St. Paul, MN Fire Department - 2010 Hiring Process

[JCCFD41]

How many names did they burn through the last list? Do they run a CPAT? What time do you have to get in order to ensure a 100% on the physical portion? The reason I ask so many questions is while St Paul seems like a great dept, I'm not a 100% sure i would want to relocate my family to MN.

Frank,

I can answer some of your questions because I called and asked the same ones. They do not do the CPAT and do not except CPAT Certificates like some departments do. The time limit for the physical test is 7 minutes, the faster you get it done the better your overall score will be.

Look here fore more info...

http://ci.stpaul.mn.us/DocumentView.aspx?DID=9221

http://ci.stpaul.mn.us/index.aspx?NID=1845

[DexterRutecki]

Thanks for the info! I'm curious what the max time is, ie what time do you need to score a 100% on this portion?

[SPFDRum]

I believe they increased it to 3 min 30 sec or less for a 100%.

[FF173]

Thanks for the info! I'm curious what the max time is, ie what time do you need to score a 100% on this portion?

3 minutes 30 seconds is correct, for 100%.

[JCCFD41]

3 minutes 30 seconds is correct, for 100%.

That MOVING for a test you cant run in!!! Looks like I just set myself a goal! LOL

[FF173]

That MOVING for a test you cant run in!!! Looks like I just set myself a goal! LOL

That's exactly what I said when I found out it was 3:30, there's my goal and I'm settling for nothing less. That written though, I was reading through the packet they sent us, seems like a weird test. Although I've never taken a Fire test before, this will be my first.

[DexterRutecki]

The kaizer sled is the hardest to replicate in the gym. It's all about shuffling your feet back and keeping them about 8 to 12 inches behind the sled at all times.

[FF173]

Does anyone care to share good workout routines, exercises, etc. to work on specifically for the St. Paul Physical from testing with them in the past?

[JCCFD41]

That's exactly what I said when I found out it was 3:30, there's my goal and I'm settling for nothing less. That written though, I was reading through the packet they sent us, seems like a weird test. Although I've never taken a Fire test before, this will be my first.

We take a similar test at work annually and I think the quickest its been done is around 5 minutes. Only thing different is a forcible entry simulator and a ceiling breach and pull.. Going to be interesting how quick SPFD's test can be done!

Im looking forward to it!!

[FF173]

We take a similar test at work annually and I think the quickest its been done is around 5 minutes. Only thing different is a forcible entry simulator and a ceiling breach and pull.. Going to be interesting how quick SPFD's test can be done!

Im looking forward to it!!

Yeah, getting 3:30 wont be easy but it's definitely possible!

[residents]

How many names did they burn through the last list? Do they run a CPAT? What time do you have to get in order to ensure a 100% on the physical portion? The reason I ask so many questions is while St Paul seems like a great dept, I'm not a 100% sure i would want to relocate my family to MN.

I was on the last list for the duration. I was given a conditional offer in October but declined to take a position at another department.

My origional ranking in 2005 was 55th overall and tied with 110 others. I scored a 100 on the physical and a 89.5 on the written. My written was rounded to the nearest whole number (in my case 90). So my average score was a 95. That was good for 55th overall. Everyone that scored an 85 to 90 on the written and got 100 on the physical was tied with me. I was asked to send in backround info in 2008 but did not recieve an interview. I was asked again in summer of 09 to send info in and recieved an interview. I heard they interviewed around 50 for the current class and hired at least 22. Its a long process but definatly a test worth taking. I strongly believe that you must score at least a combined score of 95 to have a chance. The only exception would be if you have militery points, residency points or are a person of a protected class.

Hope this helps someone. Any other q's let me know.

[FF173]

I was on the last list for the duration. I was given a conditional offer in October but declined to take a position at another department.

