Firefighter in Dublin Fire Brigade

(Confined)

Public Appointments Service

Pre-Test Information Material

Selection Testing

This is an important document so please set some time aside to read it in advance of the test session

Contact Details:

Address:Public Appointments Service

General Service Recruitment Unit

Telephone:00353 (0) 1 858 7480 (business hours only)

Email:

Pre-Test Information BookletPage 1

Table of Contents

Introduction...... 3

The Test Session...... 3

Answer Sheets...... 4

Test 1 Learning Information...... 5

Test 2 Understanding Information...... 6

Test 3 Using Numbers...... 8

Test 4 Observation Test...... 10

Test Day Checklist...... 10

Introduction

This purpose of this document is to introduce you to the format of the tests that you will shortly be sitting as part of the confined competition for firefighter in the Dublin Fire Brigade selection process. This document contains information about each of the tests being used, the time limits allowed and how the tests will be scored. Practice questions, similar to the types of questions that you could expect to see on the day are also presented where possible.

The aim of this document is to ensure that you are comfortable with the test format and are aware of how to do your best in a test situation.

Please read this material carefully, as it is your opportunity to prepare for the tests that you are about to sit.
In order to ensure that you will not be detained any longer than necessary on the day of the test there will be a limited amount of time allocated for instructions and examples.

The Test Session

Tests are scheduled to take place from 28th May to 31st May 2013 in the Public Appointments Service’s offices on Abbey Street. Specific details will be communicated to candidate’s message board on week commencing 20th May 2013.

Before being admitted to the test session all candidates mustprovide proof that they have the required one year’s satisfactory service in Dublin City Council, South Dublin County Council, Fingal County Council or Dunlaoghaire Rathdown County Council. Candidates should contact their HR department for a letter confirming their employment status.

When you come to the test session the format of the session will be explained after which the tests themselves will be introduced. Each test will be preceded by some practice questions to help you feel comfortable with what you have to do. During the examples and explanations you will have the opportunity to ask any questions before starting the tests.

Rough work paper will be supplied for tests 1, 3 & 4. No specialist knowledge of the fire service is required for any of the tests.
You will not be allowed to use a calculator on any test.

You must not start the test until your administrator tells you to do so. Those candidates who begin the test before START has been announced and/or while the examples are being done run the risk of being disqualified.

Answer Sheets

You will be given an answer sheet for each test. There is a space for your name and candidate ID on each of the answer sheets – you must sign your name in the box provided and insert all 9 digits of your candidate ID. The first answer sheet will cover tests 1 & 2 and the second answer sheet will cover tests 3 & 4.

When completing the answer sheet please remember the following:

  • Listen carefully to the instructions for each test and ensure that you are completing the correct answer section on the answer sheet for the test that you are doing.
  • Within the test answer sections, each question has a corresponding answer line. As you go through the tests you should check that you are filling in the right answer line for the question that you are answering.
  • While these points may seem obvious, it is possible to lose your place on the answer sheet and fill in the wrong box in a test situation. Unfortunately, errors such as these will not be picked up by the computerised scoring process.
  • You should make sure that the mark you make is dark enough to be picked up by the computer which scores the answers and you should fully erase any answers that you wish to change.

Test 1: Learning Information

A key skill of a firefighter is the ability to learn and retain information of the type required within eithera training or an ‘operational’ (fire) context.

This skill is assessed in Test 1: Learning Information.

During this test you will be presented with a series of short talks/ presentations on video during which you should take notes but remember you should pay attention at the same time so as not to miss anything important. These talks/ presentations will be on fire-service related topics.

You will then be assessed on how much you have learned about the topic through a series of multiple choice questions.

You will be presented with a number of statement and for each question you should decide whether the statements are:

  1. TRUE- from the information given in the briefing or
  2. FALSE- from the information given in the briefing, or
  3. CANNOT SAY - from the information given in the briefing – more information is required

You should use only the information in the briefing to make this decision.

You then need to place a clear mark on the answer sheet to indicate your answer

There will be a practice set of questions which you will have an opportunity to seek assistance with before the main test begins.

In the main test you be presented with two talks/ presentations on video. You are advised to listen carefully to the video and you are encouraged to take notes during these presentations. You will be provided with rough work paper on the day.

You will then have 8 minutes to answer the 20 questions the talks/presentation videos.

Test 2: Understanding Information

This test is to assess your ability to understand information of the type required within a training or ‘operational’ (fire) context.

During this test you will be provided with a series of short written passages. The passages will be on fire service-related topics.

You will then be assessed on the extent of your understanding about the passages through multiple-choice questions. There are five questions which follow each of the passages.

For each question you should decide whether the statements are:

  1. TRUE - from the information given in the passage or
  2. FALSE- from the information given in the passage, or
  3. CANNOT SAY - from the information given in the passage – more information is required

Again you should use only the information in the passage to make this decision.

You then need to place a clear mark on the answer sheet to indicate your answer.

There is one practice set of questions followed by the main test.

Below we have given you an example passage and then some questions.

Example Passage

“There are a number of ways that we can help to prevent fires occurring. For example we should never smoke in bed – we may fall asleep and the cigarette may cause a fire. Plugs should be fitted correctly according to maker’s guidelines. If wiring is damaged on an electrical appliance the appliance should not be used.

Also, matches and lighters should be kept well away from children, to prevent the children from starting a fire. Children and their toys should also be kept away from unguarded heaters and fires”

Please decide whether the statements below are:

  1. TRUE- from the information given in the passage or
  2. FALSE- from the information given in the passage, or
  3. CANNOT SAY - from the information given in the passage – more information is required

Remember to only use the information in the passage to make this decision.

