Tacoma Fire Test

[piphill]

Anyone taking the Tacoma fire test on June 18th? I will be flying in from Kuwait to take the test and hopefully I will be ranked in the teens or lower this time. Last year I was ranked 24th but I did not realize that was not necessarily the individual rank. Quite possibly I could have been the 200th in line. Go Seahawks!

[chawk12]

I will be there with ya hoping for the best. Have you or anyone heard how many they intend to hire this year in Tacoma?

[piphill]

I am not sure but last year the chief informed all the applicants that 40-50 guys would be hired for the 2008 year but that could be much less this time. Good luck on the test!

[piphill]

How did everyone do on the written exam on the 18th for Tacoma fire dept?

[chawk12]

I think I had 3 maybe 4 wrong. How about you?

[piphill]

That is a pretty good score only missing 3 to 4. Are you claiming veterans preference? Also what time did you test on the 18th? I tested for the 8am session and it did not seem as full compared to last year. I believe I missed 2 and now we will see how many others aced it as well. Hope to see you for the PAT around the 12th of September.

[chawk12]

I also had the 8:00am test. A good friend of mine is a Medic on Tacoma fire and they had well under a 1,000 take the test. I have veterans preference and am glad I do. I talked to a guy in line who claims he missed one on the test last year and didn't get an oral. Keep in touch. Maybe we can hook up at the PAT. I will let you know when I hear something.

[chawk12]

What branch are you in piphill? And are you still active? If so, how much time do you have left?

[piphill]

I was in the Air Force but have been out since November 1998. I am currently a firefighter in Kuwait and ready to make the move back home. Did you test last year? It seems hard to believe that someone can miss 1 on the test and not make it to the oral board. I also took public safety test when on vacation and scored only a 95%. Unless you make a 98% or better on that test, it is not even worth completing the CPAT.

[chawk12]

good luck!

[chawk12]

I was also informed that this was a good list to get on. The only reason last years list didn't run longer is that their wasn't anyone left on thier hiring list to go beyond one year. So, it is a possibility that this list could go beyond 1 year if their is sufficient people on the list. However, they could run into the ame problem the encountered last year in that only around 800 took this years test.

[piphill]

I did not get a call from Tacoma last year because I only scored an 80%. A huge botch but for Public safety test my score was 96. However, unless you score a 98 or better, forget about it. Kent fire dept had a 98.5 cut off score just to be invited for the oral board. So when I took the test on the 18th of June 08 and made a 95%, needless to say I will not even waste my time with their CPAT. I will just re-take public safety in December. As far as veterans points, I just submitted my DD214 and assume I will receive only 5%. What will you be getting? I will let you know what I have scored when the letter arrives.

[piphill]

Only 800 people took the test? What do you think about some people being finished with the exam in 22 mins? I heard one of the firefighters say I cannot believe that it only took someone 22 mins to complete the 80 question exam. I think I was finished in 40 but also took my time to review the answers.

[chawk12]

When you said you got an 80% was that your score for the oral board or was that yoru score on the written test last year? I have taken this test before and got only one wrong on a test last January, however, I don't think I did as well on this test. It was totally different from the last test on the same edition (9th edition). I will be getting 10% for veterans preference. I can't believe you are in Kuwait and don't qualify for more than 5%. So other than Kent are there any other departments in Washington or other states that will be using this study guide? F.Y.I. I also heard from a guy at Seattle's written test that Portland intends to have many positions filled with the upcoming written. Are you driving down to take that one? Let me know about that and any other tests you intend to take. I took Central Pierce County Fire and Rescues test last January and came VERY close to getting a job offer. Hopefully next year.

[piphill]

I scored a 80% on the Tacoma written last year and a 96% on the public safety test. I am just focusing on Tacoma fire until December and will then take public safety again. It is difficult to travel back and forth from Kuwait so I have to pick my testing wisely. I also might test for Seattle Police but not too sure.

[BearTech]

Anyone ever get a straight answer on what Tacoma pays for first year FF? They listed it by the hour on the app but I called HR and they said that was based on more than 40/hr per week average. I was not impressed with the people in HR, you would think I was asking for them to compute the orbit of mars for the next 100 years. All I wanted to know was what is the MONTHLY pay for FF. Every other department states it as monthly salary, so it would just be easier to compare. So I asked them what the hours per week were so I could calculate it myself and they couldn't even tell me that. It amazes me the difference in pay from department to department. Some start at $3000 a month and some are around $4800. That's a big spread.

[piphill]

Mail the results asap!

[chawk12]

Anyone hear anything yet about their written results?

[piphill]

I am still waiting as well but I expect this week for all of us!

[chawk12]

Have you heard anything beartech? July 3rd and no news on the written test yet.

[chawk12]

How is the weather out there in Kuwait piphill?

[chawk12]

I received my letter today and it says I passed and will be placed on the employment list. Very excited and I hope that all of you get simular results in the process.

