2008 Cincinnati Fire Exam

[dmfireschool]

Fire Recruit

City of Cincinnati Job Opportunity

Open Competitive Examination
(Open to the Public and to City Employees)

FIRE RECRUIT SALARY: $34,028 annually
FIRE FIGHTER SALARY: $44,917 - $56,776 annually

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 5:00, Friday, March 14, 2008

EXAM DATE: Saturday, March 29, 2008

EXAM TIME: 9:00 a.m.

EXAM LOCATION: Duke Engergy Center, Exhibit Hall A
525 Elm Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202


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Initial sign-up will be in person beginning on
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2008, 8:00 A.M. TO 1:00 P.M.
IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
CENTENNIAL TWO, 805 CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 200, CINCINNATI, OH 45202
Thereafter, applications will be accepted at the same address
from February 19, 2008 through March 14, 2008
Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
(Office will be closed on Monday, February 18th for Presidents’ Day)

APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY ONLINE
Online application available beginning Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at 8:00 a.m.
http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/noncms/hr/apps/firerecruit

NOTE: Do not apply online if you do not have an email address.
Email addresses are required in order for you to receive your confirmation page and ID#.

Once you submit your application online you will be directed to a page that shows the information you submitted and it will also have an assigned ID#. Please print out this page and bring it with you to the exam along with a driver’s license or a picture ID. This page with your ID# will be your admittance into the exam.

PLEASE SUBMIT ONLINE APPLICATION ONLY ONCE
If you need any corrections made, additions or just want to verify receipt of your application,
please call LaWanda Johnson at (513) 352-6219

AN EXAM INFORMATION GUIDE WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE TIME
OF SIGN-UP OR MAY BE DOWNLOADED FROM THE CITY'S
INTERNET SITE http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cityhr/pages/-4270-/.
TIES ON EXAM SCORES ARE BROKEN BY TIME STAMP OF APPLICATION.
( NOTE: The time that you submit your application online will be used as your time stamp.)


FIRE RECRUIT PROCESS REQUIREMENTS

MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT: Applicants must be 18 years of age by the test date (March 29, 2008).

MAXIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT: Applicants may not have reached their 37th birthday by the date of appointment (no exceptions). The Fire Department projects that the class will begin October 2008.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Must possess a high school diploma or GED by March 29, 2008.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Candidates need not be a City of Cincinnati or Hamilton County resident to apply. Appointees must be Hamilton County residents by their date of appointment and maintain Hamilton County residency for length of employment.

CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENT: Must be a United States citizen or applying for United States citizenship by closing date for sign-up.

DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIREMENT: Applicants must have possessed a valid driver's license for at least one year. Applicants must show their valid drivers license or valid state picture I.D. at the written exam as well as at each subsequent portion of the test as positive identification. A valid driver’s license is required by the polygraph exam and a valid Ohio driver’s license is required 30 days after appointment.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must be in excellent physical condition and pass a physical ability test. Must satisfactorily complete a rigid background investigation, which includes a polygraph examination. Applicants must be free from alcohol and drug dependency and possess emotional stability due to the sensitive and stressful nature of the position of a Firefighter.


FIRE RECRUIT PROCESS INFORMATION

APPLICATIONS: Applications must be filed no later than the stated closing date of March 14, 2008.
Applications are subject to approval of the Civil Service Commission.

EXAMINATION: Candidates must successfully pass a written exam (picture I.D. required) which will be administered on Saturday, March 29, 2008. Top scorers on the written exam will be asked to participate in the remaining portions of the process which are pass/fail:
· Physical ability test
· Extensive background investigation (including work, credit, and criminal history as well as drug usage).
· Intensive polygraph examination
· A complete medical examination including 8 panel drug screen (if offered employment)

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: One year. At the conclusion of the probationary period, Fire Recruits must be able to successfully perform as Firefighters and must be certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). The EMT certification must be maintained as a condition of employment.

CREDIT FOR MILITARY SERVICE: Special credit for honorable military service is given only to Ohio residents who achieve a passing score on the examination. Non-disabled veterans receive five points additional credit and a disabled veteran shall receive an additional credit of ten points. A copy of your DD214 must be submitted to receive credit.

CURRENT ADDRESS: It is your responsibility to keep the Civil Service Commission and Fire Department Recruiters informed of your current address and telephone number.

JOB INFORMATION

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Each Fire Recruit is assigned to the Cincinnati Fire College Training and Personnel Bureau for training as a Firefighter (which will include emergency medical training). Each Recruit must successfully complete all phases of the training necessary to qualify as a Firefighter. Once qualified and classified as Firefighter, he/she is assigned to a fire company and will respond to all emergency alarms, assist in the saving of lives and property, and in extinguishing fires.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – EXAMPLES OF REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Illustrative only. Any one position may not require all of the listed KSAs nor do the listed examples include all the KSAs which may be required.)

To qualify for a Fire Recruit, an applicant needs knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
· Human relations; customer service.
· Reading comprehension.
· Written and oral communication, including word usage, spelling, and grammar.
· Basic math; mechanical and deductive reasoning.
· Evaluating situations/decision making.
· Following directions/orders.

After successful completion of 24 weeks of paid training, to qualify as a Firefighter a candidate needs knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
· Fire fighting tactics and procedures.
· Fire fighting apparatus and equipment.
· Procedures for handling hazardous chemicals.
· First aid procedures and rescue operations.
· Fire prevention codes and building codes.
· Emergency medical techniques.
· Function effectively under stressful conditions.
· Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
· Utilize fire fighting apparatus and equipment.


NOTE: The information gathered during this selection process is used to make employment decisions. All information gathered may be subject to public disclosure under the Ohio Freedom of Information Law. This includes the polygraph and background investigation results.

For a detailed description of each step of the exam process
and projected timelines, see the Exam Information Guide.




CONTACT PERSON: Debra F. Schoenig, 513.352.5370

City of Cincinnati, Human Resources Department
Two Centennial Plaza, Suite 200, 805 Central Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45202

TDD: 513.352.2419

Announcement Number: 26

Date Issued: February 16, 2008


“Applications for City positions are considered public records under Ohio’s Public Records Act. As a public record, applications maintained by the City shall be made available to any person requesting to view them.”

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Reasonable Accommodation for the Qualified People with disabilities.
Please self-identify at the time of application and at employment interviews.


Exam prep for the Cincinnati fire exam can be found at the link below.
http://www.fireprep.com/cincinnati_firefighter.html


www.fireprep.com
1-800-989-FIRE

[FFYagour88]

any one know how many guys they are hiring

[FFYagour88]

i heard a class of 20-25

[Macari]

How long will this list be usend for?

anyone know what the city and the department are like?

Thanks

[FFYagour88]

i have heard like any city there are good parts and there are bad but the dept has alot of history behind it. it was the 1st full time paid in the nation

[CarnyTheKid]

Cincinnati as a whole is a good department. They have 26 fire stations, 26 Engine Companies, 12 Truck Companies, 2 Rescue Squad Companies, 6 BLS Ambulances, and 4 ALS Ambulances. There are over 800 uniformed employees with the department. They work a 24 on 48 hours off schedule with a day off every 7th shift (Kelly Day). They have a minimum manning of 4 on all fire apparatus. As a whole I think the city averages about one fire per day.

Recently in the news a study was done on their ambulances and how they don't have enough. Because of this study many people called the local news channel about the time they called and either had to wait an extended period for an ambulance or one never came. Because of that the Chief proposed hiring an additional 51 firefighters and adding 4 more ambulances. There has been talk for a few years of making all the ambulances ALS with 1 EMT and 1 Paramedic. At this time there is new requirement to be a paramedic. As of riding the ambulance or rescue (ALS) ambulance you are required to do so once a month. You ride the entire 24 hour shift. The ALS ambulances are considered permanent spots and are only filled with other paramedics when those permanently assigned to it take time off. If there is a vacancy on one of these and no one on the department puts in a transfer for the spot, the least senior paramedic gets assigned to that unit for what is supposed to be no more than a year.

Recruit school lasts about 6 months and you will come out certified as a Firefighter II, EMT-Basic, and a Fire Safety Inspector. All are required to keep your job. While in Recruit school you will be paid every 2 weeks at the rate of pay if you were making 34,028 dollars per year. Once you graduate you are bumped up to the 44,917 range. It takes 4 years to top out as a firefighter. There is also certification pay for EMT and Paramedic. I don't have the actual numbers but for EMT add an additional 3,000 and Paramedic add additional 6,000 to the base salary.

