1
Contents
Introduction
3
About CFA
4
Position Description
5
Employment Conditions
6
Recruitment Process
7
Frequently Asked Questions
10
Benchmark Requirements
14
Important Information
16
Privacy Statement
18
2
Introduction
Thank you for your interest in becoming a CFA Career Firefighter.
If you are successful in becoming a CFA Career Firefighter, you will be working alongside other Career
Firefighters, Volunteer Firefighters and management and support staff who are committed to serving the
Victorian community. The recruitment process is thorough and consists of a number of benchmark stages. It
will require a strong time commitment over a number of days potentially over a period of weeks, with a mixture
of business hours and weekends.
If you are applying as a previous applicant you will be required to provide additional information outlining how
you have enhanced your application since your last attempt. If you have successfully completed the aptitude
tests since 2005, then you will not need to re-sit this benchmark.
Applicants should be aware there could be time delays before you commence the recruitment activities due to
closing off dates. If details included on your application change you are asked to update the recruitment team
by calling the number provided below during business hours or emailing ffrecruitment@cfa.vic.gov.au.
Please ensure you have printed or saved the following documents including this guide (they may not
always be available online)
o Aptitude Preparation Guide
o Physical Assessment Information Guide
It is recommended that applicants familiarise themselves with all information and material available through the
CFA website i.e. watch the videos and read all documents, prior to completing the application. Use the
Important Information section in this booklet to assist you in completing the online application. This will reduce
the risk of leaving out essential details or not including supporting attachments.
If you require assistance applying online, please contact Career Firefighter Recruitment via the details
provided below.
Once you have been invited to participate in the recruitment activities, arrange a visit to your doctor, to have
the “Medical Clearance to Participate” form completed and signed off. This document along with the
“Candidate Declaration” form will be required at your Beep Testing session. Failure to present both forms
will prevent you from participating in the session, potentially withdrawing your application.
Good luck with your application!
The Career Firefighter Recruitment Team
92628249 (during normal business hours)
ffrecruitment@cfa.vic.gov.au
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About CFA
CFA (Country Fire Authority) is made up of over 60,000 members including 58,000 Volunteers and
over 670 Career Firefighters and approximately 1,800 Management and Support Staff.
We help protect over 3.3 million Victorians and more than 1 million dwellings.
CFA is one of the world’s largest volunteer-based emergency service organisations. CFA’s operations rely on
the skills of an integrated force of volunteer and career members.
CFA covers an area of more than 150,182 square kilometres of land within Victoria. This coverage includes
outer-metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, including provincial towns (excluding State Forests and
National Parks). As the states population and expectations increase more Victorians will rely upon the services
that CFA provides.
CFA currently divides its boundaries into 8 regions and 20 districts. CFA has more than 1200 brigades across
the state carrying out a wide range of duties, including responding to a range of incidents and broader
activities including community education and fire investigation.
From 1 July 2013, the Fire Services Levy will be removed from insurance premiums and will instead be
collected through council rates.
This means all property owners will contribute to funding Victoria’s fire services.
The ties between CFA and State Government, Local Government, local industry and local brigades are
essential to protecting lives and property. As a community service organisation, CFA brigades are strongly
supported by their local communities in responding to meet Victoria’s fire safety and emergency management
needs.
CFA provides statewide fire and related emergency coordination
Wildfire suppression, structural fire suppression, transport-related fire suppression, road rescue,technical
rescue, such as high angle, trench and mine operations, hazardous materials transportation and storage
incidents, working with Forestry industry brigades, other emergency activities including flood assistance.
CFA is also involved in a range of non-emergency activities
Community awareness, education and safety programs, fire safety input planning for major community risks,
fire prevention, land use planning advice at municipal level, technical services including building code-related
inspections, post incident analysis and fire investigation.
Career Firefighters
There are more than 670 Career Firefighters based at integrated fire stations around outer-metropolitan
Melbourne and country Victoria. They are highly trained to deal with many different types of emergencies
including: Road Accident Rescue, Hazardous Materials Incidents, Trench and Confined Space Rescues as
well as Structural and Wild Fires.
A Challenging Career
A challenging and rewarding career as a full-time Firefighter is offered by CFA. Working alongside some of
Victoria’s finest volunteers, the role offers a high level of job satisfaction and the opportunity to create a safer
community. CFA is looking for women and men with diverse backgrounds to provide fire safety and serve
Victoria’s multi-cultural community. Experience in any volunteer organisation and/or involvement in community
activities will be well regarded. The opportunity involves shift work and can be physically, mentally and
emotionally challenging.
Due to the nature of CFA’s logistical coverage, a preparedness to be located in country Victoria or outer
metropolitan Melbourne is an essential requirement of the role. This is a topic you will need to consider and
discuss with your partner, family and friends.
4
CFA Firefighter Position Description
Please note that the role of a Recruit Firefighter does not require technical knowledge to which this description
refers. Recruit Firefighters acquire this knowledge during the training course.
Position Title:
Firefighter
Reports to: Leading Firefighter, Officer
Incumbent:
N/A
Position Reporting to this position
NIL
Primary Purpose of the Position:
Provide a high standard of emergency response, including a proactive approach to risk
management, within a professional integrated career/volunteer emergency service.
Key Result Areas:
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Provide competent response capability to emergency situations consistent with the
training and experience in a firefighting position.
Under supervision assist, or within their competence, conduct training and
education sessions for Volunteer, Career Personnel and the Community.
Perform minor maintenance on operational equipment and in other areas as agreed
between the parties.
Undertake risk management duties within their competence as required.
Provide support to and establish and maintain an effective working relationship with
volunteer personnel.
Carry out administrative duties.
