Situational Judgement Test
This test looks at how effective you are when applying your best judgement to resolve problems and reduce risk.
This is a multiple-choice question test. You’ll be given an example scenario and a list of possible actions that you could take in that situation.
You will need to follow the instructions which will be to either:
a) Choose the best action from the list
b) Choose your most and least preferred actions
c) Rank order the actions from most to least appropriate/ preferred
d) Another way the SJT might be presented is for there to be a paragraph detailing the scenario then three or four questions based on it. You would need to indicate on a rating scale how desirable the action is in response to each question e.g. highly desirable, desirable, slightly desirable, slightly undesirable, undesirable, highly undesirable’.
Often you will notice that there is one answer which is obviously incorrect. However, there may be at least two which are more difficult to choose from as the correct one.
There may not be a strict time limit, although there will be an expectation of how long it should take- often around 45 minutes, depending on the number of questions.
What sort of scenarios will the questions be based on?
The scenarios will be relevant to the role of a Firefighter although not necessarily set in a FRS context. An SJT isn’t knowledge based; it’s about applying your experience to make a judgement call. There is no need to study in the traditional sense, although there are ways you can use to improve your performance.
Example SJT questions
(using scoring format a) detailed above):
While you were away last week, two members of your team had a heated argument on shift about a private matter. A colleague has warned you that the difference of opinion is causing tension within the team as people are taking sides.
a. Ask a few colleagues what happened so you hear both sides before choosing which you support.
b. Speak to both individuals separately to say you’ve heard there are issues but you won’t be taking sides.
c. Warn both individuals that they need to deal with their issues or risk disciplinary action.
d. Tell both individuals that it is unacceptable for a personal matter between them to be affect the rest of the team.
The correct answer here is b.
It is 6pm and a member of staff at a University building is refusing to leave despite the smoke alarm sounding. He is refusing to leave the building as he has nearly finished for the day and it is a disruption which will mean he will miss his train. He says it is the fourth false alarm this week. Would you:
a. Firmly insist that the man leave the building immediately, he is setting a poor example.
b. Leave him in his office and tell him you will return for him if it turns out to be a genuine threat.
c. speak to his supervisor and tell her to insist that he vacates the building immediately.
d. Report the situation to your manager on the radio and wait for further instructions.
The correct answer here is a.
You hear a colleague is using a homophobic term with a colleague during some on station banter. None seems to mind and they are all having a laugh. Would you:
a. Ignore it as no one seems to have a problem with it.
b. Take your colleague to one side to remind him that sort of language is not appropriate.
c. Tell your manager there are discriminatory attitudes on the watch which need to be tackled.
d. Report the person making the comments to his manager.
The correct answer here is b.
Pass Your Firefighter Ability Tests eBook
If you have any questions or concerns about the Ability Tests part of the Firefighter Selection process, this Workbook is for you.
There are 6 physical tests to pass as part of this recruitment process…