[burg1244]

Thanks for the info guys

[formerbuckeye]

i took the cincy test in 2004, came out #24 overall, was an ohio ff II and paramedic......and not hired

[FFYagour88]

i took the cincy test in 2004, came out #24 overall, was an ohio ff II and paramedic......and not hired

why did they not hire you and where do you work now

[formerbuckeye]

why did they not hire you and where do you work now

i have no idea why they didnt hire me...i went through all the hoops and passed em all. i work in the dc metro area now and it is by far better than ohio on so many levels

[Firemedic515]

i took the cincy test in 2004, came out #24 overall, was an ohio ff II and paramedic......and not hired

I took the 2006 test and scored #19 overall (out of roughly 1600 candidates). I was also an OH FFII and Paramedic...and not hired. I'm also now working in the DC Metro area. Love It!

[formerbuckeye]

I also took the test in 2004 and scored #19 overall (out of roughly 1600 candidates). I was also an OH FFII and Paramedic...and not hired. I'm also now working in the DC Metro area. Love It!

small world

[CarnyTheKid]

Unfortunately having certifications does not make a difference with being picked for hire. They are going to train you in EMT, Firefighter II, and Fire Safety Inspector regardless if you are already certified or not. If you are certified you won't have to sit for the state certification test. They need paramedics but so far haven't figured out that hiring them instead of paying for their school is much cheaper. There was talk that you would be required to be an EMT from a study performed on the fire department by an outside agency but there were fears that it would keep minorities from applying.

[CarnyTheKid]

I also took the test in 2004 and scored #19 overall (out of roughly 1600 candidates). I was also an OH FFII and Paramedic...and not hired. I'm also now working in the DC Metro area. Love It!

How manageable do you find the cost of living and housing with your salary?

[FFYagour88]

does anybody no for sure how many they are hiring

[FFYagour88]

how many are taking the test

[FireLT23]

Hopefully not alot, better chances for us.

[Firemedic515]

I recall approximately 1600 that sat for the '06 test. I think they took the top 300 or so for the physical agility test.

[FireLT23]

Does anyone know what their retirement is like? Is it 20 and out or 25, and at what percent? Human Resouces couldn't answer the question.

[CarnyTheKid]

25 years and you must be 48 years of age to collect your pension. At 25 it is 62%. At 33 years it is 70% which is your maximum. They also have the DROP program which I am not going to explain but it keeps firefighters on the job up to an additional 8 years after they retire and pays out a large lump sum. This has caused hiring to slow dramatically in Cincinnati over the last few years.

[FireLT23]

Thanks for the info on the retirement.

[detroitfire1552]

I am heading down there from detroit... anyone else in my area going??? Probably cheaper on gas if we get a group to go 1 car... let me know... I am also going to boston for the written in a couple weeks...

[FireLT23]

Good luck to all that are testing. See you next week.

[Macari]

Anyone know what the hotel is best to stay at for people coming from out of town that is cheap, and close?

[FFYagour88]

so what did everyone think of the test? big outcome ha at least 2000+ peope id say. i wonder how many they are hiring

[Leatherlung1]

I heard that in the next two years that alot of DROP guys are getting to 8 years and are being pushed out. Any truth to that? Anyone take the Polygraph last year? How was that?

[FireLT23]

so what did everyone think of the test? big outcome ha at least 2000+ peope id say. i wonder how many they are hiring

I figured around 1400 people (13 rows, 17 tables per row and 6 people per table), but hey, that cool. LESS COMPITITION!! Test was easier than expected. Felt good about it. Hope the feeling is right. We'll see at the end of April.

[Firemedic515]

I heard that in the next two years that alot of DROP guys are getting to 8 years and are being pushed out. Any truth to that? Anyone take the Polygraph last year? How was that?

Well, I wouldn't say they are being pushed out. These are guys that want to retire and are putting themselves in a better position to do so by earning some extra money. Yes, 8 years is the maximum amount of time you can spend in the drop. Also, I think the drop originated in OH in 2003, so nobody has 8 years in yet. These guys can leave anytime though and many will probably start this year, seeing as though a lot of them have 5 years in.

[CarnyTheKid]

To further explain what the DROP means to anyone taking Cincinnati's test. The max someone can be in the DROP program is 8 years. Firemedic was right that it started in Ohio in 2003. A firefighter could "drop" as it's called, and be allowed to then continue working up to a maximum of eight years. Once that eight years is up, they must retire completely from their position. So that places the first round of eight years up in 2011. No one really knows when or how many will go since they can do so at any time. I have heard rumors for the last test and this one that they need to hire a lot in case that happens. Since the list is usually only good for 2 years, I don't look for them to hire for those 100 or so firefighters that have to retire until the next CFD test.

[Leatherlung1]

Well, I wouldn't say they are being pushed out. These are guys that want to retire and are putting themselves in a better position to do so by earning some extra money. Yes, 8 years is the maximum amount of time you can spend in the drop. Also, I think the drop originated in OH in 2003, so nobody has 8 years in yet. These guys can leave anytime though and many will probably start this year, seeing as though a lot of them have 5 years in.

Thanks for the financial plans for the retirement amoung the Cincy FD. Everyone knows that the DROP is a volunteer program.

[nusoccer21]

I took the test on the 29th. Does anyone know the length of the process and how many they are taking for the next class?

[nusoccer21]

Didi anyone here anything about the next round yet?

[FireOne21]

Has anyone heard anything about the physical test?

[Fannin]

Has anyone heard anything about the physical agility test yet?

[Hewartson47]

Has anyone heard anything about the physical agility test yet?

I believe they told us it would be 6 weeks until we had the results.

[Fannin]

Yes they said we would get the results in 6 weeks, but i thought they said the agility testing was scheduled to start April 28th?

[FireOne21]

Yes they said we would get the results in 6 weeks, but i thought they said the agility testing was scheduled to start April 28th?

They said you would get results at 5-6 weeks but if you were invited to the pat test they would notify you before of the practice date and time and the time of the pat test.

[FFYagour88]

Yes they said we would get the results in 6 weeks, but i thought they said the agility testing was scheduled to start April 28th?

may 28th i believe it is

[FireOne21]

may 28th i believe it is

The website says approx. 1 month after the written which would be April 28thish. Anyone know anything else?

[FireLT23]

It is the end of April, not May. I just got a call from HR saying I passed and set up my CPAT and polygraph for the end of this month. Good luck to the rest of you.

[solucub]

It is the end of April, not May. I just got a call from HR saying I passed and set up my CPAT and polygraph for the end of this month. Good luck to the rest of you.

CPAT schedules for 28th, 29th, 30th

Polygraphs schedules for 30th

Confirmation packets will be possibly mailed out by this upcoming Friday. Just be patient with the HR, nice folks and moving as fast as they can.

Best of luck to everyone who took the test.

[FireOne21]

It is the end of April, not May. I just got a call from HR saying I passed and set up my CPAT and polygraph for the end of this month. Good luck to the rest of you.

Congrats! Hope all goes well for you!

[DWinton]

FireLT, did HR let you know what you scored on the test, or do you know where you placed on the list?

[FireLT23]

No, HR didn't say the score or placement. She only set up the CPAT and Poly. She said that I would receive a packet in the next couple days with my score and placement.

[Mundyba]

I received a call from HR as well setting up my CPAT and Poly. Does anyone know how many people they brought back for this and what the final cut will be?

[FireCowboy1]

Thats interesting you got a call in addition to getting something in the mail. Since I'm coming from out of state, I would assume (if i am advancing) that I would hear something over the phone before I receive anything in the mail. I will be hoping I get a call from the 513 area code. Congrats LT!

[FireLT23]

Has anyone else heard anything yet?

[Leatherlung1]

I think they call all the out of towners first to give them advance time for travel. We should all be finding out real soon.

[Mundyba]

I received a call from HR yesterday setting up my CPAT and POLY. Does anyone know how many people they called back from the test? And how many they are going to take from the CPAT and POLY?

[FireCowboy1]

Just an FYI, I'm an out of stater (Indianapolis) and haven't heard anything yet

[Hewartson47]

Does anyone know if everyboby selected for the CPAT also is sent for a polygraph?

[Hewartson47]

Another question....has anyone taken Cincy's CPAT before? The recruit guide makes it seem like each event is timed seperately rather than one continuous series of events. Is this correct? Also, can anyone provide a little more insight into the self rescue station? I've never come across a station like this and cannot visulaize how they have this set-up. Thanks for your help.