Establish an effective customer service relationship with the community and
industry.
Under supervision, provide operational support as required.
Establish and maintain a level of competence appropriate to the position.
Key Selection Criteria:
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Have demonstrated the requisite skills, behaviour and competencies, including the
Australian Fire Competencies, to meet the requirements of the position.
Meet the entrance requirements for the position.
Ability to work under adverse circumstances e.g. heights, confined spaces, heat and poor
visibility.
Possess good communication and interaction skills.
Other Relevant Information:
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Position could involve shift work, may require working in hostile environments and may also
be physically, mentally and emotionally demanding.
Incumbent may be required to perform duties outside of normal working hours
All employees are responsible for both their own and co-workers health and safety in
accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985.
On a voluntary basis, maintain a level of physical fitness commensurate with the position.
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Employment Conditions
Career Firefighters are covered by a Federal Award and a Certified Agreement. Please refer to the CFA
recruitment website for current pay rates.
Hours of Work:
On completion of the Recruit Training Course, CFA Career Firefighters work day shift as designated by the
Officer in Charge (OIC) of the station. The day shift roster ‘Z shift’ normally comprises of a 4-day roster, with
the hours of duty between 8:00am and 6:00pm.
The move to a rotating shift will generally not occur until after successful completion of the probationary period
and is decided by the Officer in Charge.
Career Firefighters on a rotating shift work a 10/14 shift roster. Two day shifts in a row from 8:00am – 6:00pm
(10 Hours); followed by two night shifts in a row, from 6:00pm – 8:00am (14 Hours); followed by four days off.
Superannuation:
If you are successful in becoming a career firefighter, you will become a member of the Emergency Service
Superannuation Scheme (ESSS). This is a defined benefit superannuation fund which you contribute
according to the rate you nominate on your superannuation form. CFA also makes contributions to the fund at
a level determined by your personal contribution rate and by the fund actuary.
You may also voluntarily make contributions to the ESSS Plan Scheme. These contributions are kept in a
separate account, where they accrue interest at a rate declared annually by the fund.
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Recruitment Process
CFA Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy ensure that the selection of positions is through fair and
open competition based on principles of merit.
How to Apply
1. Read the contents of this guide and the other supportive material provided on the Career Firefighter
pages of the CFA website and ensure you understand the requirements of the recruitment process and
the role.
2. Complete the online application – guide to applying page 16
3. If you meet the minimum requirements, your application details will be reviewed and placed on our
database.
Why am I required to have an email address?
Some correspondence between CFA and applicants will be conducted by email. You will need to have regular
access to a computer and email address. Applicants without a computer and/or internet access can register
using computers available at local libraries and internet cafes. If you do not have access to an email address
there are a number of free facilities where you can sign up for a free email account with e.g. Yahoo http://mail.yahoo.com you may ask a friend or relative to use their email account. There may be times where
you would like the corresponding information to be private.
Can I attach a resume, cover letter, license or additional information to my application?
You may attach one document to the application. It must be in Word (doc or docx) or Adobe (pdf) format and
must be no larger than 2MB. File names should be all one word with no spaces and contain no numbers
or symbols. Please ensure the size of your scanned license is not large.
How much employment history should I include in my resume?
List your complete employment history starting with your most recent employment. List all positions held
including military experience; part-time / seasonal and or volunteer work. Do not omit any employers. Please
explain any gaps in employment. You must include job related details on the application form even if you have
included in your resume.
Can I edit or update information on my online application?
Please contact the Career Firefighter Recruitment team on (03) 9262 8249 or via email on
ffrecruitment@cfa.vic.gov.au to change any relevant details.
What are the minimum requirements?
To be eligible to apply for the role of Career Firefighter you must possess and be able to demonstrate the
following skills, attributes and requirements:
 Licence
You must have a non-probationary manual driver’s licence at the time of application.
You must be prepared and able to gain a Heavy Rigid drivers licence prior to the commencement of the recruit
training course.
 Citizenship
You must be an Australian Citizen or have been granted Permanent Residency in Australia, or must have
unrestricted work entitlements as defined by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. You must also
have documentary proof of these rights. Separate conditions apply for New Zealand citizens with Australian
work rights and 444 Visa holders. To be eligible to apply for the role you must also reside in Australia.
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Recruitment Process continued
 Police Offences
You must be prepared to authorise a National Police Record Check prior to a job offer.
The following are offences which are of particular relevance to this role and CFA and in most cases will result in your application not
being accepted:
Arson and Fire Setting, Sexual Offences, Dishonesty e.g. – Theft, Burglary, Fraud Deception – obtaining advantage by deception,
making false declarations, Violent crimes and crimes against the person, False alarm raising; and Malicious damage and destruction of
property, Trafficking of narcotic substances, Conspiracy.
Note: Other serious Offences listed on a criminal record will result in a request to seek additional information
(e.g. serious driving offences). It is the Applicants’ responsibility to have a conversation with a member of the
recruitment team if there are any discoverable issues, past, present or future regarding your Police check.
This discussion should occur early in the recruitment process. This form can be downloaded from the Career
Firefighting section on the CFA website under Forms and Guides. Applicants should fill this form out and
return it to the recruitment team as soon as possible for review.
 Ability to Relocate
Applicants must be prepared to locate into any of the CFA integrated stations at the completion of the 16week recruit course. Usually recruits are provided with a list of nominated station locations during the recruit
course. Recruits then nominate their order of preference. Although the individual’s preferences are taken into
consideration, CFA ultimately makes placement decisions based on logistical need.

