What to Expect on Firefighter Selection Day
Quick answer
There is no single national selection day. Depending on the service, in-person stages can include supervised or verification tests, a bleep test or Chester Treadmill test, practical tests such as a ladder climb and casualty evacuation, and an interview or assessment centre with role-play, presentation or group exercises — often spread across several dates.
For most firefighter applicants, selection day is the most important day of the entire process. After weeks of preparation, it all comes down to how you perform on the day. Knowing exactly what to expect — the format, the sequence, and the small logistical details — means you can walk in focused on performance rather than anxious about the unknown.
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How the day is typically structured
Selection varies a lot between services. Many run online tests at home first and then invite candidates to separate in-person days for physical tests and interviews. London Fire Brigade, for example, runs fitness tests over two days, and Avon holds verification tests in exam conditions weeks after its online tests.
Whatever the format, arrive early. Being punctual demonstrates exactly the reliability services are looking for.
Supervised and verification tests
Some services re-test candidates in person. London Fire Brigade says home online tests are verified at its assessment centre, Avon runs verification tests in exam conditions, and Lancashire sets paper-and-pencil verbal and numerical tests on its practical assessment day.
Read every instruction before you start. If the tests are on paper, make sure you understand how to mark your answers; if they are on screen, check how to move between questions and whether you can go back.
Follow the rules in your invitation about calculators, phones and rough paper — they differ between tests and services.
Preparing for the tests
Practise the tests this article describes
Reading about them only goes so far — the tests are timed, and the pace is the part that catches people out.
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The physical fitness assessment
Physical testing usually includes an aerobic test — the bleep test (usually to level 8.8) or the Chester Treadmill Walk Test — and practical tests such as a ladder climb, ladder lift, casualty evacuation, enclosed space, equipment assembly and equipment carry. The order and details vary between services.
Arrive already warmed up. The transition from sitting tests to running a bleep test is jarring if you have been sedentary for several hours. Take the time to stretch, warm up your legs, and get your breathing settled before the run begins. Nerves elevate your heart rate — start the bleep test at a sustainable pace rather than sprinting.
The equipment carry and casualty drag test grip strength, upper body endurance, and coordination. Practice these movements if you can — carrying equipment in an uncomfortable grip position is a specific skill that benefits from repetition.
The competency interview
If the interview is on the same day as the tests, it typically comes after the written and physical assessments. By this point you may be tired — mentally from the tests and physically from the fitness assessment. Prepare for this. Eat and hydrate properly throughout the day.
Bring prepared STAR examples for the framework your service uses — the NFCC Leadership Framework, the Core Code of Ethics or its own values. Even if the questions differ from what you practised, a bank of real examples stops you improvising under pressure.
Practical preparation for the day
Lay out everything the night before — ID, confirmation letter, any required documents, appropriate clothing for both the written tests (smart-casual) and the physical assessment (comfortable sports kit). Check travel time to the venue and plan to arrive at least 20 minutes early.
Eat a balanced meal beforehand — not too heavy, not too light. Stay well-hydrated. Avoid excessive caffeine before the tests. Get enough sleep the night before — easier said than done, but genuinely important for cognitive performance.
Most importantly, trust your preparation. If you have practised the test formats your service uses, trained for the physical tests and prepared your interview examples, you have done what you can. On the day, the job is to execute — not to prepare further.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear to firefighter selection day?
Smart-casual for the written tests and interview; comfortable, appropriate sports kit for the physical assessment. Bring both and change if necessary. Check whether the service gives specific guidance in your invitation letter.
What if I fail one part of the assessment?
Failing any mandatory stage typically means you cannot progress in that campaign. Some services allow you to reapply in a future campaign. Check the specific policy with your service.
Can I bring anything into the tests?
Follow the rules in your invitation. Some tests allow a calculator and others don't, and phones and notes are normally not allowed in supervised tests.
How long until I hear back after selection day?
Typically 1–4 weeks, depending on the service and how many candidates attended. Some services provide results on the day for some stages.