[Leatherlung1]

Yea, I took it last time and its a joke man. No one can fail this test, my grandmother can pass this test. Its a trailer that has tunnels in it and you've got to go to one side and back out with a mask blacked out. Easy. So did you get your score and packet yet?

[formerbuckeye]

If it is the same one i took two rounds ago each event was timed individually. I went to a practice session by mistake the night before when i was driving to the 18's to make sure I didnt get lost, and they let me run through everything.

If they still make you pull yourself up through the floor, you may want to try it, not that its difficult, but to make sure you have sort of a 'plan' when the test comes.


ALL the women that were in my group failed the pulling themselves up through the floor event.

[FireLT23]

I talked with HR today and she said that there are practice sessions for the CPAT on Saturday 26th and sunday the 27th for anyone that wants to try it. Kinda sucks for us out of towners. But hey, what can you do.

[Leatherlung1]

Does anyone know when are scores are going to come out? Anyone get one yet?

[FireLT23]

The scores are supposed to be in the packet you will get in the mail. Packets were being sent out today.

[FireOne21]

Anyone know if the CPAT is open to anyone or just by invite?

[FireLT23]

On the self rescue station, how high up is the hole and how big is it. Can you swing your legs up into the hole to pull yourself up?

[FIREemt7]

Does anyone know if Cincinnati has a tobacco free policy? Or do they hire people that smoke or dip?

[hoss14]

I know most of these topics have been covered but just wanted to add my 2 cents. The CPAT is pretty straight forward and for the most part pretty easy. The best advice is pay attention to the directions and concentrate on what you are doing because sometimes one small mistake and you are gone for good. For the self-rescue, picture a scaffolding (probably about 5'x5') framed up with a piece of plywood on top with a hole (maybe 2'x2') cut out in the middle. The hole is about 8' of the ground with a ladder to get you started and all you do is pull yourself up through it, most people just kick their feet up and bring the rest of the body up next, pretty easy. The maze is not too bad either as long as you're not closterphobic or "afraid of the dark", neither of which would make a very good firefighter. The set-up is in the back of a semi trailer and they put a mask on you which is painted black so you can't see and you have to fell your way through a maze on your hands and knees. If it is the same as last time the practice maze and the testing maze are not the same so just get used to feeling your way around when you can't see a thing and don't worry about trying to remember the way you went through the maze. Also, the last time they scheduled your poly right after you passed the CPAT and since they only do a handful of poly's a day it may take a while to get them all done. Good luck to everyone who's still in it.

[FireLT23]

Thanks for the info Hoss14. That realy helps.

[Mundyba]

I also was called by HR and had my CPAT and POLY scheduled. How many people were called back for these tests and what are they going to narrow it down to from here?

[Hewartson47]

Thanks for the info Hoss14. That realy helps.

I second that...thank you!

[Leatherlung1]

I guess we'll get our letters Saturday for us local people.

[Mundyba]

I got a call from HR scheduling my CPAT and POLY. I was wondering if anyone knows how many people they brought back for this and how many they are gonna cut down to after??

[pd1521]

Hello All,

Any locals receive their packets yet??

[crazydave]

Did any of the locals hear anything back from Cincy this weekend?

[Mundyba]

I heard back from HR last week but I am from out of state. They scheduled me for a CPAT and POLY. Does anyone know how many people they called back and how many they are going to cut down from here?

[Leatherlung1]

So the practice for the test is this weekend and the first day of the test is Monday. Is this right?

[FireLT23]

I believe so, HR said the practice sessions were Sat 26th and Sun 27th. Testing is after that. Anyone get their packet? How did you score? I got an 88.15%

[Macari]

didnt get anything yet but im from michigan

[Mundyba]

I scored higher than a 90 on the test. Got a call scheduling my cpat and poly from HR about a week ago. Got the full packet in the mail today. Does anyone know how many people they called back and how many they are going to cut to from here?

[Leatherlung1]

LT did you get your score over the phone or in the mail?

[FireOne21]

As of today the 22nd I haven't heard anything and I live in Cincinnati... Is the practice CPAT open to anyone?

[FireLT23]

Got the score in the mail. The packet arrived yesterday. It contained my score, my appointment times for the physical ability test and the poly. Also 2 personal history questionnaires that have to be filled out and turned in at Engine 29 before you start the physical ability test. Hope the info helps.

[Leatherlung1]

Has anyone in Cincy got their scores yet?

[DWinton]

FireLT, I just got my packet today, I scored a 91.85, does anyone know how many people are invited to the agility, or where the cut off score was established? Also, any information on how many Cinci is looking to hire? Any info would be great, good luck to everyone.

[Leatherlung1]

FireLT, I just got my packet today, I scored a 91.85, does anyone know how many people are invited to the agility, or where the cut off score was established? Also, any information on how many Cinci is looking to hire? Any info would be great, good luck to everyone.

Two years ago the cut-off was 87 for the agility and 89 after that for the rest. There are alot of people at the agility pretty much all day long. The earlier your time in the day for the test the better score you got. So if you are top of the list you will be like 8 or 9a.m.

[Hewartson47]

I need advice!

I received a score or 93.33 and my appointment is 4/30 @ 1030. The way the tests were scheduled for me, I'll need to take two full days off work, remove myself from another agencies process, plus incur the expenses of a hotel and gas to drive from Michigan. All in all it will cost me about $700 to attend and that's $700 I don't really have. That being said, I'd really like to continue in the process with Cincinnati. Assuming I pass the agility and polygraph, does anyone know about where my score would place me on the eligible list? Would I have any reasonable chance to get hired with this score? (I'm a WM, non-veteran, not an ohio resident, with NREMT-P, and fire service experience). Any help will be greatly appreciated!

[Firemedic515]

I need advice!

I received a score or 93.33 and my appointment is 4/30 @ 1030. The way the tests were scheduled for me, I'll need to take two full days off work, remove myself from another agencies process, plus incur the expenses of a hotel and gas to drive from Michigan. All in all it will cost me about $700 to attend and that's $700 I don't really have. That being said, I'd really like to continue in the process with Cincinnati. Assuming I pass the agility and polygraph, does anyone know about where my score would place me on the eligible list? Would I have any reasonable chance to get hired with this score? (I'm a WM, non-veteran, not an ohio resident, with NREMT-P, and fire service experience). Any help will be greatly appreciated!

What are your chances like with the other agency?

A 93.33 will probably get you in the top 20-30. I scored a 93.38 on the '06 list and came in the top 20.

[crazydave]

Got my packet today. Scored a 93.33 and have my physical on Monday at 9:15 .

I plan on going to the practice sessions on Sat/Sun, but any advice on what I can do to get ready? I am a D1 athlete, but I am a cross country/track runner so I am little nervous about the strength side of things. Will I be ok?

Good luck to all!

[FIREemt7]

Does Cincy have a tobacco free policy or do they hire people that smoke or dip?

[headski12]

I received my 08 test score on Wednesday and will be taking the physical assessment test this coming Monday 9:00am. This is my third test which I have passed 2004 87.51, 2006 95.14 and 2008 94.91. Tests are Monday-Friday this coming week. I don’t mean to be a downer but I would not get too excited about getting invited to the phys.***.

As far as what test scores that will get an invite, it all depends on what demographics they need. I know they post exam scores for recruits that graduate the academy for about a month before the graduation ceremony, which was a while ago and they do take them down. The scores that I looked at last was in 06 and they took some people that scored a 78. something, yeah I know. However that year they only hired 5 people from my demographic and guess who would have been number 6 :(. It does not matter who you know (I have two family members in CFD one of which is a district chief). All that matters is if they need your demographic. The priority list needed in 07 was, in order of least to most needed to most needed was WM, BM, WF, OM, BF and OF.(O is other if you are not familiar).

You pretty much need to get lucky the year you take it. If I would have got a 95 in 2004 I would have been I think it was #3 over all. I do not think they publicly list everyone’s initial score, they only list the people that get into the academy because at that point you are a city employee and it is up for "public knowledge"

The original number of recruits that they where considering was 20 however within the past month they are considering 30.

They do the same thing with the police exam. My wife was in the last class 101st, she scored about 4% points under me and she went to the class I did not (and no she does not let me forget that she made it). She is not a full on police officer. I know a lot more about that process since she went through it. I would imagine the process would be the same for fire. You have between 2000 something people take the test, 350 took the physical (unbelievably people did fail), 200 are scheduled for the POLY, 75 had references and previous employers contacted, 70 had an at home interview 67 where invited to the academy and 51 graduated.