Medical Clearance
The Medical Clearance form, that includes a declaration by your medical practitioner, is a mandatory part of
the application process. It clears the state of your health to undertake the physically demanding elements of
the recruitment process. This is not a pre-employment medical check, this will occur during the final stages of
the recruitment process.
A thorough pre-employment medical is organised by CFA prior to all job offers. Applicants must be deemed fit
for the duties as a Career Firefighter by a CFA nominated, qualified medical practitioner.
 Fitness Testing
The physical assessments are undertaken as they simulate the physical and ability requirements of a Career
Firefighter. Firefighting can be a physically and emotionally demanding job.
Tasks can include dragging hoses, climbing ladders or hauling equipment up steep inclines, therefore an
adequate level of strength, fitness and endurance is mandatory. Failure at any of the activities that are part of
the Challenge Test will result in failure to progress to the next stage.
Unless you have been following a regular and structured fitness regime, this stage of the process will prove
extremely physically demanding. If you have any physical or medical conditions that may affect your ability to
perform in this role it is advised to have a confidential discussion with a member of the Career Firefighter
recruitment team before submitting your application or in the early stages of the recruitment process. This may
avoid disappointment at the end of the process.
Ensure you have printed or saved the Physical Assessment & Information Guide provided on the Career
Firefighting pages of the CFA website, and are using it to assist you in preparing.
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Recruitment Process Chart
Submission of Career Firefighter application is via
Career Firefighting page of CFA website
Beep
Testing
If unsuccessful, application ends.
Applicants must reapply to commence another application.
If successful, beep test result is valid for six months.
Aptitude
Testing
If unsuccessful, application ends.
Applicants must reapply to commence another application.
Once successfully completed, applicants move onto the next stage.
Screening
Interview
If not recommended, application ends.
Applicants must reapply to commence another application.
If recommended recently previous applicants may not have to re-sit the
screening interview in future applications.
Physical
Challenge
If unsuccessful, application ends.
Applicants must reapply to commence another application.
If successful, physical challenge result is valid for 12 months.
Personality
Profile (CPI)
Once completed and it is recent,
Applicants do not have to re-sit the same profile questionnaire.
Senior Panel
Interview
If not recommended, application ends.
Applicants must reapply to commence another application.
CFA
Medical
Reference Checks
Police Check
Operational
Approval
Employment
Offer
Recruit Course
9
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read all the following questions, as there may be important information relevant to you.
The Application Process

