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Preparing for the Officer Assessment Center

Hello All,

I am currently working as a firefighter, and I am trying to prepare to take the Officer assessment. I am basically looking for any advice anyone has on training, or anything that can help me with preparing for the test. My department does a test that consists of a written test, a situational/practical exam, and an administrative practical exam. Also if and when the candidate passes that portion, they move on to an oral board.

As of now I have boned up on my reading: Fire Officer's Handbook Of Tactics, Lincoln on Leadership, as well as the IFSTA Fire Officer Textbook. I am basically just looking for any good advice on anything else that might help me.

So if anyone has any good advice, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks for your time,

S

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Permalink Reply by Jeffrey S Austin on August 9, 2009 at 8:03pm

To start with, learn to eat, sleep & breath the fire service. Read everything you can about tactics, building construction, hydraulics, etc. I strongly urge you to not just take a course or two at your community college but acutually enroll in the fire science program. You'll want to include management classes as well.

It will show your superiors that you are truly part of the Brotherhood of the Fire Servicce. Don't be taken in by the ads in fire-related publications. Go to the USFA website and look for the closest community college to you through the FESHE link. Do not become a kiss up. The officers in your department will see through you very quickly and you'll have problems with your career. Ask appropriate questions but, remember the question you don't ask is the dumb question. My management experience comes from the military and depending on your present career goals, you might consider joining the military, either active or guard/reserve. It'll do wonders for your resume.

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Permalink Reply by Dave Stacy on August 10, 2009 at 2:32pm

Fire Officer's Handbook of Tactics, Branigan's Building Construction for the Fire Service, know your department's general orders and area like the back of your hand

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