Sorry for being longwinded hope this was at least informative.

[Firemedic515]

Thanks headski. I guess that explains why I never even got a phone call after scoring top 20 on the last list. These political hiring practices are a bunch of crap. Whatever happened to hiring the most qualified candidate?

[FireLT23]

How did everyone do on the physical ability test that was scheduled for today? Was there alot of people?

[crazydave]

Took mine today at 9:15 and passed. They scheduled my poly on the spot as I was walking out for next week. There was a decent amount of people there, although there was only 4 in my group instead of the usual 6 I think. So people may have been missing out...not entirely sure though.

[CarnyTheKid]

Just FYI, there are agility tests going on all week long.

[FireLT23]

Congrats on passing. I take my test on Wednesday at 10 am.

[bw2121]

I have a question, I scored an 82.96% on the exam and it says I'm placed on some "reserve" list in the case that they may need more candidates. What is the likelyhood they would need anyone from this list? Thanks..

and congrats to anyone who did make it passed!

[crazydave]

Thanks FireLT. Do you or anyone else know what the Cincinnati poly entails?

Will it just be a verification of what I wrote on my personal history questionnaires or will it be more in depth such as why I want to join CFD etc?

This is my first time through this process so I am a little naive to the whole thing.

[FireLT23]

I'm not sure about the poly either. I'm also a first timer. Any info would be nice. But right now, I just hope I get past the physical ability test. Never took one before and I live out of state so I couldn't make the practice sessions over the weekend. Little nervous but we'll see how it goes. If I pass the physical then I take my poly on Thursday.

[crazydave]

As far as the physical goes LT, just take your time. Each event has plenty of time alloted that timing shouldn't be an issue. A couple of individual recommendations.

Event 3: Step back far enough before you turn the ladder, I saw quite a few ppl bang it against the wall.

Event 7: the self-rescue event. You have to hang first and swing yourself up. Just get your feet up on the ledge and you will be fine.

As for the other events, I didn't see many people struggle with them. They weren't too bad.


Hope this helps. Good luck.

[FireLT23]

That helps alot. I appreciate the info. If I make it to the poly on Thursday, I'll return the favor by answering your question (once I know the answer myself)

[Mundyba]

I passed my physical test on Monday. I was the first group to go and the second in my group. So I dont know if anyone failed or not but I heard one guy from my group failed. As far as the polygraph goes they have you fill out about another 20 pages or so of questions with a good amount of them being almost the same as on your questionnaire packet. There are a few questions that go a little more in depth, and prepare to be there for a while.

[Leatherlung1]

I know I'm kinda jumping the gun but time it seems kinda fast. Anyone heard something about when they plan on starting a rookie class?

[Mundyba]

I heard the first class would be by Oct. 7th

[crazydave]

Anybody gone through the poly yet?

[FIREemt7]

I over heard them talking at the registration desk during the physical agility test and they said that the next class was in October. Thats great news. Has anyone taken their poly yet. Is it just the poly with a review of your info packet or does it include finger printing, driving record check, etc..?

[FireLT23]

I took the poly on Thursday. You have another 17 page packet to fill out when you get there. And then the fun begins. Alittle nerve racking with all the gadgets hooked up to you. But it's not to bad. Just be honest.

[crazydave]

I took the poly on Thursday. You have another 17 page packet to fill out when you get there. And then the fun begins. Alittle nerve racking with all the gadgets hooked up to you. But it's not to bad. Just be honest.

Were most of the questions about what you wrote on your PHQs? Or did they ask you other questions like what would you do if you saw someone stealing and whatnot?

[Mundyba]

The questions are all yes/no answers not what would you do. They are almost exactly the same as what was on your PHQ except maybe a couple more in depth questions. He goes through the questions with you before hand and then you have to go through the test questions 3 times.

[FIREemt7]

Did you get your finger prints done the same day?

[FireLT23]

Mundyba, when you finished your poly, did they tell you anything? They only told me that the results would be graded and forwarded to the recruiting office and I should hear something from them in a few weeks. Is that the same for you? Or anyone else who took the poly.

[Mundyba]

He told me that all my answers were within the limits and that he just forwards the results to HR and then they decide on what to do from there. He said the next step is usually a physical at a doctor, but there is still a lot of people who need to go through the process is what he told me so he wasn't sure when I would hear back. Any of that sound familiar?

[crazydave]

So if I read correctly, those that successfully complete the poly are then placed on a list to be hired from? If they are chosen, then they go get a doctor's physical?

[FIREemt7]

Thats what I understand too. Only those chosen from the eligibility list will get the medical evaluation prior to being hired. Has anyone else completed the poly? How did it go?

[crazydave]

I did my poly. We filled out a 17 page PHQ again. Pretty much the same as last time. Then he basically used that to talk to me. We went through it question by question before I was hooked up. Then I guess he chose some areas he wanted to verify, b\c he had 6 specific yes/no questions for me. We went through those twice. Talked about and let me go. All in all it took about 3 hour and he said I did just fine.

How did yours go?

[fordat]

Did anyone else have to send in letters of Recommendation, High School Diploma, High School and College Transcripts?

[fordat]

Has anyone from cincy done the poly yet? And is anyone having to get letters, high school diploma, and transcripts? Just wandering if I was going thru the same steps as everyone else... thanks

[FIREemt7]

Mine went pretty much the same as yours. I'm just trying to get my letters of reccommendation, certs and transcripts together to mail back to them. Then I guess its time to sit and wait to hear from the recruiting office about list placement.

[Mundyba]

FireEMT what certs are you going to send to HR? I have a few New Jersey Certs but I heard that they really don't care about out of state certs unless you were a medic.

[Leatherlung1]

Are they not having interviews?

[FIREemt7]

I have some fire and EMT certs from Maryland. It probably won't make a difference but I'm going to send them in anyway. Also, I don't think there is going to be an interview process. I haven't heard of one or seen it in the steps anywhere. So it looks like we are done until they call us up off the list.

[buckeye135]

i got a 94 on the written and passed the agility and took my poly. i just sent my transcripts and letters of recommendation in today so all we do now is wait i guess. anyone know how many sat for the written and passed it or atleast how many were called back for the agility?

[crazydave]

The rumor was about 1500 sat for the written. Only about 300 were called back for the PAT, but for some reason almost 100 people didn't even show up for the PAT. Not sure how many passed from there.

All just hearsay though, no one seems to know what is really going on.

[FireLT23]

If the info that you have is correct, then it gives us that are remaining a pretty good shot at a job. It'll be nice to actually hear something back from them to know whats going on. But I'm sure it'll be awhile due to the amount of people that still have to take their polygraphs.

[crazydave]

Hopefully it is. I attach no claims to it though. Its just hearsay. Although I would say that there should be a pretty good chance of getting hired in the next 2 years because of the DROP program. There should be a significant amount of FFs retiring soon.

[FireLT23]

I'm not going to get my hopes up, but it would be nice to get out of the Florida HEAT. A little cooler weather ever once in a while would be nice.

[FireLT23]

Has anyone heard anything yet?

[Leatherlung1]

I heard that polys go on until June 15th. So I expect sometime late July.

[FireLT23]

Thanks for the info Leatherlung. This long wait is torture. It would just be nice to know something.

[Firemedic515]

When I took the test in '06, the process seemed to follow a similar timeline. Following the poly and pat, they contacted candidates in August for fingerprinting. The actual list wasn't certified until October and the first class started December 18th.

[Mundyba]

Where are all you guys sending your Certs. and letters of rec. to? HR?, or somewhere else?

[FireLT23]

When you passed you CPAT, the paper they gave to you with all the things you needed to gather and send in had the address of where to send your stuff. Also, if you haven't sent it in by now, I think your to late because it was supposed to be in by June 1st.

[Mundyba]

What all did they want you to send in because I never received a sheet after I passed just directions to my polygraph? Was any of it mandatory?

[FireLT23]

They wanted 3 letters of recommendation, a certified copy of your high school transcript and/or college transcript, copy of high school diploma, any certs you may have, and your e-mail address. I think that was it.

[Leatherlung1]

Anyone get there finger print letter today? Things are moving fast, good news.

[FireLT23]

Congrats on a letter. I haven't gotten one yet. When do you go back?

[crazydave]

Anyone get there finger print letter today? Things are moving fast, good news.

