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The on-call firefighter selection process

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To make sure we find the best people for the job there are a number of stages to the selection process. You will be required to commit some time to attend each stage, and we appreciate this may involve booking time off work and rearranging family commitments.

All of the online stages can be completed using a computer, laptop or tablet. Please note, they are not compatible with a smartphone.

If you do not have access to IT equipment to complete your application, then please contact [email protected]

Stage 1: The application form

Completing your application form will take some time and is divided into four sections:

Your application will be assessed and, if you meet the required cover and distance criteria and your station is recruiting, you will be invited to take part in the selection process.

Stage 2: Online tests

The online tests consist of a Behavioural Style Questionnaire and a Situational Judgement Test. You will have a week window in which you can take these tests and two attempts at passing them.

If you can provide original evidence that you possess GCSEs grade A-C (or equivalent) in Maths and English you will only be required to take the Situational Judgement and Behavioural Style Question Tests, which will take approximately one hour. 

If you don’t possess these you will be invited to take the full suite of written tests, these consist of the Numerical and Verbal tests. Again you will have two attempts to pass theses tests. In order to progress to the next stage you will have to pass all of these tests.

If you pass your interview you will receive an email with a link to the Behavioural Styles Questionnaire. The email will confirm the closing date and time. Please ensure you regularly check your emails, including trash/spam folders making sure you don’t miss the strict deadline. 

This is not a timed assessment and will take you approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete. You will receive an email to advise if you have passed this stage. If successful, you will then be invited to complete an online Situational Judgement Test. 

Download our Behavioural Styles Applicant Guide (160kB pdf)

Alongside the Behavioural Styles Questionnaire you will receive an email link to the Situational Judgement Test. Again, please ensure you check your emails so you do not miss out on this opportunity. 

This is not a timed assessment and will take you approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Download our Situational Judgement applicant guide (145kB pdf)

You will receive an email informing you whether you have been successful at this stage of the application process.

Online ability tests:

These consist of two tests that are designed to measure your ability to understand, interpret and logically evaluate numerical and written information. You will only have to take these tests if you dont possess or can’t provide original evidence that you possess GCSEs grade A-C (or equivalent) in Maths and English.

The numerical test comprises of 18 questions and you will have 18 minutes to complete the test. The verbal test comprises of 20 questions and there is a maximum time limit of 15 minutes.

Time extensions will be given for candidates who inform us that they have dyslexia (checks will be made at a later stage of the process to validate this).

You can familiarise yourself with the ability tests by completing the practice tests below. These tests will not be recorded as part of your application.

Follow these links to access the practice tests.

Stage 3: The interview

You will be invited to attend an interview at one of our sites. This will be an opportunity for the team to get to know you and further explain the role and expectations of an on-call firefighter; it will also be an opportunity for you to find out more about the life of an on-call firefighter and if you are likely to enjoy it.

  • Ensure you have a thorough understanding of the diverse role of a Firefighter, Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s boundaries and the communities in which we serve and how we support these communities.  Link this awareness into your answer.
  • Listen to the question asked and ensure that the example which you have used is fitting and fully answers the question.
  • Use a range of examples. Sometimes we learn most from situations which did not go so well. Do not be afraid to use these if they demonstrate what you learned and what you would do differently.  If you do not have experience of a situation then perhaps tell us what you would do.
  • Using acronyms such as the ‘STAR’ – Situation, task, action, result or ‘CAR’ – ‘challenge, action, result’ can help to structure your answers and ensure that you provide sufficient evidence.
  • Don’t feel rushed to respond.  Take your time to think carefully about the question being asked.
  • Think about your experience, skills and knowledge and how this links within our Service values and the criteria for the role of a FF. There is more information here: Our mission, vision and values – Avon Fire and Rescue Service and Core Code Of Ethics – NFCC

Stage 4: The fitness test

If you are successful in the informal interview, you will be invited to take a fitness test (Chester Treadmill Test) to determine if you meet the minimum VO2 standard of 42; this will take approximately half an hour, however it is a 12 minute treadmill test. If you do not meet the standard at this stage and our Fitness Advisor feels you are able to improve your fitness levels, you will be provided with fitness guidance. 

Stage 5: The physical and strength tests

You will be invited to attend the practical physical tests which will be conducted in small group sessions by our training team. The tests, which take approximately three hours, will include:

These tests replicate the type of tasks you would be expected to undertake on the training school and within the role of On-Call firefighter. They are designed to test practical ability and the ability to follow instructions. More information is available on the preparing for the physical tests page.

Once the physical tests are complete, decisions will be made about which candidates will be offered a place on our next training course.

Stage 6: Medicals and job offers

Those who pass the selection process and are chosen for the next training course will be sent a conditional job offer in the post (subject to satisfactorily completing a full medical assessment, and satisfactory references and pre-employment checks). 

The medical assessment will take approximately two hours, and will include a further fitness test if necessary.  

Arrangements will then be made for you to attend a uniform fitting. 

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