Lewis Morris - FIRETEAM^TM Firefighter Exam Review Guide

FIRETEAM Firefighter Exam Review Guide

By Lewis Morris

Copyright 2015 Network4Learning, Inc.

All rights reserved.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoymentonly. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people.If you would like to share this book with another person, pleasepurchase an additional copy for each recipient. If youre readingthis book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for youruse only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer andpurchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work ofthis author.

FIRETEAM is a trademark of National Testing Network,Inc., which was not involved in the production of, and does notendorse or sponsor this product. This review manual was designed toprovide accurate and authoritative information in regard to thesubject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that theauthor and publisher are not engaged in offering legal, accounting,or other professional service. If legal advice or other expertassistance is required, the services of a competent professionalshould be sought.

CONTENTS

About The Exam

HumanRelations Part I

Part I of the Video Human Relations Test focuseson teamwork and human relations skills and is presented in afirefighting context. Candidates watch a video segment, and thenchoose the BEST course of action in a multiple-choice format. Oncethey have chosen the BEST possible course of action, they are askedto identify the WORST possible course of action. This test ispresented on a computer and the items play without stopping.

Part II

In addition to answering the Part I questions ofthe Video-Based Human Relations Test, candidates are instructed toobserve the behaviors of the individual firefighters portrayed.They have the opportunity to observe behavior on multiple occasionsfor many of the firefighters. Part II of the Video-Based HumanRelations Test consists of questions about these firefighters andtheir behaviors. Part II immediately follows Part I.

Mechanical Abilities Test

The Mechanical Abilities Test is amultiple-choice test presented on video. Candidates see detailedintroductions to animated machinery, then are asked questions aboutthe machinery. Most of the questions are about basic mechanicalobjects such as valves and simple tools. They are also asked toanswer trouble shooting type questions and observe systemoperations for problems. All of the questions can be answered basedon common sense and observation of how everyday objects work.

Reading Comprehension Test

This test is based on training material andcandidates are required to choose a word that best completes asentence. This section may also test basic reasoning skills withina reading context such as deductive and inductive reasoning.

Math Test

This math test is presented within the contextof firefighting. The questions are video based. Candidates mustcomplete the calculations in their heads. Areas tested include:addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and proportions. Noscrap paper or calculators are allowed. All calculations are to bedone in your head.

The test is approximately 2 hours long

Test Preparation Strategies

Beginning Your Preparation

Begin preparing and studying as soon aspossible. You want to engage your long term memory, which can onlybe done over a period of months.

1. Find a regular time in your schedule when youcan devote a half an hour or more of quiet study time.

2. Set a schedule and stick to it. Discuss yourschedule with your family, so that everybody understands your needfor uninterrupted study time.

3. Start practicing your memory skills ineveryday life. If you are walking and see a billboard, take 10seconds to look at it carefully. Then, as you go about your way,try to remember details such as color, names, and dates. If youtake public transportation, there are numerous opportunities topractice this method, because you have a multitude of differentadvertisements to view.

4. Study without distractions to the best ofyour ability. Turn off your phone. Inform people close to you thatyou will be unavailable during that period of time, so that thereis no expectation of a returned phone call.

5. Be sure you are getting enough sleep becauseproper rest will greatly affect your concentration and memoryskills. Create a peaceful sleep environment by eliminating lightsand sounds, obtaining quality pillows, and limiting nighttimeactivities. You should not eat within an hour of bed, and avoidcaffeine and chocolate several hours before bed.

6. Limiting or stopping alcohol consumption willassist you in the firefighter vetting process. Alcohol canseriously affect your memory and ability to concentration inseveral specific ways. Being intoxicated has been proven tonegatively affect abstract thinking skills in people for at least 6weeks. Alcohol affects sleep by contributing to sleep apnea, andmany people who drink only moderately have been shown to sleeppoorly. Regular use of alcohol contributes to weight gain andraises blood pressure.

7. Motivate yourself. Find a way to beenthusiastic in your preparation. Prove to yourself that you canearn a high score and make the grade. Keep a positive outlook andmake it a constructive experience.

8. Start early. Begin preparing as soon as theexam is announced.

9. Avoid last minute cramming. Cramming does notwork well, but refreshing your memory the night before the examdoes positively impact performance.

10. Without interruptions, give yourself enoughtime to complete each sub area in a single sitting. This will giveyou more confidence and provide you with a realistic expectationfor the actual exam.

11. Develop careful reading habits. You mustbecome an active reader. For example, rephrase each question inyour own words to make sure you understand the question. Re-checkyour answers, and make sure your choice correctly answers thequestion asked.

12. Dont try to memorize practice questions,instead focus on the process of critically reading and analyzingeach question.

13. Concentrate on the sections of the exam youfind most challenging.

14. Budget your time accordingly to practicemore difficult areas.

Focus on completing one sub-area question set ata time. Go through your wrong answers and locate the correct answerby reading through the review material. Complete an error analysisearly in your studying so that you work through any deficienciesearly enough to gain confidence in the material.

Create a set of flash cards by taking anyunfamiliar words from the glossary and putting them on index cards.Write out the definition on the reverse side of the card.

The Night before the Exam

Briefly review the practice questions you havealready completed. Focus on your successful responses. Your goal isto refresh your memory and reduce anxiety. Set two alarm clocks andleave an hour before going to bed. Refrain from looking at acomputer screen for at least an hour before bed, because lightemitted from the screen has been shown in studies to contribute tosleeplessness.

Getting Ready the Day of the Examination

1. Stick to your normal routine as much aspossible. Some suggestions may not be in your normal routine, butthey usually allow most people to perform their best.

2. Get adequate sleep. Most adults perform bestwith 7-8 hours of sleep. Adopt this pattern at least a week priorto the exam. Even if you have trouble sleeping the night before theexam; dont worry. As long as you have rested well for several daysleading up to the exam, your body will adjust and your performancewill remain elevated.

3. Get up early enough to have a light, balancedbreakfast. Set your alarm, and have a backup alarm set as well.

4. Minimize the use of outside influences (food,caffeine, nicotine, entertainment) that might over or understimulate you. Primarily, do not do anything too radical - and nottoo different than what is normal for you.