Cambridgeshire FRS Firefighter Recruitment
Are you interested in becoming a Firefighter for Cambridgeshire FRS? Our Guide to the Recruitment Process is here to help!
Are you interested in applying? Read our guide to the Cambridgeshire Firefighter Recruitment Process before you do!
Please note, Cambridgeshire FRS will be recruiting to a holding list which they expect to call off over the next 12-18 months, depending on the circumstances.
Step 1
The Online Application
First of all you’ll have to register at www.cambsfire.gov.uk and following this you will receive a link to the application form.
Make sure you give yourself time to fill the form out correctly and fully, as you will only be given a specified length of time to do so.
The application form contains the following sections:
- Personal details
- Education and Training
- Employment History
- FRS Employment History (if you’ve been a Firefighter, or applied previously)
- Support Requirements/Disability Declaration
- References (One must be from your current employer, if you have one)
- Declaration of any offences
- Cambridgeshire FRS Core Values
- Personal Statement – How you meet their desires Personal Qualities
There is a 600 word limit on each answer, so be selective and only include the most relevant information!
Step 2
The Psychometric Tests
If your initial application is successful you’ll then be asked to complete a series of written psychometric tests.
You’ll receive an invitation to attend these, with all the details you need of the time, date and location.
There will be three timed tests:
The questions will have multiple choice answers, and you’ll be given three hours in total to complete them.
If you’ve previously completed the online tests (either during the on-call/retained recruitment process or a previous Wholetime recruitment process for CFRS, you won’t have to complete them again).
Step 3
Fitness and Medical Tests
If you’ve been successful in completing the written tests then you’ll be asked to attend a medical and fitness assessment.
The medical is a general assessment to check that you’re fit for firefighter duties, and includes looking at your weight, lung function and blood pressure, as well as any pre-existing conditions. You’ll also have to undergo hearing, eyesight and urine tests.
The fitness test is in the form of the Chester treadmill Walking Test, designed to test your aerobic fitness. This is a 12 minute treadmill walking test to identify if you’re capable of reaching the required fitness standard. You’ll be asked to walk at a brisk pace on increasing gradients.
Because Firefighters also have to perform water rescues, there is a swimming test for applicants in which you’ll have to prove that you can:
- Jump / dive into deep water
- Swim 50 metres in less than 70 seconds
- Swim 100 metres (with any stroke)
- Tread water for 30 seconds
- Surface dive to the floor of the pool
- Climb out of the pool unaided
Step 4
Physical tests
There are also various physical tests you’ll have to pass. Fitness is a crucial part of the Firefighter role. These are made up of activities designed to assess your fitness, strength, stamina and coordination, as well as seeing how you cope with trick situations you might encounter on the job such as heights and enclosed spaces.
The physical tests include:
- Enclosed Space Test
- Ladder Climb
- Casualty Evacuation
- Ladder Lift
- Ladder Extension
- Equipment Carry
- Equipment Assembly
Step 5
The Final Assessments
If you make it through the physical assessment tests you’ll be invited to the final stage, an assessment day.
The most important part of this is the interview. This is your best chance to convince the panel that you are the candidate that they want to employ!
This will be a panel interview with two experienced members of CFRS personnel. There will be a mix of traditional and competency-based questions.
You’ll be set two other tasks prior to this interview. Firstly you’ll be asked to complete a FACET5 personality questionnaire. You don’t need to have any prior knowledge of FACET here. You will be asked some questions in the interview in relation to the test – all candidates will be asked the same questions.
You’ll also be asked to prepare a short presentation. Don’t worry, you’ll be sent full instructions on how to prepare – including the topic and time limit!
You generally won’t have long to wait before the FRS informs you if you’ve got the job! They will let you know either way, but even if you haven’t made it on this attempt you’ve done amazingly well to get so far.
If you’re successful at the assessment day and have been offered the job, there are some final checks that the FRS will need to run.
This will involve checking the information on your application form, contacting your references, and performing a standard criminal record check.