B-PAD test - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Grasshopper Green · 05-25-2006, 02:24 PM

As a few of you know, my husband took the written test required for becoming a firefighter a little over a week ago. He got the results today and he passed (whoohoo!); he had to be in the top 148 out of 622 people.

He now has to take the B-PAD test, and I'm wondering if anyone has taken it and might have some advice to give, since there really isn't any way to study for it. Thanks!

Sage · 05-25-2006, 05:15 PM

What the crap is a B-PAD test?

I have a few friends who have done the whole firefighting thing, and as far as I know, it's just common sense and remembering how bad you wanna be a firefighter. You know, overcoming the natural urge to run AWAY from the burning building!

Best of luck!

Grasshopper Green · 05-25-2006, 05:37 PM

Basically, it's a behavioral test. The testee sits in a room with a TV and watches a series of scenarios that a firefighter might encounter. At the end of the scenario, the testee has to appropriately respond to the scenario within 45 seconds. The responses are filmed and then graded. As hubby and I understand it, it's becoming a popular way to test police and firefighter candidates for response to stressful situations they might encounter on the job.

savvypup · 05-26-2006, 04:02 AM

You can't teach common sense and unfortunately some people get dished the dregs.

My girlfriends hubby is a firee in Australia and they have to do the same things. I can't remember any of the scenarios he was given, but just judging by his personality he has some very strong points. First and most obvious is he is very, very rational. It takes a lot for him to get flustered. If anything, under pressure he seems totally in control. Remember, it's being taped. Maybe it's good to focus on not the actual scenarios - since you can't study for it, but the way you emotionally handle the situations. Maybe give it a dry run. Get your friends to think of some interesting predicaments and get you husband to do as per the interview whilst being recorded. Watch it and analysis how he comes across, how he rationalises the situation in the time given and watch from another's perspective.

Grasshopper Green · 05-26-2006, 01:17 PM

That's a great idea, savvy! Thanks!

05-25-2006, 02:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
Grasshopper Green ...is a comical chap Location: Where morons reign supreme	B-PAD test As a few of you know, my husband took the written test required for becoming a firefighter a little over a week ago. He got the results today and he passed (whoohoo!); he had to be in the top 148 out of 622 people. He now has to take the B-PAD test, and I'm wondering if anyone has taken it and might have some advice to give, since there really isn't any way to study for it. Thanks! __________________ "They say that patriotism is the last refuge to which a scoundrel clings; steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot and they make you king" Formerly Medusa

05-25-2006, 05:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
Sage hoarding all the big girl panties since 2005 Location: North side	What the crap is a B-PAD test? I have a few friends who have done the whole firefighting thing, and as far as I know, it's just common sense and remembering how bad you wanna be a firefighter. You know, overcoming the natural urge to run AWAY from the burning building! Best of luck! __________________ Sage knows our mythic history, King Arthur's and Sir Caradoc's She answers hard acrostics, has a pretty taste for paradox She quotes in elegiacs all the crimes of Heliogabalus In conics she can floor peculiarities parabolous -C'hi

05-25-2006, 05:37 PM	#3 (permalink)
Grasshopper Green ...is a comical chap Location: Where morons reign supreme	Basically, it's a behavioral test. The testee sits in a room with a TV and watches a series of scenarios that a firefighter might encounter. At the end of the scenario, the testee has to appropriately respond to the scenario within 45 seconds. The responses are filmed and then graded. As hubby and I understand it, it's becoming a popular way to test police and firefighter candidates for response to stressful situations they might encounter on the job. __________________ "They say that patriotism is the last refuge to which a scoundrel clings; steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot and they make you king" Formerly Medusa

05-26-2006, 04:02 AM	#4 (permalink)
savvypup Crazy Location: Want to run away? Follow the light	You can't teach common sense and unfortunately some people get dished the dregs. My girlfriends hubby is a firee in Australia and they have to do the same things. I can't remember any of the scenarios he was given, but just judging by his personality he has some very strong points. First and most obvious is he is very, very rational. It takes a lot for him to get flustered. If anything, under pressure he seems totally in control. Remember, it's being taped. Maybe it's good to focus on not the actual scenarios - since you can't study for it, but the way you emotionally handle the situations. Maybe give it a dry run. Get your friends to think of some interesting predicaments and get you husband to do as per the interview whilst being recorded. Watch it and analysis how he comes across, how he rationalises the situation in the time given and watch from another's perspective. __________________ ciao bella!

05-26-2006, 01:17 PM	#5 (permalink)
Grasshopper Green ...is a comical chap Location: Where morons reign supreme	That's a great idea, savvy! Thanks! __________________ "They say that patriotism is the last refuge to which a scoundrel clings; steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot and they make you king" Formerly Medusa