Should I submit a copy of my resume with my application?
Yes, as indicated you should attach an up-to-date and legible copy of your resume with your online
application which includes a scanned copy of your current driver’s license.

I am not sure when to bring a Medical Clearance Form
Once you have received an invitation to attend the Beep Test that is the trigger to go and visit your
doctor. A copy of this form is provided to you with your Beep Test invitation. This form is also available
to download from the Career Firefighting section of the CFA website under Forms and Guides.

I don’t have a copy of my birth certificate or passport, can I still apply?
YES. You will be asked to prove your Australian Citizenship or eligibility to work permanently in
Australia at the time of being interviewed. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all relevant
documentation. You will also be asked to prove your identification at each test stage of the process; by
displaying your driver’s licence.

I am a New Zealand Citizen, what documentation do I need to submit?
If you are a New Zealand Citizen and you are eligible to work in Australia; you will still need proof of
eligibility to work permanently in Australia. You must also currently reside in Australia. If you haven’t
already, you will need to contact the immigration department to obtain proof of your 444 visa which all
New Zealand citizens must have to confirm rights to work.
Educational Requirements

What level of education do I need to be a Career Firefighter?
There are no current minimum educational requirements to become a Career Firefighter. All applicants
simply need to meet the minimum benchmark of the Aptitude Testing, benchmarked at Year 11
standard.

What subjects can I study to become a Career Firefighter?
There are no specific subjects that CFA recommends applicants to study. You should ensure that you
have a broad education including literacy and numeracy. You should also have a good aptitude for
Mechanical Reasoning. In addition applicants will need to demonstrate teamwork, dealing with people
from a diverse range of backgrounds and a developed customer service ethic.

Can studying Fire Technology help my chances at securing a position?
Such courses are not a pre-requisite for the recruitment process. However an education background in
Fire Technology may assist you in demonstrating the value that you could bring to the organisation due
to the material studied. Subjects studied during such a course do not equate to exemptions from any
subjects studied during the Recruit course. All recruits regardless of their knowledge and experience
complete the entire 16 week course.
The Recruitment Process


I have previously applied; do I have to do all benchmarks again?
If you have successfully met the Aptitude Testing benchmark from 2005 onwards you will not be
required to undergo the tests again. However, all applicants will need to complete the Beep Test again
early in the recruitment process, as Beep Test results are only valid for six months. Previous applicants
may undergo a separate assessment process if some of their recently passed benchmarks are still
valid. Information about what benchmarks will be required will be communicated to previous applicants
as they advance each stage.
What if I am moving house during the recruitment process?
If you move house or any of the information supplied in your application changes, it is your
responsibility to advise Career Firefighter Recruitment, to prevent delays in correspondence. You can
contact the Career Firefighter Recruitment by email ffrecruitment@cfa.vic.gov.au or by telephone on
(03) 9262 8249.
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
Are there any age restrictions?
No. However, you must have a full manual driver’s licence at the time of applying (non-probationary).

