Job Promotions?

[oldstyle]

How does your department handle promotions? Ours are based on a written test with extra points given for years of service and military combat. The test material is from Rules/Regs, SOPs, EMS protocols, and assigned books covering topics from Haz-Mat to building construction. Competition is INTENSE for these spots.
What's yours like?

[bgfire]

Our departmental promotions start with a written test based on a study list like yours.

For Engineer (or Driver/Operator as it is called elsewhere) you must have completed an Apparatus Operator course in house to be eligible to test. Following the written, candidates go through two days worth of hands on testing dealing with driving (street and obstacle), pumping, aerial/truck operations, and a verbal city geography test. It is pretty intense.

For Captain, one has to complete a Company Officer program prior to applying for the real test. The Captain's test involves an intensive written test. Upon succesful completion of the written, candidates go through an oral interview process, followed by an emergency based incident scenerio.

In both of the above cases, the candidates are then ranked in a list. When an opening is to be filled, the Chief receives a goup of names from the list. For one position, the chief gets three names. He does not know the ranking of the candidates. He makes the final decision.

Hope this is what you are looking for.

Bill

[fireranger]

We have written tests on an established book list - 50% of score and an assessment center with tactical scenario, interview, presentation, and written project - 50% of score.

This is the same for driver up thru Captain.