Our first recruitment campaign for six years has now finished and we do not  anticipate running another campaign in the foreseeable future.  Owing to the huge amount of enquiries we receive we would be grateful if you do not telephone or email asking when the next campaign will be - details will be placed on this website when available.  

The recruitment procedure is as follows:

Stage 1: Application Form
Due to the limited number of vacancies and the high number of applications expected, the application form is designed to screen you out rather than to let you in. You therefore, need to put a lot of thought and effort into answering each question as this will determine whether you progress to Stage 2.

Stage 2: Written Assessment

This section consists of three different written tests, these will take approximately two hours to complete. The tests are as follows:

• Understanding Information - assesses an applicant's ability to read and understand written information.
• Working with Numbers - assesses an applicant's ability to understand and work with numerical information.
• Problem Solving and Situational Awareness - assesses an applicant's ability to ensure the safety of themselves and others and their ability to use information to solve problems.

Please download a practice leaflet from the link below to prepare you and give guidance as to what to expect at the written assessment. National Firefighter Ability Tests Practice Leaflet.

Stage 3: Practical Assessment

These tests are designed to assess your level of fitness, strength and manual dexterity as well as your level of confidence in simulated exercises. The tests are as follows:

• Enclosed Space
• Ladder Climb
• Casualty Evacuation
• Ladder Lift
• Equipment Assembly
• Equipment Carry

Please download the physical advice leaflet from the link below for guidance regarding fitness.  
Preparatory Fitness Programme

Stage 4: Interview

If successful at the Practical Assessment you will be invited to interview. This will be a behavioural interview, meaning that the questions asked are focused on your past experiences. 

Guidance on the type of questions you will be asked can be found via the link below. They will all be based around the PQAs described above. Interview Preparation.

NB. The Written Assessments, Practical Assessments and Interviews will all be carried out at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Clyst St George, Exeter.

Stage 5: Medical Assessment

We receive many enquiries regarding current and/or past medical issues and cannot give definitive guidance regarding these issues.
Consultation between brigade Doctors and GPs will decide if an applicant is suitable to carry out the role of a Firefighter and it should be understood that all cases will be viewed individually.

Amongst others, the tests you will undertake at the medical assessment will include:

• Hearing Test
• Step Test
• Lung Function

Stage 6: References

References will be taken up at Medical stage. You should provide two references on your application form, one personal and one business, the later of which should be your current or most recent employer.

Eyesight Standards

IMPORTANT: Colour Blindness is not necessarily a bar to becoming a firefighter. All candidates who come for the Written Assessment will have an initial colour blindness assessment and will be given the Standard Eyesight Requirements Document.

If you have any doubt regarding your eyesight standards please take the Standard Eyesight Requirements Document to your Optician for assessment. Download Eyesight Standards

For further details regarding all stages of the application and recruitment process please see: www.fireservice.co.uk