  1. If a wire is damaged on an electrical appliance it may be okay to use until it can be fixed.
  2. Smoking in bed is only acceptable if we make sure we put out the cigarette before going to sleep.
  3. There is really nothing we can do to stop fires occurring.
  4. There are things we can do to stop children starting fires.
  5. Plugs virtually never go wrong.

Answers:

Statements 1, 2 and 3 are ‘B’ (FALSE) because they are contradicted in the passage.

Statement 4 is ‘A’ (TRUE) because the passage indicates what may be done to stop children starting fires.

Statement 5 is ‘C’ (CANNOT SAY) because the passage does not indicate how often plugs go wrong.

Please note that on the day of the test you will have 15 minutesto answer 30 questions.

Test 3: Using Numbers

This test is about your capacity to undertake calculations of the type relevant to using breathing apparatus in a fire situation.

When a firefighter tackles a fire they sometimes wear an air tank to help them breathe. It is obviously important to make sure there is enough air left in the tank. Deciding how much air is left is based on a numerical calculation.

The following information is needed to decide how much air is left:

  1. At what time the firefighter went in to the fire;
  2. How much air (in minutes) was in the firefighter’s tank when they went in – the air minutes at the start;
  3. What the time is now.

Using these three pieces of information we can work out the air minutes left. Your task is to complete the information in each question. Respond using the four answer options A, B, C or D.

Examples:

Please respond to the question by indicating what number should replace the ‘?’ in the box below. Answer A, B, C or D. You should work as quickly as you can and time yourself it should take you no longer than 2½ minutes to complete the four examples

Practice Question 1:

Time went in: / 12.34pm
Air minutes at start: / 48 minutes
Time now: / 1.06pm
Air minutes left: / ?
A: 12 / B: 18 / C: 16 / D: 24

Practice Question 2:

Time went in: / 11:40am
Air minutes at start: / 70 minutes
Time now: / 12:24pm
Air minutes left: / ?
A: 22 / B: 30 / C: 26 / D: 31

Practice Question 3:

Time went in: / 8:05am
Air minutes at start: / 54 minutes
Time now: / 8:40am
Air minutes left: / ?
A: 17 / B: 19 / C: 20 / D: 21

Practice Question 4:

Time went in: / 11pm
Air minutes at start: / 69 minutes
Time now: / 12:02am
Air minutes left: / ?
A: 2 / B: 15 / C: 12 / D: 7

Answers to example questions:

Q. 1

32 minutes have passed between ‘time went in’ and ‘time now’ (i.e. the time between 12.34pm and 1.06pm). To calculate air minutes left you need to take 32 minutes from the air minutes at the start - 48 minutes. 48 minutes - 32 minutes = 16 minutes. Answer option ‘C’.

Q. 2

44 minutes have passed between ‘time went in’ and ‘time now’ (i.e. the time between 11:40am and 12:24pm). To calculate air minutes left you need to take 44 minutes from the air minutes at the start - 70 minutes. 70 minutes - 44 minutes = 26 minutes. Answer option ‘C’.

Q. 3

35 minutes have passed between ‘time went in’ and ‘time now’ (i.e. the time between 8:05am and 8:40am). To calculate air minutes left you need to take 35 minutes from the air minutes at the start - 54 minutes. 54 minutes - 35 minutes = 19 minutes. Answer option ‘B’.

Q. 4

62 minutes have passed between ‘time went in’ and ‘time now’ (i.e. the time between 11pm and 12:02am). To calculate air minutes left you need to take 62 minutes from the air minutes at the start - 69 minutes. 69 minutes - 62 minutes = 7 minutes. Answer option ‘D’.

You will be provided with roughwork paper on the day.

Please note on the day of the test you will have 10 minutes to answer the 15 questions in this section.

Test 4: Observation Test

This test is about your ability to identify key information presented on video. The video will show a number of rooms and within these rooms are a range of items such as boxes, planks, containers, electrical equipment and furniture.

You will be shown a briefing on video regarding information that you should look for within a number of rooms (which will be individually numbered).

Listen carefully to the briefing so that you know what you are looking for.

Watch the video of the rooms carefully to identify the relevant information. You are advised to watch the video very carefully and you are encouraged to take notes during these presentations. You will be provided with rough work paper on the day.

After the video you will be shown a plan of the same rooms and you will be asked a number of multiple-choice questions about the video.

One minute is given after each video to answer the questions before the next video is shown. On the day of the test you will have the opportunity to watch two practice videos with two sets of practice questions – if you have any questions or need clarification you should ask you facilitator during this time.

There will be five video presentations within the main test. Following each video presentation you will have 1 minute to answer 4 questions. Immediately after the 1 minute the next video will be shown.

While 1 minute is enough time to answer the 4 questions presented it may seem pressurized as each video / question session will move quickly. You are advised to relax and work as quickly and accurately as you can.

Test Day Checklist:

Before you arrive at your test centre, please ensure that you have the following items with you:

  1. A print out of your exam notice.
  2. Letter confirming you have the required one year’s satisfactory experience in one of the 4 specified County Councils.
  3. Photographic ID – this should have your date of birth on it.
  4. Your original driving licence along with a copy (back and front) which the office will retain.
  5. Two soft pencils.
  6. White eraser.
  7. Pencil sharpener.
  8. The video will be played at the top of the hall so it is imperative that you bring your glasses or contact lenses, if required.

Pre-Test Information BookletPage 1