Practical Assessment Course (PAC)
The practical assessment course was developed to assess core competencies that are required in the later stages of the recruiting process. This process enables candidates who have successfully passed the cognitive, and PPT tests to show competencies in a range of skills and attributes that make up the job description of a firefighter in the New Zealand Fire Service.
The PAC is held at an operational Fire Station for approximately 4 hours. This involves 10 different workstations that run for 20 minute intervals and other exercises. It is the candidates' responsibility to adhere to the strict timeframe for the day.
The scenarios at each workstation highlight the skills and attributes being assessed. The scenarios include:
- Lecture/presentation – deliver a 5 minute presentation on a topic of your own choice
- Heights (Angus 464) – applicants will be expected to perform simple tasks while working on a 14.1 meter ladder
- Practical Dexterity – practical problem solving exercise
- Traffic Jam – practical problem solving exercise
- Confined Spaces – operating in a dark environment and elevated temperature
- Computer skills – performing basic word processing and computer related tasks
- Written Report – capturing and reporting information in written form
- Providing instructions - demonstrating written communication
- Hose Running – basic practical hose skills
- Object assembly - Verbal communication.
Candidates are assessed on the skill or attribute relevant to the individual workstations. Some scenarios may include more than just one skill or attribute being assessed.
The candidates' assessment sheets for all workstations are then collated together. The scores and assessment comments, along with the cognitive score are used to formulate a shortlist of candidates considered suitable for interview.
How many people do the PAC, and how many pass?
At the PAC stage the Fire Service will test approximately 300 applicants, and on average around 25% of them will go on to be interviewed.
Click here to read about the next stage in the Recruitment process.