Fireteam video test

[Moosefire05]

Does anyone know how to score well in the Fireteam video test? I've taken it a couple times and wondered how I can improve my scoring in future testing... please help me if you can... Thanks.

[ffbam24]

Sadly that letter of non-disclosure we signed at the test prevents any of us from saying anything, even in this forum. Sorry I couldn't help.

Good luck,
bam

[CaptBob]

www.Fireteamtest.com

Many agencies are being convinced to use the new type of video testing because they can test large groups at once at a lower cost and eliminate candidates with psychological video scenarios.

This from a candidate who paid to test drive the video testing:

I went to the website www.fireteamtest.com *and paid my $14.00 to take the practice test. The test takes 30 to 45 minutes so unplug your phone and listen to the instructions VERY carefully, my phone rang while I was watching the video and missed an important part. DON'T answer the situational questions the way you think the "test writers" want you to, answer thinking about the big picture and what is right for everyone, being a kiss-up will not get you a 100% on this test. I know; I got kinda toady on one question and got slammed. So much for my 100%

It seemed like for each question the four answers fell into these categories:
Correct
Semi-Correct
Neutral
Wrong

Of course if you sit there and try to figure out which ones fall into each category you will fall behind and start screwing up.

Check it out at www.fireteamtest.com*

From a previous posting by BC Lepore:

The way it works is that the candidates will view a video clip of a scene. The scene may mimic any type of situation a firefighter may encounter throughout his or her day. These include everything from the fire ground, a traffic accident to issues in the fire station.

The candidates will then be given a list of options of how they would handle the situation. Be aware that there are not just right or wrong answers. The scoring may include a certain amount of points for a correct answer but it can also be set up to deduct points for an incorrect answer.

The beauty of the video exam is that after one candidate takes the exam it is impossible to come out and describe all of the scenes to his or her friend. Even if they could remember the scenarios it is impossible to paint a clear picture of what was going on. As a result the exam gets a clear picture of how the candidate would react to each situation.

Having been on the oral boards every day for 5 weeks the last time we tested and knowing that the bulk of the candidates knew the questions long before they came in the room, I am excited that there is now a better solution than the standard oral board.

Another advantage is the timeframe in which an agency can establish a list. Instead of interviewing hundreds of candidates over a long period of time a department could literally rent Dodger stadium and test 50,000 people at once. Of course I am exaggerating but you get the point.

As one who mentors people for interviews I can tell that the same principles apply. It doesn't matter if the message is delivered by someone reading the question or if it is delivered by a video scene. In fact, I believe seeing the scene on video actually helps the candidate get a clearer understanding of the scenario. I can't tell you how many times a candidate hears a question one-way and completely misses the point.

Bottom line: Candidates can still prepare the same way. As I always preach understanding the concepts behind each situation is the most important aspect of the interview process. I believe this will really serve to put separation between those who have prepared and those who have simply tried to memorize the questions and answers. Where you may have been able to parrot back some response someone told you to say in response to a question, you will not be able to do that anymore.

In these video situations I believe those who have a good grasp on how to deal with complex situations will score well.

How can you prepare? Spend time understanding concepts behind each scenario. In other words instead of just responding to a question it is important to decipher why we are asking the question and what is the meaning behind it. It is important to note that we have probably had an incident (or another department has) that caused a problem. This could be an interpersonal conflict in a station or with the public. No mater what the issue, the more you understand concepts and the better you understand the culture in that fire station, especially the role of a rookie firefighter the better you should do on the exam.