The Fire Department Assessment Center Is Here to Stay

摘要

FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSESSMENT centers are here to stay. Fire and emergency medical services (EMS) departments are using assessment centers to evaluate candidates for promotion. This evaluation tool is being used for all ranks, from entry level or first-line supervisor positions (lieutenant, captain, and sergeant) to a mid-/senior-level officer (battalion/assistant chief/major) to executive levels (deputy and chief). The assessment center uses "job simulation exercises" designed to replicate situations or aspects of the job the candidate is seeking. Performance dimensions are identified for each assessment, which ties the assessment to the job description.