Is there a closing date for applications?
Yes, there will be a closing date for each database that is open. The closing date will be advertised on
the Career Firefighting page of the CFA website in advance of it occurring. For previous applicants
entry onto the database will be decided on the information provided and whether it has enhanced their
application.

How is my application being assessed?
All applications are assessed through fair and open competition based on principles of merit. Not only
do you have to meet the criteria stated, you may need to exceed the criteria to be competitive against
other applicants and advance to the next stage. If you are recommended after final interview your
whole application will be reviewed alongside other candidates.

As a previous applicant, why do I have to provide additional information?
If you are a previous applicant in addition to the information you supplied during your original
application, you will be assessed against the information you have submitted outlining what you have
achieved to improve your application since your last attempt. A section is provided on the online form.
Please include any additional information you believe is relevant with your application. Career
Firefighter Recruitment may follow up on some of the information provided in order to clarify its
relevance to the role. Previous applicants will need to show grounds that their new application includes
enough new information to warrant reconsideration.

Once my application has been submitted, how long does it take to complete the assessments?
The timeline between some of the stages may be a matter of 2-8 weeks in some circumstances and
you will need to think about how you will manage the time commitments with your employer. The entire
assessment process can potentially take several months; depending on CFA’s scheduled recruit
courses. If you pass any of the required minimum benchmarks of the application sessions but are not
progressed to the next stage in that intake you will remain on the database and be in consideration for
the following recruitment process.

What can I do to prepare for the aptitude assessment?
CFA uses general ability tests to assess your verbal, numerical and mechanical reasoning. You can
prepare by brushing up on basic Maths and English taught in secondary school. If you would like to
know more about psychometric assessments there are many resources at bookstores and local
libraries. Make sure you have read through the Aptitude Preparation Guide provided on our
webpage. One supplier of aptitude tests produces a publication entitled ‘Practice Now’ – or ‘More
Practice Now’ available online for around $35-$38.00. https://shop.acer.edu.au/acershop/group/0864314175

What is the PERSONALITY PROFILE?
On the same day as your Challenge Test you will be required to complete a psychological
questionnaire. This provides another opportunity for applicants to describe themselves to us. It is one
part of the evaluation process to ensure that we select those who are most suited to the role of a
Career Firefighter. Career Firefighters require skills and attitudes such as (but not limited to) teamwork,
interpersonal skills for dealing with the community and good situational judgement in emergencies. The
instrument used by CFA is called California Psychological Inventory (CPI).

How do I obtain a copy of the Beep Test?
Copies of the beep test can be bought from http://shop.ausport.gov.au/
You can also download a version via the internet.
You can also download the beep test from the Australian
http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/campaigns/fitness/techniques
Army
website
at
It is recommended that you do not limit your physical preparation to only running the beep test and your
preparation comprises cardiovascular and upper body strength training. In particular it is important to
have forearm and hand strength required to effectively perform in the role and during the Challenge
test.
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
Do I need to have a truck licence to be a Career Firefighter?
You do not need a heavy rigid (truck) licence to apply for the recruitment process. Successful
applicants are required to obtain their heavy rigid licence prior to the commencement of their recruit
course. Successful applicants required to obtain their HR licence will be reimbursed for the costs
associated with obtaining the license up to $1,200.00. Only applicants who needed to obtain the
licence after the verbal offer has been made will be eligible for reimbursement.

If my application is unsuccessful, can I apply again?
As there is a considerable financial commitment by CFA to complete a recruitment process and strong
time commitment required from applicants, previous applicants will need to demonstrate an
improvement before being reconsidered. This may require improvement in more than just one area e.g.
studying to improve literacy and numeracy or improving your strength and fitness.
Be holistic in your research and preparation for the role of a Career Firefighter.
Currently there is a maximum limit of three unsuccessful attempts at any stage of the recruitment
process (e.g. three unsuccessful attempts at Final Interview or three unsuccessful attempts at the Beep
Test).

How long can I remain in consideration?
Some applicants may experience interruptions to the flow of their process due to number of recruit
courses commencing. Recruit courses are determined by logistical need. Applicants will remain in the
recruitment process until they have been deemed unsuccessful or you have been offered employment.
Applicants will be advised of their status if there is a delay.
The Recruit Course

If I am successful, when will I begin the recruit course?
Details regarding the start date for upcoming recruit course/s will be communicated to applicants early
in each recruitment process.

