Recruitment tests and assessments

When you apply to become a firefighter there are some tests and assessments you'll need to pass before you reach the interview stage.

Online stages of Recruitment 

Once you have submitted your initial application via our website, candidates who meet the eligibility requirements will be sent a link to each stage of the process by email. To complete the tests, you will need a PC or laptop and internet access. 

The realistic job preview

A questionnaire, which presents you with information about the various demands and challenges you may be faced with as a Firefighter.  The realistic job preview will give you a score based on your response to these questions that indicates how likely you would be suited to the role of a Firefighter.   

The Behavioural Styles Questionnaire

Explores your preferred behaviours in a working environment. Candidates must rate the extent to which they agree or disagree with statements about their working style. 

The Situational Judgment Test

Measures your judgment and decision-making skills in situations you may typically face in the fire and rescue service. You will be presented with the type of situations you could face in the role of a Firefighter and will be asked how you think you should react to each situation.  

Verbal Reasoning

A test designed to measure your ability to interpret and make sense of written information. This is a timed test. 

Numerical Reasoning

Firefighters need to be able to make basic mathematical calculations.  You will be presented with a number of scenarios that will show numerical information in a variety of formats from tables to graphs. This is a timed test. 

Mechanical Reasoning

Questions will comprise images and contain very little text. Candidates will be required to apply cognitive reasoning to mechanical, physical and practical concepts in order to solve related problems. This is a timed test. 

Fitness assessment

The multi stage shuttle run is a test of your cardiovascular fitness and stamina. It's known as the 'bleep test'.

You'll be required to run back and forth between two lines 20 metres apart, maintaining the pace set by an audible sound. It will be on a flat surface and the pace increases at one minute intervals throughout the test. The test will end when you reach the required level, or reach a point where you are unable to keep up with the audible signals. Every candidate needs to reach level 8.8.

Physical selection tests

Find out more about the physical selection tests and how to prepare for them in our fit for duty section.

This will also include a swim test to ensure you are competent and confident in the water.

Interview stage

If you pass the written and physical assessments you'll go on to the interview stage. We use competency based interviews, where the focus is on the things you can do. So we'll ask you to give us examples to show you have the skills needed for the job. This is measured against the NFCC Leadership Framework (opens new window).

Get more advice on how to prepare for your interview from the National Careers Service website.

Medicals and eye tests

As part of the recruitment process you will have a full medical with our occupational health team. You will be expected to declare any health problems.

The medical is to assess your general level of health, including weight, blood pressure and lung function. Our doctor will make an informed medical decision about whether you are fit for firefighting duties. We allow for any reasonable adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

We may ask for a report from a hospital where you have received treatment or an independent specialist if our doctor requires it. You will need to give us your consent to access those records so that you can complete the selection process.

You will also have a hearing, eyesight and urine test.

The eyesight standards are:

• Uncorrected distance vision should be no worse than 6/18 in the better eye, and 6/24 in the worse eye
• Corrected distance acuity should be at least 6/9 with both eyes open and reach 6/12 in the weaker eye
• You should be able to read N12 at 30 cm with both eyes open unaided (near vision)
• You should have normal binocular field of vision
• You should have an appropriate level of colour perception. Individuals with either normal colour vision or slightly abnormal green colour vision are suitable for appointment to the fire service. The recommended test procedure uses the Ishihara test as the initial screen. If you fail the screening, you may be given an additional test by one of our preferred opticians