What did the letter say? If your getting fingerprinted does that mean your hired?

[Leatherlung1]

No, nothing about being hired. Just a background check with the FBI and credit check.

[buckeye135]

I got fingerprinted on the 15th seems to be moving right along. Anyone have any idea how many people are left?

[crazydave]

Anyone know how flexible they are with these dates? I just got my letter today saying I needed to be fingerprinted on Saturday at 7 am. Problem is, I am scheduled to be in Denver for their test at that time.

Also, how long does this process usually take in case I need to book a new flight?

[buckeye135]

I was only there for about ten minutes all they do is finger print u and fill out a couple quick forms and youre done

[FireLT23]

Has anyone heard anything else? Process doesn't seem to fast. No letter for finger prints yet. (no letter for anything) It's been quiet.

[crazydave]

I got my fingerprints done yesterday. They said 25 people were getting it done yesterday and today. They have been doing 25/day all week I got the impression.

Beyond that I haven't heard anything else. It usually takes a few weeks to get them done.

[CarnyTheKid]

I got fingerprinted on the 15th seems to be moving right along. Anyone have any idea how many people are left?

The officer doing the fingerprinting said they had 180 to do. I took that as the total number of people they were fingerprinting.

[frosty11869]

I was there today at 4pm, the officer stated there were 160 people who were scheduled to be fingerprinted. He stated he knew of at least 20 people who didn't show up for fingerprinting. He also said today was the last day of printing. I hope this helps! As with every process, we all hear different things from different people, who knows what is correct and incorrect! Take care and good luck!

[Mundyba]

Has anyone from out of state heard anything about being fingerprinted?

[crazydave]

I'm from out of state (TN) and I got my letter to be fingerprinted last week. Had to dash up there to get it done last weekend.

[XU2414]

deleted the post

[FireLT23]

I'm from Florida and still haven't received a letter or a phone call. Does this mean I'm not moving forward? I hope I'm not done but thats the feeling I'm getting. Don't know why. Poly went fine. Anyone else still waiting?

[eljefespeaks]

I took the poly yesterday, the 23rd. For the most part are they letting the folks who passed it know at the time? I wasn't told I did fine or anything like that. They just said I'd hear something in a few weeks. Getting terribly nervous about it.

[eljefespeaks]

PS - Just an FYI for everyone, I overhead an HR employee say that the poly cuts more people out of the process than any other test.

[eljefespeaks]

One last thing: The examiner told me they were doing polys through the end of this week. So you folks who took it early still have a few weeks, probably.

[frosty11869]

I'm kind of curious, maybe someone can explain this to me or help me understand it better. I have noticed on here that there are folks who scored certained scores on the exam, and have taken the POLY already. A good friend of mine scored higher than these scores and still has not been scheduled for a POLY. I'm in the same boat as everyone else, regarding waiting to hear something after fingerprinting, hopefully this will happen soon, but it makes me wonder how the decision was made to POLY some and not others. HR stated that it goes by your score on the written exam, but according to some posts on here, that doesn't seem correct. Also for those wondering, my friend did pass the agility exam. If anyone knows any info, please share!

[hoss14]

Well Frosty, sounds like I'm in a similar situation as you and your friend. This post might confuse more people than help but I figured I would put it up just in case anyone else is in the same situation or has heard any more info that might help those of us that are still waiting.
First of all, this is only the second time I took the test (and last because I'm 35 right now). The first time I scored a 89.07 and made the eligibility list but was obviously not picked. That was the lowest score that made the list of about 115 people. If I remember correctly I'd say about 60-70% of those who made the list scored towards the very bottom, 89-90 range. The rest were spread out from 91 on up and most of them had 5 or more points from being in the military. I think the highest score without veteran points was a 95. They only took one class of 40 and there were several people who scored a 90 and made the class, so they obviously don't just pick from the top of the list. I know someone threw in the race card a while ago but i don't think it's that big of a deal anymore. On the last list there were about 8 or 9 black and a few women and they all did not make the class of 40 so I don't think that race/sex make much of a difference now.
Since most of the people on here seem to be from out of town I think the main reason they schedule your poly right away is for convienence so you don't have to make an extra trip. You can pass everything and not make the list because they may have 125 people that scored an 89 or better but another 200 that scored an 87-88 and they are not gonna have a list that big to include everyone. If you scored in the 90's or better then you're probabaly looking pretty good.
As far as waiting for the official list to be posted, don't hold your breath. The time seems to be going a little faster than two years ago but not by much. I had a lower score and took my physical in May, handed in my transcripts, recommendations, etc. in June, my poly in July (i think) and got my background check in August. I did not hear a thing until I got a letter in the middle of NOVEMBER that I officially made the list. Apparently they had just started calling recruits for the first class before they had even sent out the letter to tell us we were on the list and what our ranking was.
As far as this test, I scored a 90.37, had my physical scheduled for the first day and passed without any problems and got my transcripts, etc sent in a couple weeks later but never had a poly scheduled and have not heard a thing since. Its impossible to get in touch with anyone at the recruiting office or get any questions answered so I guess we just wait and see. I apologize that this was so long winded but I'm just trying to pass along as much info as possible. Good luck to those who are still in it and hopefully the rest of us will hear something soon.

[crazydave]

Has anyone else had any problems with changing your address? I sent my address change in at the end of May, but it didn't get processed b\c my fingerprint letter went to my old address.

So I called the recruiting officer and he said to e-mail him the information and he would forward it to HR. When I emailed him the info, I requested a confirmation just to make sure he received it, but I never got one back.

Any recommendations? Should I call the recruiting officer or HR and push it a bit more? Or just sit back and hope it went through?

[buckeye135]

has anyone heard anything back about their background yet?

[FIREemt7]

It's been pretty quiet on here. Has anyone heard anything new? Took everything, still waiting on fingerprints. I guess no call or letter in this long means bad news. What do you think?

[crazydave]

I was under the impression that it would be a bit before we heard anything. I think they are doing their background work. I know it took 30 days to get my FBI background check when I had it done for teaching. Don't know if the city can speed that up or not.

I'm not worried yet!

[eljefespeaks]

I was in the last week of polys. They said expect 4 to 6 weeks after the end of that week to hear something. That would make July 22nd the earliest possible date to get a response.

[crazydave]

Anyone heard anything yet? I'm getting a little nervous over here.

[das099]

Anyone heard anything yet? I'm getting a little nervous over here.

Through the month of July, people had been notified if they were disqualified due to their admissions on their PHQ. They are given an option to appeal their disqualification and appeals have been going on the past few weeks. So far, I am aware of 20-25 applicants. It is my understanding that they intend to finish with all appeals by the end of August, although I think it will be done before then. Bottom line, if you haven't received a letter saying you have been disqualified from your answers on your PHQ, then you're alright at this point.

[eljefespeaks]

Through the month of July, people had been notified if they were disqualified due to their admissions on their PHQ. They are given an option to appeal their disqualification and appeals have been going on the past few weeks. So far, I am aware of 20-25 applicants. It is my understanding that they intend to finish with all appeals by the end of August, although I think it will be done before then. Bottom line, if you haven't received a letter saying you have been disqualified from your answers on your PHQ, then you're alright at this point.

You seem pretty knowledgeable. Do you know what happens next? It's so hard to find reliable information on all this.

[FireLT23]

Bottom line, if you haven't received a letter saying you have been disqualified from your answers on your PHQ, then you're alright at this point.

No letter, no disqualification, no finger prints. It sure is taking along time. Would just be nice to know something.

[Firemedic515]

You seem pretty knowledgeable. Do you know what happens next? It's so hard to find reliable information on all this.

What happens next is they will certify the actual eligibiliy list. Keep an eye out on the city website. They probably won't contact you again unless you receive a conditional offer of employment. When I took the test in '06 I didn't hear anything after fingerprinting. I found out when the list was certified on this forum (early november). It will be posted on the city website. I was ranked top 20 on the '06 eligibilty list and it was like I never even tested for the job. No letter/phone call, nothing. Good luck to you guys.

[Firemedic515]

Check out this thread from the 2006 process. It follows a similar timeline.

http://forums.firehouse.com/showthread.php?t=75043&highlight=cincinnati

[Firemedic515]

This is the page that the eligibility list will show up on in a few months...

http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cityhr/pages/-5813-/

[eljefespeaks]

This is the page that the eligibility list will show up on in a few months...

http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cityhr/pages/-5813-/

Thanks! You're very helpful.

