Job related testing
As part of the recruitment process, you will be required to attend a job-related test day where you will begin by completing a physical activity readiness questionnaire and have your blood pressure measurement taken. Following this you will complete an aerobic fitness test.
The 20-metre Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT) – bleep test
The MSFT is designed to measure aerobic fitness. The test involves continuous running between two lines 20 metres apart, in time to a recorded bleep. The test is progressive, with the bleep and pace getting quicker at each level. You will be required to keep up with the bleep, turning when signalled by the bleep. You will need to get a foot on or over the line in time with the bleep, if you reach the line before the bleep, wait for the bleep before continuing. Your final score is recorded at the level you stop, or if 3 misses are recorded, the 3rd miss is your final score.
The required standard to pass the MSFT is level 8.8
| Level | Shuttles | Running Speed (km/h) | Time Per Shuttle(s) | Total Level Time(s) | Cumulative Time (m:s) | Distance Per Level (m) | Cumulative Distance (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 63 | 1:03 | 140 | 140 |
| 2 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 64 | 2:07 | 160 | 300 |
| 3 | 8 | 9.5 | 7.58 | 60.6 | 3:08 | 160 | 460 |
| 4 | 9 | 10 | 7.2 | 64.8 | 4:12 | 180 | 640 |
| 5 | 9 | 10.5 | 6.86 | 61.7 | 5:14 | 180 | 820 |
| 6 | 10 | 11 | 6.55 | 65.5 | 6:20 | 180 | 1020 |
| 7 | 10 | 11.5 | 6.26 | 62.6 | 7:22 | 200 | 1220 |
| 8 | 11 | 12 | 6 | 66 | 8:28 | 220 | 1440 |
If you are successful at completing the MSFT, you will then move on to complete a series of physical tests. You will be required to complete the following job-related tests:
Simulated ladder Lift – 25kg
This is a test of your upper and lower body strength, and your ability to lift a ladder – something that you will regularly do as a firefighter. You will be expected to again wear full fire kit and raise a bar that is already 75cm off the ground, to full arm extension and back down again.
Equipment carry
This tests your cardiovascular fitness, stamina and muscular strength and involves carrying a range of fire and rescue service equipment around a course. This must be done within a certain time.
Candidates are required to:
- Drag a 55kg 'dummy' around a 25-metre course, backwards, and then jog 25 metres
- Pick up and carry two lengths of hose 100 metres
- Carry one roll of hose at chest height for 25 metres, and then jog 75 metres.
- Pick up and carry a 2.4-metre-long suction hose and basket strainer for 100 metres, then jog 100 metres.
- Pick up and carry a weight for 100 metres.
Ladder climb
This is a test of your confidence whilst working at height. With the guidance of an instructor, you are required to demonstrate a correct 'leg lock' at ground level before ascending a fully extended 13.5m ladder. You must climb this ladder to approximately second-storey height before performing another 'leg lock'. You will then be asked to lean back with your arms outstretched and describe a symbol shown on the floor.
During this test, you will be wearing full fire kit (personal protective equipment), a helmet and a harness.
Enclosed space
This tests your confidence and agility when working within an enclosed space. You will be required to wear full fire kit and a breathing apparatus mask whilst crawling through a series of tunnels in darkness. This simulates some of the conditions that firefighters may face when dealing with compartment fires.
Hose running
You will be required to run out and make up three lengths of 70mm fire hose within the allotted time.
Equipment assembly test
This tests your manual dexterity. You will be required to follow a set of instructions to assemble and disassemble a piece of equipment, within a set time.
Swimming Test
this will take place on a separate occasion. Demonstrate you can swim 25 metres. There is no time limit on this test.