Where does the recruit course take place?
Recruit courses take place at the CFA Training College located at Fiskville, outside of Ballan. Courses
are conducted according to operational workforce planning requirements.

What happens during the recruit course?
The course comprises intensive practical and theoretical instruction that prepares recruits for
performing the responsibilities of a Career Firefighter. Assignments and tests are used to assess
recruits’ competency for subjects. Recruits must attain the required benchmark in all assessed areas.

What are the hours of the recruit course?
The course is live-in Monday to Friday at the CFA Training College, Fiskville. The daily hours vary
according to the training schedule but will not exceed 38 hours per week. If the course is held during
any public holidays, recruits will be required to attend (as all Career Firefighters work public holidays).

How many applicants are on a recruit course?
The number of recruits on each course varies according to organisational requirements. Typically it can
range from 20 – 25 recruits.
I am a Volunteer

I am a Volunteer and have completed minimum skills training. If I am successful do I have to do
the entire recruit course?
Yes, you would have to complete the entire course. It is important that all recruits are trained in the
same method / using the same material and to the same level.
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Conditions of Employment

Do I get to choose which station I will work at?
Similarly to organisations such as Victoria Police and the Armed Forces, you will have the opportunity
to advise CFA of your preferences for location during the recruit course. However, as CFA is a statewide service and requires Career Firefighters in many areas of Victoria, specific locations of
employment are dependant upon where the demand for vacancies arises. A list of Integrated fire
stations is available on the CFA website. Career Firefighters can be redeployed to locations within
Victoria in accordance with the Chief Officer’s requirements. Subsequent moves after the initial
placement are at the discretion of the individual and subject to suitable vacancies arising.

Is there any assistance from CFA if I have to relocate?
Assistance is available from CFA should a recruit be required to change their residential location as a
result of their initial station placement. Details of this assistance are made available during the
orientation phase of the recruit course and are subject to change. Currently up to $5,500 is made
available for those who have to relocate as a result of their initial placement. Relocation assistance for
subsequent moves after the first placement is quite comprehensive and information is provided to staff
in the Relocation Assistance Policy.

How much annual leave does a Career Firefighter receive?
Career Firefighters receive 9 weeks rostered annual leave per year taken in two block periods. Annual
leave is accrued at a faster rate for Career Firefighters due to working a 48 hours in an 8 day roster.