[XU2414]

deleted the post

[crazydave]

I know its early, but did anyone hear anything today?

[Neesy20]

Haven't heard anything yet...

[FireLT23]

No list out yet. Still waiting.

[XU2414]

deleted the post

[Firemedic515]

Making phone calls before the list is posted? What gives?

[CarnyTheKid]

Those that will be hired and receive medical physicals are always called prior to the list being posted. They already have their list and know who they will hire. They have to get their candidates through physicals and ready for the class in October. It has been done this way over the past few years. Rumor and I repeat rumor is that there will be 3 classes of 30 from this list since those that are in the DROP program since it began must retire from the department in the first few months of 2009 which is around 100 firefighters.

[XU2414]

deleted the post

[Leatherlung1]

What do you mean a call? I got one yesterday but they just checked my address and thats all they said or wanted.

[XU2414]

deleted the post

[Leatherlung1]

did they schedule the exam over the phone or sending a letter?

[Mundyba]

XU how did you score on the written exam? And I am assuming you are local because I assume XU stands for Xavier University?

[XU2414]

deleted the post

[Cub2311]

Hmmmm... Well lets hope they take more than one day to make calls... I also got the call to check address and phone number last week, scored very high on the test, but did not receive an offer of employment.

[CarnyTheKid]

Those that will be hired and receive medical physicals are always called prior to the list being posted. They already have their list and know who they will hire. They have to get their candidates through physicals and ready for the class in October. It has been done this way over the past few years. Rumor and I repeat rumor is that there will be 3 classes of 30 from this list since those that are in the DROP program since it began must retire from the department in the first few months of 2009 which is around 100 firefighters.

Make that 2010.

[crazydave]

so if we didn't get a phone call today is it safe to say we won't be invited for the October academy?

[Leatherlung1]

so if we didn't get a phone call today is it safe to say we won't be invited for the October academy?

I've heard different things from everyone I know. It would take a long time to call everyone today, so I think there is still some time. Got a call yesterday but not one today so I don't really know. Did you get a call yesterday?

[crazydave]

I've heard different things from everyone I know. It would take a long time to call everyone today, so I think there is still some time. Got a call yesterday but not one today so I don't really know. Did you get a call yesterday?

I haven't gotten a call since last Tuesday when they asked for my driving record. However, I had to change my address earlier this summer, so I'm hoping they just took that.

What did you score on the exam? I got a 93.33 and was hoping that would be good enough.

[Leatherlung1]

I got just a hair below you but you never know what they are looking for. Its a waiting game from here. A buddy of mine got a call from CPD after 3 weeks of everyone else being called in his class. So anything can happen.
Did anyone else get a call yesterday and nothing today?

[DWinton]

I got a call yesterday (wed) morning to confirm my address and phone number. I never got a call about a conditional offer though, anyone else in the same boat? Are there supposed to be two diffrent phone calls or did they take care of the conditional offer and the address check in the same phone call?

[Neesy20]

I got the phone call to verify address/phone #. I really don't think they made any offers yet.

[Leatherlung1]

Does anyone know if they've filled up the class yet with their calls Thurs?

[Cub2311]

I got the phone call to verify address/phone #. I really don't think they made any offers yet.

They have definetely made offers, just not sure if they have made ALL the offers.

[Cub2311]

All job offers have been given out (30). Seems Cincinnati is bouncing around and skipping people on the list again...

[crazydave]

All job offers have been given out (30). Seems Cincinnati is bouncing around and skipping people on the list again...


Why do you say that?

[Cub2311]

Why do you say that?

I called and found out. The rumor part is that they went all the way to #78 with the picks, can't confirm that part however.

[DWinton]

So has anyone on this forum actually recieved an offer, and if you did, what did you score on the test. If you dont mind letting me know.

[Firemedic515]

All job offers have been given out (30). Seems Cincinnati is bouncing around and skipping people on the list again...

Not surprising...How do they decide who to pass up and who to take? That is the question. All they have to go by are written scores. There is no interview and a pass/fail poly and PAT. Seems like someone that gets passed up would have a solid case against the city.

[Neesy20]

How does anyone even know this...Someone told you that they hired thirty people.. Why would anyone in recruiting just give you that type of information. I like how people are saying they got an offer or they filled the class with no means of saying how they found this out. .. It sounds fishy. I'll believe it when I see it or when I get RELIABLE information.

[XU2414]

delete the post

[Leatherlung1]

How does anyone even know this...Someone told you that they hired thirty people.. Why would anyone in recruiting just give you that type of information. I like how people are saying they got an offer or they filled the class with no means of saying how they found this out. .. It sounds fishy. I'll believe it when I see it or when I get RELIABLE information.

I concur on people rolling a pill about all the spots taken. I guess they’ve never worked with or in the government before. Nice try or get a better source next time b/c everyone I’ve talked to said that they don’t know of anyone being called yet and definitely not the whole class.

[Cub2311]

I concur on people rolling a pill about all the spots taken. I guess they’ve never worked with or in the government before. Nice try or get a better source next time b/c everyone I’ve talked to said that they don’t know of anyone being called yet and definitely not the whole class.

Well you guys can do one of two things... bury your heads in the sand, or the call the FD secretary like I did...

[frosty11869]

With all the rumor being tossed around on here, I'm gonna add another one, but don't quote me! This is from a member of my current dept and typically a pretty reliable person when it comes to information. According to him, a friend of his who works for Cincy was in the 20's on his list (unsure of exact year) and it took 13 months for him to be called for recruit school. From what I understand, Cincy passed him up initially but then hired him later on. From what I understand this happens where they skip people, but when it comes time to take later classes, they go back to the top and run down the list again! I don't like to post BS on here but as I said, my friend is pretty reliable with his information. I will try to verify wether or not this is true but I'm sure some of you know friends in the city who can call BS or confirm it. Let us know if anyone knows wether there is any merit to this or not!

[CarnyTheKid]

With all the rumor being tossed around on here, I'm gonna add another one, but don't quote me! This is from a member of my current dept and typically a pretty reliable person when it comes to information. According to him, a friend of his who works for Cincy was in the 20's on his list (unsure of exact year) and it took 13 months for him to be called for recruit school. From what I understand, Cincy passed him up initially but then hired him later on. From what I understand this happens where they skip people, but when it comes time to take later classes, they go back to the top and run down the list again! I don't like to post BS on here but as I said, my friend is pretty reliable with his information. I will try to verify wether or not this is true but I'm sure some of you know friends in the city who can call BS or confirm it. Let us know if anyone knows wether there is any merit to this or not!

Well that goes against their civil service rules. Every city has them and it just depends on what their particular civil service rules are. If they use the rule of 3, 5, 9 or whatever, a candidate can only be passed over so many times before they are no longer eligible for the position. This is how they skip around the list. If he was hired 13 months later they never considered him for the maximium amount of times in a candidate pool or he would have been thrown out. I'll give you the example: Here we will use the rule of 5.

Cincy wants to hire one candidate so they take the first five on the list

1, 2, 3, 4 ,5

They pick number 1. Now they want to hire the next candidate so they move down the list. 2,3,4,5 were considered one time and get a line next to their name. So it now looks like this.

2 l, 3 l, 4 l , 5 l , 6

They pick number 2. So they move on down the list. Everyone still left in that pool gets another dash.

3 ll, 4 ll, 5 ll, 6 l, 7

They go and pick number 4 for the third spot in the class. Moving down the list again.

3 lll, 5 lll, 6 ll, 7 l, 8

Now they decide to pick number 5 off the list for the next spot. This is how they skip people on the list. The number 3 candidate was considered now 4 times for a spot and was passed over 4 times. They are no longer eligible for a position and they are thrown out of the pool of candidates. For the next spot they would use list numbers

6 lll, 7 ll, 8 l, 9, 10

I don't know Cincy's exact rule or exact number of times a candidate can be passed over before they are no longer eligible but this is how it is done. As far as offering jobs I know for a fact that they have offered jobs as I know 3 people who have been offered. Whether they have offered all of them I don't know.

[Cub2311]

Well that goes against their civil service rules. Every city has them and it just depends on what their particular civil service rules are. If they use the rule of 3, 5, 9 or whatever, a candidate can only be passed over so many times before they are no longer eligible for the position. This is how they skip around the list. If he was hired 13 months later they never considered him for the maximium amount of times in a candidate pool or he would have been thrown out. I'll give you the example: Here we will use the rule of 5.