[piphill]

Congrats chawk12! I have not received my letter as of today but am expecting it on Monday. Do you mind telling me what your rank is? If not, no big deal. The weather in Kuwait is HOT!!! Hopefully this will be my last summer in Kuwait.

[rizzo68]

Hi

I just received my results from the June 18 test. The letter stated that I rank #20 and scored a 89%.

[BearTech]

Congrats chawk12! I didn't take Tacoma's test. The answers I got from HR made it look like a $2000 a month pay cut and I can't afford that right now. I'm concentrating on a few depts. that either have higher starting pay or I can qualify for lateral. Best of luck with Tacoma, and to you too Piphill.

[chawk12]

What Dept are you at now Beartech?

[piphill]

Rizzo68 are you invited to the PAT and if so did it give a date?

[KCCOUG85]

I also got the letter stating that I passed and am currently ranked 14th. However, like someone said earlier in the thread there are probably way more than 13 people who are already ahead of me in the testing process. I didn't receive any date for the PAT but someone said it may be happening in Mid September...

[rizzo68]

No the letter only stated my score and rank. I called HR today and they said I was in a very good position. ??? what does that mean I don't know ???. I think the ranking system is not indivdual base but rather by groups. Do you know anything???

[chawk12]

My letter didn't have a date for the PAT on it. For the most part it congratulated me for passing and says you are now on the employment list.

[piphill]

I passed as well and if you happen to hear what will be first....oral board or PAT, please let me know.

[chawk12]

The PAT will most likely be long before orals are scheduled piphill. That is how it was done last year at least.

[piphill]

Has anyone received an official PAT date? The only information that has been sent to me was the PAT orientation.

[chawk12]

Not sure on the PAT piphill but heard either September or October. What band are you ranked at that you got invited to the PAT orientation piphill?

[piphill]

I am not sure because it was sent to my home but I am still in Kuwait. Is it mandatory that we attend the orientation? I would not think so.

[chawk12]

Anyone heard anything about an official date set for the PAT yet? The sooner I buy an airline ticket the better.

[piphill]

I called Tacoma fire department and they said that the packets for the candidates that are moving forward will be mailed out on the 15th of Aug.

[chawk12]

I received my packet today from Tacoma. Anyone else received theres as well?

[rizzo68]

Yes I received my packet today

[chawk12]

It looks like the PAT is scheduled over several days starting with Mon. Sep 15th. I am scheduled for the morning of Sep 17th. Anyone else scheduled around that time?

[piphill]

I will be taking mine on September 15th at 0800.

[chawk12]

Good luck on your PAT Monday Piphill. Hope all goes well. By the way, does anyone know if we have to lock the ladder in the up position or lower it in a controlled manner lower it back down? I can't remember haven taken a few PAT's.

[piphill]

Good luck to you as well and as far as the ladder phase in concerned, you have to raise and lock the ladder in place. You do not lower it.

[piphill]

Well all finished with the PAT and now it is just a waiting game to see if I am selected for an interview.

[chawk12]

PAT went well. Got back in at 11:00pm last night. I will make a post when and if I hear anything about orals piphill. Peggy Buchanan had indicated they would more than likely take place in late Novemeber/December. I heard they took 200 to the PAT and the letter stated that 60 would get orals. Wish you the best of luck in the process.

[chawk12]

I was just wondering what the Public Safety Test was like. I know you said you got a 96% and needed something like a 98% to be considered for Kent. Any info on how the test is structured or what type of areas are tested is appreciated. Everett is testing and I don't want to fly out and take it of it is a difficult test.

Chawk12

[piphill]

Chawk12,
The public safety test is broken down as such.... First 50 questions are a combination of reading comprehension and finding the correct word and spelling in a sentence. The rest of the test is basic math and that makes up 100 questions. Then there are 50 personality questions that obviously you cannot study for. The test is not too hard but in my opinon you need an 98% or better to even have a chance. You should buy the study guide from public safety to get a very good idea and how the questions are written. That was all I have ever used and nothing else will help you prepare for it. I will take it again in December and good luck if you do take it!

[flipper123]

Glad to see people have been succesful with TFD's test.
I am a firefighter with TFD.
If you have any question's, post them here and I will try to answer.
Some clarifications about things I've read in the thread so far:
There were roughly 1,000 qaulified applicants this year.
Roughly 400 passed the written.
Roughly 300 were invited to the PAT.
PAT concluded Sept 22 or so.
Next step is the Oral Boards, which historically have been in Nov/Dec.
If people are hired, the Academy usually starts around Feb.
Class size varies HUGELY, anywhere from 5 to 20.
List is often (not always) extended for total of 2 years (2 classes).

starting wage is roughly $59,000 per year.


good luck

[piphill]

Flipper123 I do appreciate you taking the time to answer some questions we might have and here are a few that I would like to know. What is your work schedule (1 on 2 off) and do you happen to know where the new hires attend their academy at? I was told that the top 60 applicants would be invited for the oral board and hopefully I will have some notice because I will be flying out of Kuwait. Thanks for the info!

