San Antonio 2012

[jstenstrom]

I'll be flying in from Seattle. Where are you planning on staying?

[fire49]

not taking the test,



best to stay near the convention center

just watch if you have a car, some charge for parking


check east of hwy 37/ 281 , there are about five hotels, just on the other side of the freeway/convention center, near the alamodome

[jstenstrom]

Exactly what I was thinking. Looks like a lot of hotels down by the river walk and it looks like the downtown shuttle will be the best means of transportation.

[fire49]

Hotels on the river cost especially if a convention is in town

[fire49]

Hotels on the river cost especially if a convention is in town

Check out red roof inn, holiday inn, comfort suites, best western east of 37/281

And Hampton just a few blocks north of the convention center

[jstenstrom]

Does anyone know how long the exam is. The study guide says 2.5 hours and the letter says be prepared to stay 4 hours???

[Txstate86]

Well I took the SA test today and it was a huge crowd. This was my first firefighter test so I wasn't expecting it be easy but some questions threw me off. Good luck to everyone that took it!

[tmarlar]

Finished the test earlier today, How does everyone think they did?

[tbone03]

The accident re-construction part threw me off. Atleast that's what I thought it was. LoL

[longhorn2008]

I feel good about this one. I approached the personality portion differently this time so I will see how it works out. I am dreading the 3-4 weeks of waiting. Last year scores were delayed, hopefully they are not delayed this year.

[achinca1985]

how long was the process last year if you moved on? how many do they usually take to the CPAT? I heard they are looking for 50 so i was thinking the cut off would probably be around 150, just speculating

[longhorn2008]

how long was the process last year if you moved on? how many do they usually take to the CPAT? I heard they are looking for 50 so i was thinking the cut off would probably be around 150, just speculating

2010 had a cut off of 84 and 2011 had a cut off of 85. That was about the top 300-500 scores. If the scores are anything close to what Austin’s were this year, I expect the cutoff to closer to 90. They stated they would have the results posted in 3-4 weeks. As for the entire process, (applying to starting the academy), I would say 6 months to a year. For reference, Austin 2012 took applications in April, tested in May, interviewed in July. August thru September, they did the CPAT, medical, and psychological exams. Just yesterday they posted the final list. I believe the first class starts in Jan.

[Brockrocks]

San Antonio process takes longer than most. I think its because they test really early compared to when they need the class to start. So just because they are testing now, they probably dont need these recruits until about a year from now.

I went through the entire process (got kicked out on chief's review), and it took 11 months. Class started 13 months after the test.

[achinca1985]

thanks for the info. most of the info i saw was from online but once i got to the testing site i noticed the website was a liitle off. So is there an interview portion? From what I read it sounds like they just review your background and see how well you tested.

[longhorn2008]

No interview, but you got: (from the website)

1. Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
2. Polygraph
3. Background investigation
4. Behavioral Personal Assessment
5. Medical and Psychological Evaluation

[achinca1985]

yeah thats what i got. Ive been through other processes before and they always had an interview. So wasn't sure if that was right or not. What do they do for the behavioral assessment?

[Brockrocks]

You watch a bunch of short fire department related 1-5 min videos, and you select the best "what would you do" answer. No fire experience needed. Life experience and common sense will get you through it. Dont stress over that step.

Also if you move on, DO NOT BE LATE or will be eliminated. and FOLLOW the suggested dress code or you will get pointed out to everyone.

[achinca1985]

Thanks again for the info. I have done other FD tests, interviews and polys but never had to do something like that but that wont be for awhile it sounds like, if i do make it. Best of luck to you guys

[Txstate86]

Was the San Antonio exam similar to the Austin exam from this past May?

[longhorn2008]

Was the San Antonio exam similar to the Austin exam from this past May?

Both cities use the same vendor (I/O solutions). The tests are similar, but have different test sections.