Is there a probationary period?
Ongoing employment is subject to satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period. This
includes the four month training course and concludes on station.
13
Benchmark Requirements
Physical Assessment Tests
Trained physical assessors are involved in conducting the physical assessment sections of the recruitment
process. The purpose of the physical assessment benchmarks is to provide a method by which the CFA can
assess whether applicants have the minimum physical capacity required of a Career Firefighter in an
emergency situation. The assessment is designed to replicate, as near as practicable, the physical
requirements of key tasks and functions encountered at emergency operations.
Beep Test (Multi Stage Shuttle Run – 20 Metres)
In order for applicants to successfully progress through the physical fitness assessment they must reach the
level 9-6 on the beep test.
This test has been selected as the most appropriate measure of an applicant’s cardio vascular fitness due to
its face and predictive validity. This task also measures: Cardiovascular – Muscular Strength – Muscular
Endurance – Muscular Power. There is currently a requirement to successfully run the beep test at least 3
times during the 16 week recruit Course.
Note: Only those with a successful pass of this assessment will continue on to the aptitude test stage.
Aptitude Testing
What are Aptitude Tests?
The Psychometric Aptitude Tests that will be used during the recruitment process are designed to measure a
number of abilities. The tests will look at an applicants ability to think and reason using words and language
(verbal reasoning) ability to think and reason using numbers (numerical reasoning) and the ability to visualise
the relationship between moving parts in space (mechanical reasoning).
The results from the abilities tests will be used to assess how well an individual will be able to deal with the
intellectual demands of the recruit course. The course requires recruits to learn and retain a number of key
skills over a short intensive period of time. An appropriate benchmark has been set and those who
successfully make it through this stage have attained an overall score that is in the average range or better.
. Achieving the benchmark is necessary for an applicant to progress through to the next stage of the
recruitment process. Your result from the abilities test is however reviewed alongside others in the final stages
of the recruitment process. Please see the Aptitude Preparation Guide provided on the Career Firefighting
pages of the CFA website.
Screening Interview
All applicants need to be recommended at a Screening Interview before attending the Challenge Test stage of
the process. The 20 - 30 minute interview is a smaller version of the Final Interview. Applicants will need to
prepare appropriately for this stage. The Screening Interview is a panel interview, usually consisting of (1)
Operational Staff member and a Career Firefighter Recruitment team member. The theme of the questioning is
around the applicants understanding of the organisation, the role and how well the individual can respond to
behavioural based questions. Applicants will need to talk fluently about, skills, experiences and have detailed
specific examples that back up their responses. Where possible, interviews are scheduled in CFA locations for
convenience of the applicants.
Challenge Test
The Challenge Test is designed to assess an applicant’s endurance, upper body strength, flexibility, balance,
dexterity and ability to follow instructions on a series of basic physical firefighter tasks.
Applicants are required to wear suitable clothing and footwear; e.g. good quality work boots that allow for
strenuous physical activity. Participants will then be provided with standard CFA protective clothing. For safety
reasons runners are not acceptable.
It is essential for applicants to read the Physical Assessment Information Guide and view the Challenge
footage available on the Career Firefighting page of the CFA website
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Final Interview
The Final Interview requires applicants to have a good level of understanding of the job and the organisation
for which they would like to work for. Applicants will need to have a thorough understanding of their own skill
set and attributes, particularly those relevant to the role (transferable skills).
In regards to applicants using notes during the final interview, this will be permitted however It is preferable
that applicants’ delivery style at interview is as natural as possible. If the notes distract the applicant from the
flow of the interview or the applicant is simply reading from them, the applicant will be asked to remove the
notes. Given the nature of behavioural questioning it is unlikely that detailed notes will assist you. If an
applicant wishes to use a notes page, please ensure it in point form and relied on only as a memory jogger.
Panel members are looking for answers that are honest – unrehearsed and natural.
Referee Checks and Police Checks
The recruitment team will not commence referee checks or police record checks until the final stage of the
recruitment process.
Applicants will be informed prior to final checks commencing. An update sheet is provided prior to final
interview and applicants have the opportunity to update referee details on this sheet. Applicants should make
sure referees are aware that they may be contacted at this point.
Prior to the Final Interview applicants will complete a National Police Check form to enable CFA to conduct a
Records check.
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Important Information
General Instructions
1. Read these instructions entirely before completing the online application form to ensure that you can
satisfy all requirements. You will need to complete each section of the online form before advancing
onto the next stage.
2. ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE ALL THE SUPPORTING INFORMATION BEFORE STARTING THE
APPLICATION e.g. you will need you driver’s license number for identification purposes and a “soft”
copy of your RESUME including DRIVERS LICENSE in scanned format.
3. It is not possible to save and come back to an incomplete application form; therefore you will be
required to fill out the complete application online in one sitting.
4. Only arrange to see your doctor regarding the Medical Clearance to Participate form after you have
been invited to beep testing. This signed and completed form MUST be brought to the Beep Test
session.
5. Please ensure you have read through the privacy statement on the first screen of the online application
and read the Medical Clearance to Participate form.
