Columbia Fire Department
Applicant Testing Process
Testing Part 1: Written Aptitude Test
The applicant will take a written aptitude test that will focus on their ability to read/comprehend, basic mathematics, and basic reasoning skills. Applicant must meet the minimum passing score to move forward to testing part 2.
Testing Part 2: Maze (Click here for video)
The applicant will successfully complete the minimum level of the Columbia Fire Department training maze. Candidates must complete this task in less than 2 minutes to move forward to testing part 3. The Columbia Fire Department will furnish the following equipment that must be worn by each applicant; helmet, gloves, knee pads and weighted vest (40 pounds). Applicant will be blind folded for this portion of the testing.
Testing Part 3: Agility Test (Click here for video)
The agility test is a series of five tasks, each a simulation of what firefighters might be called upon to perform in the line of duty. None of these tasks require special training nor, pose any safety hazard to the applicant. Candidates must complete these tasks in less than seven minutes. Failure to complete all tasks in set order within the time frame will disqualify the applicant from further consideration for employment.
The tasks are timed events which will be completed sequentially. The course and time start, when the applicant picks up the high rise hose pack in Task 1, and will stop when the applicant and victim completely cross the finish line in Task 5. The applicant should wear physical fitness clothing for the test. The Columbia Fire Department will furnish the following equipment that must be worn by each applicant; helmet, gloves, weighted vest (40 pounds).
It is recommended that the applicant begin exercising before taking the test. Videos demonstrating the skills are available on the Department’s website. The applicant should stretch prior to running the test, and begin drinking water 24-48 hours in advance.
Task 1: Stair Climb with High Rise Hose Pack (Click here for video)
The applicant will lift the high-rise hose pack, which consists of 100 feet of 1 ¾” hose. The pack is carried on the shoulder to the fourth floor of the drill tower. The task will end when the hose pack is dropped at the top of the stairway. The time will remain running.
Task 2: Hose Hoist (Click here for video)
From the fourth floor window of the drill tower the applicant will pull a ½” rope in a hand over hand motion to hoist a 50 foot roll of 2 ½” fire hose. The rope will travel over an edge roller until the hose roll reaches the window edge. The task will end at this point, but the time will continue to run. The applicant will proceed down to the third floor where they will exit onto the exterior stairwell to the ground level. The applicant must contact every stair on the way down and maintain contact with the handrail.
Task 3: Forcible Entry (Click here for video)
The applicant will step up onto the Keiser Force Machine and pick up an eight pound sledge hammer. The applicant will stand over the slide while striking it with the sledge hammer and must move it five feet. When the slide crosses the five foot mark the task will end, but the time continues to run.
Task 4: Hose Advance (Click here for video)
The applicant will walk to a charged 1 ¾” fire hose and pick it up from the nozzle end. The applicant will move the hose until the line is crossed and place it on the ground. No water will be sprayed for this task. The task will end, but the time will continue to run.
Task 5: Victim Rescue (Click here for video)
The applicant will walk over to the 150 pound victim that will be sitting upright. The applicant will have the choice of picking the victim up from underneath the arms or by using the supplied strap. The applicant will drag the victim 100 feet to the finish line. The task will be complete and time will stop once the applicant and the victim have both crossed the finish line.
**Accelerated Candidates only**
Testing Part 4: Firefighter I skill check
The applicant, who is applying for the Accelerated Recruit Program, will be required to successfully demonstrate their ability to complete the tasks listed below within the given time limit for each task.
The applicant will follow a charged 1 ¾” hose line into the building. You will be instructed to demonstrate the proper technique for suppressing a fire using the direct, indirect, and combination attack methods of extinguishment. The skill will end when you have completed all of the identified steps. You will have two minutes to complete the skill.
The applicant will demonstrate the proper technique for selecting and installing the correct blade, then starting and safely operating the rotary rescue saw. The saw will be used to a make a four foot vertical cut. The skill will end when the saw is placed on ground and blade has stopped. You will have two minutes to complete the skill.
The applicant will demonstrate the proper technique for forcing open an outward swinging door. Your team member will assist you by swinging the axe when under your direction. You shall verbalize the required stops while performing this skill. You will begin on my instruction to start. Time will stop when door is forced. You will have two minutes to complete the skill.
The applicant will demonstrate the proper technique for forcing open an inward swinging door. Someone will assist you by swinging the axe when under your direction. You shall verbalize the required steps while performing this skill. Time will end when door is forced. You will have two minutes to complete the skill.
The applicant will demonstrate the proper method of advancing a charged 1 ¾” line up the ladder to a second floor window. The extension ladder is already in place. Someone will assist you with advancing the line up the ladder. When you have reached the second floor window, you will use a leg lock to secure you to the ladder and a hose strap or webbing to secure the nozzle onto a rung. After both you and the nozzle are secured, you will flow the fire stream into the second floor window. The skill will end once water is sprayed and you have completed all of the identified steps. You will have two minutes to complete the skill.
The applicant will demonstrate the proper method of carrying a 14-foot ladder 100 feet to a single story structure. Then you shall demonstrate the proper method of raising the 14-foot ladder to the roof of the burn building B side. You shall verbalize the required steps while performing this skill. You have 36 seconds to complete this skill. Time will begin when you touch the ladder, time will end when you state that the ladder is suitable for climbing. You will have two minutes to complete the skill.
The applicant will demonstrate the proper method of carrying a roof ladder 100 feet to a two-story structure, where an extension ladder is already positioned to the roof. Then you shall demonstrate the proper method of hoisting and securing the roof ladder to the pitched roof. You shall verbalize the required steps while performing this skill. Time will begin when you touch the ladder, time will end when you state that the roof ladder is secured on the roof. You will have two minutes to complete the skill.
You shall demonstrate the proper method of carrying a 24-foot ladder 100 feet to a single story structure. Then you shall demonstrate the proper method of raising the 24-foot ladder to the roof. You shall verbalize the required steps while performing this skill. You have 58 seconds to complete this skill. Time will begin when you touch the ladder, time will end when you state that the ladder is suitable for climbing. You will have two minutes to complete the skill.
The applicant will verbally describe the factors that are to be considered when conducting a size-up of a fire scene. You will have two minutes to complete the skill.
The applicant will demonstrate the proper method of conducting a vent, enter, and search for victims on the second floor of a structure. Use the VES method and conduct a primary search for victims. The skill will end when you state to me that you have completed all of the identified steps.
The applicant will demonstrate the proper method of bringing an unconscious victim down a ladder. You may use any of the following methods, on your knee with victim facing ladder, on your knee with victim facing you, on your shoulders with victim facing you or victim lying across your arms. You will have two minutes to complete the skill.
The applicant will demonstrate the proper technique for connecting the Engine to the fire hydrant, using a short section of 5” hose. You shall verbalize the required steps while performing this skill. You will begin on my instruction to start. The skill will end when the line is charged and you state you have completed all of the identified steps. You will have two minutes to complete the skill.
