boston fd

[FiremedicMike]

Anyone know if there's any truth to the rumor that boston had trouble getting applicants for their last test?

[sparcamondania]

Although I don't have a specific answer, I do know that the application period for the state exam was extended a couple of weeks from the original deadline. I had just started looking into the testing process when the 2nd deadline expired. Nothing but bad timing on my end. Now I have to wait until 2004 for the next test!!
Is this typical of states to test so infrequently?

If in fact there were not a lot of applicants this year, perhaps the state exam will be offered again next year instead of waiting until 2004? I hope so............

[DaSharkie]

The state exam deadline was extended for the past 2 exams because of low numbers. When I took my first exam 6 yearsago there were 27,000 statewide who took the test, 4 years ago it dropped a few thousand, 2 years ago it was about 16,000 and who knows what it will be this time. I have herad that Boston will be hurting for city residents (you're supposed to be a resident of the city to be hired) but I have also heard that the numbers weren't quite as bad.

This is somewhat of a misnomer though. The exam is for civil service departments only. There are a few other exams given in the state, the Cape & Islands exam, district 14 (a few miles West of Boston around Route 495), and the town of Lexington runs their own exam as well. Several other departments just do applications for an opening. Most of these other places are doing well with numbers. Of course with the state's fiscal mismanagement and budget cuts, it could get really interesting 'cuz a lot of places are talking about some sizeable layoffs and not filling retirement slots.