Trained and Untrained Candidates
Untrained Candidates
These are "man off the street", newspaper ad, general population applicants who are not expected to have any prior knowledge in the field.
For these candidates, it is appropriate to use:
- Written General Aptitude Test
- Physical Agility Test
- Psychological Test
Trained Candidates
These are already-trained, new police or fire academy graduates, EMTs, auxiliaries, volunteer firefighters, transfers-in from other agencies, anyone who is expected to already have knowledge and/or certification in the field.
For these candidates, it is appropriate to use:
- Written Knowledge Test
- Physical Agility Test
- Psychological Test
Blend Trained and Untrained Questions
It is possible to "mix and match" between trained and untrained elements of a test. For example, a test may be mostly General Aptitude, but include 25% of fire knowledge specifically to favor those with some fire background. This is valid and permissible as long as it is made clear in the job announcement.
Also, a test for trained personnel may or may not include EMS questions in some percentage. Sometimes an agency will advertise for "Paramedics; training will be provided in Fire Operations", etc.