On-the-Job Scenarios Study Guide for McGraw-Hill's Firefighter Exams (page 2)

The questions in this section of the exam put you in the position of a firefighter. Scenarios typically include firefighting operations, firehouse duties, and fire prevention inspections, dealing with fellow firefighters and supervisory officers, and interactions with the public. The questions are designed to assess your judgment, reasoning, common sense, moral character, and problem-solving capabilities. For the most part, prior knowledge of fire department rules and regulations is not required to answer these kind of questions correctly. Questions may involve factual information and ask for the most accurate answer. Often you may be presented with a problem that requires a common sense solution. You may be asked to pick the best solution, or you may be asked why a particular solution is best. To choose the correct answer, use deductive/inductive reasoning, logical thinking, validity, and sound judgment.

General Tips on Answering Scenario Type Questions

Best Practices to Follow

• Read the question carefully to be sure that you fully understand the scenario presented and information provided.
• Read all four suggested answers and eliminate those that are obviously wrong.
• Re-read the question and underline key words such as same/opposite; always/never; best/worst; most often/least often; etc.
• Choose the appropriate answer and test it against the information given in the question.
• Consider the desirable and undesirable consequences of the answer you have selected.

Answers to Avoid

• Any answer that endangers yourself and others unnecessarily.
• Disobeying an order from a supervisor or superior officer.
• Taking action without considering other people's feelings.
• Overlooking violations of the law.
• Misusing the public trust.
• Violating the rules and regulations of the fire department.
• Acting outside the scope and authority of your rank and position.
• Doing something solely for your own gratification.
• Taking no action and avoiding your responsibility as a civil servant.
• Acting unlawfully.
• Circumventing authority.
• Discourteous actions.
• "Passing the buck" to your supervisor.
• Knowingly conveying wrong information to firefighters and the public.