My origional ranking in 2005 was 55th overall and tied with 110 others. I scored a 100 on the physical and a 89.5 on the written. My written was rounded to the nearest whole number (in my case 90). So my average score was a 95. That was good for 55th overall. Everyone that scored an 85 to 90 on the written and got 100 on the physical was tied with me. I was asked to send in backround info in 2008 but did not recieve an interview. I was asked again in summer of 09 to send info in and recieved an interview. I heard they interviewed around 50 for the current class and hired at least 22. Its a long process but definatly a test worth taking. I strongly believe that you must score at least a combined score of 95 to have a chance. The only exception would be if you have militery points, residency points or are a person of a protected class.

Hope this helps someone. Any other q's let me know.

Residents, just curious as to what you did for the Written? I think I'm doing everything I can to get 100% on the physical. Any tips, advice, etc. would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks

[DexterRutecki]

Perfect man that is exactly what i was looking for. Is the interview an oral board or a background/poly interview?

[residents]

At that time the written test was a by a company called CWH. Not sure if they will use that again but if they do its a hard test to study for because it was mostly a pshycological test. Test was around 150 questions and took about 3 hours. I had taken it before other places so I was familiar with it.

The interview was a panel of two firefighters, a human resources person and a civil service person. After the conditional offer i went back for a psyc. and backround interview at an office in minneapolis.

[DexterRutecki]

So I just got denied from another dept because of two underage drinking tickets i received 7 years ago. Does anyone know what the policy is at Saint Paul on this sort of thing? I was gonna call HR but thought i'd ask here first.

[JCCFD41]

So I just got denied from another dept because of two underage drinking tickets i received 7 years ago. Does anyone know what the policy is at Saint Paul on this sort of thing? I was gonna call HR but thought i'd ask here first.

Honestly,I think that would be your best option to call HR and ask. If it was me I would want the question to be answered straight from them since they have a part on deciding to hire you or not. If you find out their policy on this from them; there will be no question if you should or shouldnt move on with the testing process due to your past.

Good Luck

[FF173]

At that time the written test was a by a company called CWH. Not sure if they will use that again but if they do its a hard test to study for because it was mostly a pshycological test. Test was around 150 questions and took about 3 hours. I had taken it before other places so I was familiar with it.

The interview was a panel of two firefighters, a human resources person and a civil service person. After the conditional offer i went back for a psyc. and backround interview at an office in minneapolis.

They are giving a different test this year. I guess this time they are using a test by EB-Jacobs. It is 300+ questions and they are giving us 3hrs 45min to complete it. But around 200 of those questions are simple agree, disagree, etc. type of questions.

[AdamWest]

I attended a test prep session recently and thought I'd share some things I picked up for those who can't make it to one. If you can make it to one though I would recommend it, there was a firefighter and a rep from the test company there to answer people's questions.

The time limit on the test is 3:45. There are three sections of questions: Ability Test (48 Q's), Work Style Questionnaire (224 Q's), and Life Experience Survey (96 Q's). The Work Style and Life Experience sections aren't anything you can study for other than reviewing your school/work history for the last two years. These are just questions about your self that you need to answer HONESTLY (this was stressed).

As for hiring numbers, the department is "fat" right now because they are fully staffed and just hired a new recruit class of 20 that graduated just last Friday. (Chief Butler took part in the acadamy and blogged about his experience, I'll put the link below)

We were told though that they could possibly hire as many as 100 over the life of the list. There are apparently 75 firefighters currently eligible for retirement, and they are hoping to add BLS rigs in the near future.

And if you're not already preparing for the physical test, START! While 7 minutes is a passing score, you need to shoot for under 4 if you want to remain competitive.

Once again, GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

http://saintpaulfirechief.blogspot.com/

[DexterRutecki]

Anyone flying in want to split a hotel room. Or better yet, i'd love it if someone could put me up on their couch for the night. I can drive to the testing site or buy you a case of beer.

Thanks

[JCCFD41]

Anyone flying in want to split a hotel room. Or better yet, i'd love it if someone put me up on their couch for the night. I can drive to the testing site or buy you a case of beer.

Thanks

I'm flying in, but the week before the test to spend time with the family while I'm up there.... Where you coming in from Frank?