At present, the recruitment process is as follows:

Stage 1 – Application form

Applicants must complete and submit an application form.  These are only available at the time of recruitment.  The application requires applicants to provide examples which will illustrate their suitability for the role of Firefighter, for instance, working as part of a team, working in stressful conditions, and so on.  The application forms will be shortlisted on the basis of their content, and a shortlist will be drawn up of those who match the required criteria.

Stage 2 – Written and Physical tests

You will be complete the National Firefighters’ Questionnaire as it provides objective, fair and relevant information on key skills, attributes and personal qualities needed to become a successful Firefighter.

You will undertake the National Firefighter Ability Test which is split into 3 parts – Working with Numbers, Understanding Information and Situational Awareness and Problem Solving.

The tests are taken under exam conditions and will last 3 hours. If you achieve the satisfactory standard, you will be invited to undertake the physical and job related tests.   

State 3 – Job-related tests

The tests will determine whether you have the required levels of fitness, strength and agility to carry out the role of a Firefighter.

You will be asked to complete medical declaration forms prior to taking these tests.

You will be required to carry out job-related awareness tasks. These are designed to simulate aspects of a Firefighters’ role. You will be required to wear a fire kit, which will be provided. You should not be concerned at the prospect of taking these tests, as uniformed officers closely supervise them. Examples of the tests and the attributes being measured are given below:

Ladder Climb – To test confidence and ability to follow instructions
Casualty Evacuation – To test physical upper and lower body strength and coordination
Ladder lift – To test physical upper and lower body strength and coordination
Enclosed Space – To test confidence, agility and identify claustrophobic tendencies
Equipment Assembly – To test manual dexterity
Equipment Carry – To test aerobic fitness, stamina, upper and lower body strength and coordination

Training can improve your aerobic capacity – in the very unfit by as much as 100%, in the moderately fit, by around 20-40% and in the already fit by no more than 15%. By an exercise programme suitably geared for your age and sex, you can achieve substantial improvements in your aerobic capacity.

You are therefore advised to prepare for the tests by seeking appropriate advice from your local gym/fitness centre. Any exercise programme should be aimed at improving your physical fitness and stamina in preparation for the fitness tests detailed on the website, eg walking, swimming, running, circuit training etc.

You are advised to consult your own doctor before commencing any exercise programme to avoid and adverse side effects.

If you meet the required standard you will be invited to an interview.      

Stage 4 – Interview

The interview is formal and is conducted by a panel of two Wholetime Officers and a Personnel Officer.  Questions are based on experiences which illustrate the candidate’s ability to carry out the role of the Firefighter.

Stage 5 – Medical Examination

At this stage, there will be a medical examination by an Occupational Health Physician.  This will also include fitness tests, consisting of a) grip strength test b) leg/back pull test c) lung function
test d) step test.  You will also be required to provide an optometrist’s report on a standard form.

Stage 6 – Assessment Centre

Those candidates successful through to this stage will be required to attend an assessment centre at which they will carry out various group activities.  Their ability to work as part of a team and their interpersonal skills will be assessed at this time.

At this point, we will be seeking references for successful candidates.

Once you are appointed as a Recruit Firefighter, you will undertake a training course of between 12 and 15 weeks duration, which may be in-house or a residential course elsewhere, such as Hertfordshire or Surrey.

The training is determined nationally and includes theoretical and practical instruction.

Upon your return to Norfolk, you will be appointed to a station as a Wholetime Recruit Firefighter and undergo the second stage of your development, in order to become a competent Firefighter.

For more details on joining Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service as a Firefighter, send for an information pack.