Cincy wants to hire one candidate so they take the first five on the list

1, 2, 3, 4 ,5

They pick number 1. Now they want to hire the next candidate so they move down the list. 2,3,4,5 were considered one time and get a line next to their name. So it now looks like this.

2 l, 3 l, 4 l , 5 l , 6

They pick number 2. So they move on down the list. Everyone still left in that pool gets another dash.

3 ll, 4 ll, 5 ll, 6 l, 7

They go and pick number 4 for the third spot in the class. Moving down the list again.

3 lll, 5 lll, 6 ll, 7 l, 8

Now they decide to pick number 5 off the list for the next spot. This is how they skip people on the list. The number 3 candidate was considered now 4 times for a spot and was passed over 4 times. They are no longer eligible for a position and they are thrown out of the pool of candidates. For the next spot they would use list numbers

6 lll, 7 ll, 8 l, 9, 10

I don't know Cincy's exact rule or exact number of times a candidate can be passed over before they are no longer eligible but this is how it is done. As far as offering jobs I know for a fact that they have offered jobs as I know 3 people who have been offered. Whether they have offered all of them I don't know.


How can that even be legal? Maybe they should throw darts at pictures, seems like it would hasten the process and award jobs for the same qualities... chance. It seems that scoring in the 40's to 50's would be more advantageous than in the single digits. You would look better compared to those around you. Also, the guys in the 50s are better suited for the job than number 5 simply because the 1-4 were picked first? Does anyone know any big city departments rate you objectively and go down the list and pick those with the best scores anymore?

[Cub2311]

I looked in the Ohio Revised Code and found this pertaining to appointments from eligibility lists:

124.27 Appointments from eligibility lists - probation.
(A) The head of a department, office, or institution, in which a position in the classified service is to be filled, shall notify the director of administrative services of the fact, and the director shall, except as otherwise provided in this section and sections 124.30 and 124.31 of the Revised Code, certify to the appointing authority the names and addresses of the ten candidates standing highest on the eligible list for the class or grade to which the position belongs, except that the director may certify less than ten names if ten names are not available. When less than ten names are certified to an appointing authority, appointment from that list shall not be mandatory. When a position in the classified service in the department of mental health or the department of mental retardation and developmental disabilities is to be filled, the director of administrative services shall make such certification to the appointing authority within seven working days of the date the eligible list is requested.

(B) The appointing authority shall notify the director of a position in the classified service to be filled, and the appointing authority shall fill the vacant position by appointment of one of the ten persons certified by the director. If more than one position is to be filled, the director may certify a group of names from the eligible list, and the appointing authority shall appoint in the following manner: beginning at the top of the list, each time a selection is made, it must be from one of the first ten candidates remaining on the list who is willing to accept consideration for the position. If an eligible list becomes exhausted, and until a new list can be created, or when no eligible list for a position exists, names may be certified from eligible lists most appropriate for the group or class in which the position to be filled is classified. A person who is certified from an eligible list more than three times to the same appointing authority for the same or similar positions may be omitted from future certification to that appointing authority, provided that certification for a temporary appointment shall not be counted as one of those certifications. Every person who qualifies for veteran’s preference under section 124.23 of the Revised Code, who is a resident of this state, and whose name is on the eligible list for a position shall be entitled to preference in original appointments to any such competitive position in the civil service of the state and its civil divisions over all other persons eligible for those appointments and standing on the relevant eligible list with a rating equal to that of the person qualifying for veteran’s preference. Appointments to all positions in the classified service, that are not filled by promotion, transfer, or reduction, as provided in sections 124.01 to 124.64 of the Revised Code and the rules of the director prescribed under those sections, shall be made only from those persons whose names are certified to the appointing authority, and no employment, except as provided in those sections, shall be otherwise given in the classified service of this state or any political subdivision of the state.

[Leatherlung1]

Anyone heard when they might start another class other than this one starting in OCT?

[platypus]

Joe said possibly in Dec.

[frosty11869]

Has Cincinnati ever run more than one class at a time? Unless you're talking about next year, don't see how they will run a class in December.

[Cub2311]

According to the rules, I would assume if you were skipped this time around then you are permanently off the list?

[frosty11869]

Message deleted

[Mundyba]

does anyone know when they are going to publish the list?

[Leatherlung1]

Anyone hear how many people they're wanting to pull off this list?

[CarnyTheKid]

Anyone hear how many people they're wanting to pull off this list?

30 for the first class. All 30 have been offered. Past that, wait and see depending on retirees.

[Cub2311]

Top 10 and got skipped... Apparently doing well isn't rewarded in the great state of Ohio. Next time I will purposely miss questions hoping for number 17 or 36 or 65 and will be more likely to get in the first class. I will go cry in my wheaties now.

[XU2414]

How did you know you were top 10??? Scores posted?

[Leatherlung1]

Got a letter with our rank # on it last week.

[XU2414]

deleted post

[frosty11869]

30 for the first class. All 30 have been offered. Past that, wait and see depending on retirees.

post deleted

[FireLT23]

Got a letter with our rank # on it last week.

You got a letter? How did you do? Is everyone supposed to get this letter? Haven't heard a thing in a long time.

[CarnyTheKid]

You got a letter? How did you do? Is everyone supposed to get this letter? Haven't heard a thing in a long time.

If you have not completed the written test, physical agility test, polygraph, and been fingerprinted you won't receive a letter. The letters are for those that were moved on and complete the entire process and are on the initial list. Also there are only 30 people in the class. That's all that went to get physicals done. There are alternates already predetermined in case there is a problem with any of the 30 chosen.

[FireLT23]

If you have not completed the written test, physical agility test, polygraph, and been fingerprinted you won't receive a letter. The letters are for those that were moved on and complete the entire process and are on the initial list. Also there are only 30 people in the class. That's all that went to get physicals done. There are alternates already predetermined in case there is a problem with any of the 30 chosen.

Carny, I've done everything you listed and still haven't heard anything. Thats why I'm so curious whats going on.

[Leatherlung1]

If you have not completed the written test, physical agility test, polygraph, and been fingerprinted you won't receive a letter. The letters are for those that were moved on and complete the entire process and are on the initial list. Also there are only 30 people in the class. That's all that went to get physicals done. There are alternates already predetermined in case there is a problem with any of the 30 chosen.

Did the alternates get a phone call getting current contact info or did everyone get that phone call? Carny, your in the news you might know this. Any word on when the next class might start?

[CarnyTheKid]

Carny, I've done everything you listed and still haven't heard anything. Thats why I'm so curious whats going on.

firelt if u don't mind saying, what was your score on the written.

[CarnyTheKid]

Did the alternates get a phone call getting current contact info or did everyone get that phone call? Carny, your in the news you might know this. Any word on when the next class might start?

I have no idea when the second class would start. The first class starts October 20 and will last 24 weeks. I do not recall cincinnati having two classes going on at one time at least within the last eight years. So do the math with the 24 weeks and it would be sometime after that.

[FireLT23]

firelt if u don't mind saying, what was your score on the written.

88.15, high enough to keep me coming up there for each section of testing but probably not high enough to get hired on though, huh?

[CarnyTheKid]

88.15, high enough to keep me coming up there for each section of testing but probably not high enough to get hired on though, huh?

Well I don't have a definite answer for you. I thought the cutoff for the polygraph was around a score of 91. In the past when they hired more than one class from a list, they posted an initial list to a certain number I'll use 100. When they were ready for the second class they moved more people through the process to make the list go to 200 people. This may be why you haven't received a letter. I would think that an 88 is too low for the initial class but stranger things have happened.

[FireLT23]

I knew my score wasn't the greatest but they kept me coming back for more. I did my poly the day after my CPAT probably because I'm from out of state. I never got a letter saying I was disqualified after the poly like someone else said on this thread so I figured I was still in the runnings somehow. It would just be nice to know something.

[CarnyTheKid]

I knew my score wasn't the greatest but they kept me coming back for more. I did my poly the day after my CPAT probably because I'm from out of state. I never got a letter saying I was disqualified after the poly like someone else said on this thread so I figured I was still in the runnings somehow. It would just be nice to know something.

Did you get a letter requesting to have your fingerprints done?

[FireLT23]

Did you get a letter requesting to have your fingerprints done?

No, no letter for finger prints. No letter for anything.

[CarnyTheKid]

No, no letter for finger prints. No letter for anything.

Ok, so you're on hold probably until they start processing people for another class. You have to still get fingerprinted before you're completely finished and placed on the eligibility list.

