to reside or work in the United Kingdom. Any person to be offered employment will be required to produce relevant original documentation when requested.

Unsuccessful candidates will not have the option of being held as part of a central pool for the South East region, and will not be eligible to re apply to Hampshire for a further 12 months.

In order to give yourself the best chance of success please keep physically fit and follow the guidance provided on this information page and further information detailed on the HFRS website. Good luck.