6. Applicants are required to submit an up-to-date to copy of your resume with their application. Please
ensure that you submit a clear and legible copy. Your resume should include all of your work history.
7. An email will be sent to you confirming receipt of your application once submitted. Once your
application is reviewed you will receive a second email notifying you of your application status.
8. If any of the details included on your application change please notify Career Firefighter Recruitment
via email ffrecruitment@cfa.vic.gov.au or by phone (03) 9262 8249.
Applying Online
Section 1 – System Verification
1.
2.
3.
4.
Tick the box if you agree to the application conditions
Ensure that you fill in your first and last name in the order indicated.
Your driver’s licence number is a mandatory requirement. Ensure the number is entered correctly.
In the appropriate boxes indicate if you are prepared to be located at any CFA integrated station in
Victoria. This is a pre-requisite for the role. Selecting ‘No’ will result in your application not progressing
any further.
Section 2 – Personal Details
1. Populate the personal detail section.
2. If you are unsure about your ability to work permanently in Australia you will need to have this verified
with the Department of Immigration before applying.
Section 3 – Applicant Details
1. Please answer Yes or No to the questions in this section and clarify your answer in the space provided
as required. Please detail your volunteer number in the VOLUNTEER BRIGADE box if applicable.
Section 4 – Employment Details
1. Please answer Yes or No to the questions in this section and clarify your answer in the space provided.
2. In the employer details section please provide your employment history commencing with your current
employment status first. Be sure to include all relevant details including your employers’ name, location
and your job title. Further detailed information regarding your work history should be provided in your
resume.
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Section 5 – Referee Information & Final Checks
1. Please provide the names and contact details of a minimum of two professional work based referees.
(Referees that acted in a supervisory capacity are required)
2. Ensure that you have provided accurate referee information including current contact details. Also
confirm with your referee that they are happy for you to provide their information. Do not provide written
references. Referees are only contacted at the conclusion for the recruitment process.
3. If you are a Volunteer Firefighter (or ex-Volunteer) you are also required to undergo a CFA Volunteer
reference check. Details on the CFA referee requirements will be outlined during the final stages of the
process.
4. It is recommended that if you are concerned about an issue relevant to the Police Check or Medical
Check that you contact one of the Recruitment Consultants to have a confidential discussion before
submitting your application. We may give you a Voluntary Disclosure form to complete prior to
applying.
Candidate Declaration Form
Read ALL of the statements carefully and ensure that you have a complete understanding of the expectations
that will be placed on you as you proceed through the recruitment process.
1. Sign and Date the declaration.
Medical Clearance to Participate Form
You will be sent a Medical Clearance to Participate form when you are invited to the beep testing. It is also
available on the Career Firefighting section of the CFA website under Forms and Guides.
Only arrange to see your medical doctor to complete this form when you have been invited to beep testing.
You do need to send this form to us as you can bring it along to your Beep Test. Failure to do so will void your
application. Due to the large numbers of applications, we may not be able to re-schedule your beep test if you
forget your forms.
Before submitting your application
Double check that you have done the following:
□ Organised a current scanned copy of your resume with DRIVER LICENSE
□ Informed and been given consent to disclose the names and contact details of your referees
□ Followed up with Career Firefighter Recruitment any issues relevant to the Police Check or Medical
Check or working Visa requirements
Police Check
Due to the nature of this role a National Police Check is mandatory. It is advisable for applicants with prior
criminal offence history or any pending charges to contact Career Firefighter Recruitment team before
commencing or very early in the recruitment process. All discussions will be held in confidence and may assist
in avoiding disappointment if a concern is discovered at the end of the recruitment process. A Voluntary
Disclosure form may be required to seek further information.
Supplementary Information
CFA is committed to providing a safe working environment for all employees. CFA must also ensure that
employees are capable of performing their duties in a safe manner. The position description provides you with
information about the position, duties and tasks involved. Any issue or medical condition that might affect your
ability to perform these duties or that may affect your safety or compromise the safety of others should be
discussed with one of the recruiters early in the recruitment process.
In some cases the applicant may be referred to the CFA medical practitioner for further advice. Examples of
issues that might require follow up include visual impairment, colour vision deficiency, allergies, asthma etc.
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Privacy Statement
At the beginning of the online application you will be directed to read the Privacy Statement. CFA uses the
information gathered during your application to assist the recruitment team to manage your recruitment
application. The collection and storage of the information you provide is protected under the Information
Privacy Act 2000 (Vic) and the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic). During the recruitment process only CFA
members involved in the recruitment process will have access to your information.
Successful applications will be stored in personnel files and will only be accessed by HR or Operational
Management when required.
You have a right to access the information collected, subject to some exceptions allowed by Law. If you would
like to do so or have questions relating to this statement please contact the Career Firefighter Recruitment
Manager on (03) 9262 8249.
You will be required to supply the names and telephone numbers of two referees in which CFA can contact in
relation to your application. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have informed the referee that you are
disclosing their names and telephone numbers.
Good luck with your application
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