[frosty11869]

Anyone know what number they reached on the list? I've heard a wide range of numbers with the usual rumor mill but you know how that goes.

[crazydave]

Got a letter today saying I was 41st on the list. I was kinda surprised I was so low since it looked like a 93.33 was usually higher, but oh well. Nice to know where I'm at.

The letter was dated Sept 9 btw.

[FireLT23]

Has anyone elese received a letter yet or know when the official list will be posted?

[Cub2311]

Got a letter today saying I was 41st on the list. I was kinda surprised I was so low since it looked like a 93.33 was usually higher, but oh well. Nice to know where I'm at.

The letter was dated Sept 9 btw.


You were skipped. You are ineligible for future classes also.

[crazydave]

You were skipped. You are ineligible for future classes also.

Per what rules? Speaking with the guys on CFD, they all said I have a solid chance of getting the call for the next academy.

[Cub2311]

Per what rules? Speaking with the guys on CFD, they all said I have a solid chance of getting the call for the next academy.


http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cityhr/pages/-6052-/
Section 1

Speak with the Civil Service Commission and Chief Wright... The commission makes the lists/rules. The Chief is the one who picks, or in this case chooses to not pick you.

[Mundyba]

so if you never received a call about background and fingerprints, but got no letter of disqualification you are still eligible for the next class?

And anyone who has got hired have you started the academy yet, and if so how many recruits are in it?

[CarnyTheKid]

so if you never received a call about background and fingerprints, but got no letter of disqualification you are still eligible for the next class?

And anyone who has got hired have you started the academy yet, and if so how many recruits are in it?


First it depends on where you are on the list. If you are on the list with a rank of probably 40-50 or lower and you didn't get a call there is a decent chance that you were considered 4 times, skipped over, and removed from eligibility. Second the academy starts on October 20, 2008 with 30 recruits.

[Leatherlung1]

Got a letter today saying I was 41st on the list. I was kinda surprised I was so low since it looked like a 93.33 was usually higher, but oh well. Nice to know where I'm at.

The letter was dated Sept 9 btw.

Hey Crazydave, did you get a phone call weeks ago asking for current contact information?

[crazydave]

Hey Crazydave, did you get a phone call weeks ago asking for current contact information?

I did not get that phone call. I just got the call asking for my driver's record.

[Leatherlung1]

Anyone hear when the list is going to be posted? Anything new out there?

[Leatherlung1]

I saw a clip in the local news with 29 people in the class that started OCT 20th.

[Leatherlung1]

Open to Public Eligible List FIRE RECRUIT posted today.
http://www.ci.cincinnati.oh.us/cityhr/pages/-34886-/

[frosty11869]

Has anyone heard if they're still gonna run more recruit classes off this list or not? Also, do we know what number they reached on the list for the first class?

[Cub2311]

I have heard down to #78. As far as civil service information goes, that can mean anything though the way Cincinnati hires it would put them around that number. As I understand it, once you are skipped, you are skipped. I would imagine to run another class they would have to adminster more polygraphs, backgrounds etc... I'm one of the 96.3's so I love the fact that at least 25 people have jobs that scored lower than me.

[frosty11869]

Makes you feel good huh!! When I contacted the HR department a while back (before the offers were made), they said there were well over 100 people on the list that had finished everything and I see the list ends at #83. I wonder what happened to the numbers they talked about they had? I also see that the list is only good until August '09.

[SNAKEEATER24]

post deleted

[Leatherlung1]

How low then snakeeater? Anyone in the current class hear the training dept talk about another class after this one?

[Mundyba]

were you supposed to get a letter of disqualification or a letter showing where you ranked? Is it safe to assume you are out of the hiring process for another recruit class if you didn't make that list?

[Cub2311]

Hey Cub, your wrong man....it didn't go that low...promise you that.


If you follow their 4 of 10 rule, it has to be somewhere near there.

[SNAKEEATER24]

post deleted

[CarnyTheKid]

If you follow their 4 of 10 rule, it has to be somewhere near there.


The recruit class list reached the 60s. Don't worry about where it went though. Cincinnati has pushed off the next recruit class till late 2009 or 2010. Therefore there should be no more classes off of this list as they will have to test again. The DROP program has 93 personnel that have to retire in January of 2011.

You can read about the budget here:

http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/city/downloads/2009BudgetSummary.pdf

Specifically related to the next recruit class look under the section "Difficult decisions were made to balance a 14.5 million dollar deficit"

[CarnyTheKid]

Also, here is a proposed lay-off as of now:

Fire Termination of
the 2008 and
2010 Recruit
Classes
This reduction would terminate
the recruit class of 30 scheduled to
begin in October 2008. Without
this recruit class, the department's
sworn strength will not increase
towards the City Council approved
sworn strength staffing level of
841. In addition, there would be
no recruit class in 2010. Without
either recruit class, the Fire
Department's sworn strength
staffing level would be 761 at the
end of 2010.
($1,649,160) 0.0 ($2,518,660) 0.0


This is on page 10 of this link:

http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cmgr/downloads/cmgr_pdf35037.pdf

[Leatherlung1]

Also, here is a proposed lay-off as of now:

Fire Termination of
the 2008 and
2010 Recruit
Classes
This reduction would terminate
the recruit class of 30 scheduled to
begin in October 2008. Without
this recruit class, the department's
sworn strength will not increase
towards the City Council approved
sworn strength staffing level of
841. In addition, there would be
no recruit class in 2010. Without
either recruit class, the Fire
Department's sworn strength
staffing level would be 761 at the
end of 2010.
($1,649,160) 0.0 ($2,518,660) 0.0


This is on page 10 of this link:

http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cmgr/downloads/cmgr_pdf35037.pdf

"The biggest chunk of the $375 million general fund: $177 million for public safety.
The choices are difficult, said Councilman Jeff Berding. No one wants people to pay more for anything.

“I’m not going to vote to lay off police officers and firefighters,” he said. “I’m not going to support getting rid of the recruit class we just trained.”
Mallory has 15 days to make any changes.

Council members officially start their tinkering after that, but they’ve already been talking about what they think should be included. They voted this summer on 25 budget priorities, which included a focus on crime reduction, keeping all 841 firefighters, hiring more building inspectors and developing a 10-year plan to build decks over Fort Washington Way." By Jane Prendergast • November 19, 2008 Cincinnati.com

This is all just a proposal for now. Anyone know how many FFs are currently on the books now without this Oct 20th recruit class of 29?

[CarnyTheKid]

"The biggest chunk of the $375 million general fund: $177 million for public safety.
The choices are difficult, said Councilman Jeff Berding. No one wants people to pay more for anything.

“I’m not going to vote to lay off police officers and firefighters,” he said. “I’m not going to support getting rid of the recruit class we just trained.”
Mallory has 15 days to make any changes.

Council members officially start their tinkering after that, but they’ve already been talking about what they think should be included. They voted this summer on 25 budget priorities, which included a focus on crime reduction, keeping all 841 firefighters, hiring more building inspectors and developing a 10-year plan to build decks over Fort Washington Way." By Jane Prendergast • November 19, 2008 Cincinnati.com

This is all just a proposal for now. Anyone know how many FFs are currently on the books now without this Oct 20th recruit class of 29?

Currently, 819

[Leatherlung1]

"Councilman Jeff Berding said he’ll suggest the city not make any new hires, except for in the police and fire departments."
http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20081205/NEWS0108/312050063/
This is good news.

[fairborn]

Nice of the mayor to cut other jobs, but add a sixth person to his staff. Figures.

[Leatherlung1]

The list is good until August 21, 2009, this seems like alot of trouble and money for the city to only draw 29 recruits from. I know the police lists are good for two years so why are the fire lists good for only a year? With the new hiring freeze placed by city council I don't see them pulling off this list until 2010 or 2011.

[CarnyTheKid]

The list is good until August 21, 2009, this seems like alot of trouble and money for the city to only draw 29 recruits from. I know the police lists are good for two years so why are the fire lists good for only a year? With the new hiring freeze placed by city council I don't see them pulling off this list until 2010 or 2011.

They will not pull from this list again. This is not uncommon for Cincinnati to only pull one class from a list. This will be at least the second if not the third time they only did one class from a list in the last four testing processes. For those who did not get hired this time around, unless the economy becomes a depression, there are nearly 100 firefighters that must retire by law in January of 2011. So if there is another test between now and then, there is your best shot at Cincinnati.