[flipper123]

What is your work schedule (1 on 2 off)
We work 24on/48off, 24on/96off. Only 2 or 3 depts in WA work this schedule, usually the larger ones (ie TFD,Seattle and Everett).
do you happen to know where the new hires attend their academy at?
Our Academy is at the TFD training center in the tideflats area of Tacoma.
Lasts for about 13-15 weeks.
I was told that the top 60 applicants would be invited for the oral board
In the last few tests alot more than 60 went to the orals-more like 100+.
No idea how much notice you get, I think I had a couple weeks.

Be safe in the desert over there, and good luck!

[bostonhoff]

Flipper 123 I have a question. If someone were to be ranked in the top 5 and they passes the PAT; however, on the background questionnaire their financial background is less than desirable, how likely is one to get an interview out of the process?

[flipper123]

The candidates are "ranked" in "bands", so there may be 1, or 20, or whatever, people in each "band". Being ranked #5 is awesome, but you really don't know how many people are ranked above you.


Background stuff is always an issue. Bottom line is, other than felonies or major crap like that, they will hire anyone that impresses the mat the oral board. Having credit challenges in the past is something you should deal with, try to make it better, and explain what happened.
But don't be thinking it will be an auto-dq.

Good Luck!!!

[chawk12]

I think we all appreciate you taking the time to answer some questions flipper123. The one I have is that I have heard rumors that because of how poorly many Tacoma firefighters 401 K's where doing that there would be a far less significant number of people retiring this year and that they might in fact pospone the Feb. Academy. Just wondering if you have heard anything about orals being scheduled yet for sure this year or if it is still up in the air. I would assume we would expect to hear something in the next few weeks if they were to have them in Nov. or Dec. Any info you have reguarding these areas in appreciated.

Thanks,
chawk12

[piphill]

Chawk12 I hope that is not the case. I really want the opportunity to work for a great city. I thought Tacoma fire department had pensions after 20-25 years of service?

[sfd1992]

FF pensions in Washington are state-run. Members and cities contribute, but the state also contributes, and manages them. You have to be 53 to retire, or you will take a hit for each year younger than 53 you are. Retirement benefits are calculated at 2% for each year of service, with no cap, based on the average of your highest consecutive 60 months.

Clear as mud right? Good luck.

[sfd1992]

[QUOTE=flipper123;999455
We work 24on/48off, 24on/96off. Only 2 or 3 depts in WA work this schedule, usually the larger ones (ie TFD,Seattle and Everett).
[/QUOTE]


There are a number of other 4-platoon variants, but they all work out to the same hours more or less, depending on debit days. The only one that has no DD's is Everett, works out to be a 42-hr week. The others usually fall in in the 45-46 hr week.

Sno 7 and Sno 1 work a 24on/24off/24on/120 off, then repeat.
Spokane works a straight 24/72.

[flipper123]

The one I have is that I have heard rumors that because of how poorly many Tacoma firefighters 401 K's where doing that there would be a far less significant number of people retiring this year and that they might in fact pospone the Feb.
I would think that TFD pensions are doing about the same as every other firefighter's 401 is doing- pretty lousy!
We never know what the class size will be until we get the final go-ahead from the City Manager. There's always a chance they will not hire immediately from the list.
I hear Seattle did the same thing recently, something about budget cuts or no $$$ to hire.

There are a number of other 4-platoon variants, but they all work out to the same hours more or less, depending on debit days. The only one that has no DD's is Everett, works out to be a 42-hr week. The others usually fall in in the 45-46 hr week.
The age -old "who gets paid most/works the least" discussion is never ending :)
TFD works 46.6 hrs per week.
It's very hard to figure out who really gets paid more or less, there are so many variables in contracts, like med/dental, days off, uniform allowance. etc.
Bottom line is any career ff in Wa State is doing pretty well compared nationally.
Do you work for Seattle, SFD1992?

[piphill]

Has anyone received a call for scheduling their oral board?

[chawk12]

Haven't received anything yet piphill. I'll post as soon as I do. Be safe over there.

[chawk12]

Have you heard anything as to why oral boards aren't being scheduled as they were last year about this time? Just wondering if there has been an offical postponement of the process.

Thanks,
chawk12

[chawk12]

Have you heard any rumors about the process?

[piphill]

Chawk12,
I have not heard a thing so far but I did see a blog from Samuel Hill online about his testing experience last year and he received a call for his oral November 21 with the oral interview scheduled December 19th. Lets hope this week we will hear something. Regardless if I hear anything, I will be home December 9th for the holidays. Happy Holidays to you and wish you all the best of luck in this process. Keep in touch if you hear anything for the orals.