Wholetime Firefighter Recruitment - Frequently Asked Questions
Check your junk or spam email folder as the email may be there. Due to possible heavy server loads you may not receive a confirmation email immediately.
There are 4 assessments:
- Behaviour and Styles Questionnaire
- Situational Judgement Assessment
- Ability Test; Numerical reasoning, Mechanical reasoning and Verbal reasoning
The Behaviour and Styles Questionnaire and Situational Judgement Assessment are not timed.
The Ability Tests are timed.
For the Ability Tests, you should note that you do not have to complete all the assessments at once but you do have to complete each of the assessments in one attempt. Ensure that you are in a quiet and calm environment to take the assessments and that you have sufficient time to complete. Do not use smartphones as you will not be able to see the on screen timer.
Please note: you only have one attempt!
Dyslexia is classed as a disability and you will be asked if you have a disability at the eligibility stage of the recruitment process. When you get to the timed written tests you will be asked if you suffer with dyslexia and you should answer yes.
You will be asked to provide evidence of your dyslexia and will then be directed a separate site which will allow you more time to complete the online tests.
Please note, any reasonable adjustments will only be put in place for the timed assessments. You only have one attempt at each assessment so ensure you can complete in one sitting.
All correspondence will be by email. It is important that you check your email regularly for invitations to the different parts of the process.
Emails will only be sent to the email address you registered your account with.
No. This is a popular misconception as there used to be restrictions on height, weight and chest expansion, but this is now no longer the case.
Candidates will be expected to pass strength and fitness tests as part of the recruitment process and these are at a level achievable for both men and women of all different sizes and builds.
During the recruitment process we produce a timetable of events. It is important that candidates make a note of the dates of the different stages of the process as there is not scope for dates to be changed or alternative dates to be offered.
Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent you from working for us. If you have a conviction the Service will consider its nature, its relevance to the role of firefighter, the sentence, patterns of offending and the length of time since the offense.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service do not ask for any specific qualifications in order for you to apply. Candidates will need to complete a number of tests, including an English and Maths test.
It is a requirement of the Operational Firefighter apprenticeship that candidates must achieve Functional Skills Level 2 in maths and English, unless they already hold equivalent qualifications and learners will be fully supported to achieve these during their apprenticeship programme.
Unfortunately no.
Following successful completion of basic training candidates will be placed at Stations where there are vacancies.
Unfortunately yes. The Service respects everyone's religious beliefs but there are health and safety reasons as to why facial hair cannot be accepted.
As a firefighter you will be required to wear a facemask when you are wearing breathing apparatus. To ensure that the facemask forms a seal around the face, it is necessary to keep the face shaven to prevent any dangerous airborne chemicals entering the facemask.
Yes. Part of the recruitment process will include a medical and this will include an eye test. Our Occupational Health Physician will determine whether your vision meets the standards to become a firefighter.
Please see eyesight requirements information on this site.
Yes, anyone who considers themselves to have a disability can apply to join the fire service.
You will be asked if you have a disability as part of the recruitment process and to provide details of any adjustments that you may require to take part in the selection process and to fulfil the role of a firefighter.
Each case will be considered on an individual basis and if reasonable adjustments can be made, your application will proceed.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service has a policy on secondary employment. Employees cannot engage in this without first obtaining written approval.
Once the closing date has passed you will receive an email from us inviting you to attend one of the practical selection test days.
Due to the high volume of interest we regret that it is not possible to inform candidates individually of the result of their application or provide feedback.
If you do not receive an email inviting you to attend the practical selection tests you should assume that your application has not been successful.
Yes.
You must be at least 18 years of age at the start of the training course.
There is no maximum age.
The salary for the basic training course is £22908 per year. This is the trainee rate.
After successful completion of this training and for the remainder of the development period, when you will be working under supervision, and developing your firefighting skills on the watch, your salary will be £23862
When you achieve full competence in all aspects of the role, your salary will increase to £30533.
All new firefighters are issued with uniform and kit before the initial training course starts.
Kit includes a 'duty rig' uniform which is the uniform that will be worn whilst on duty, full firefighting kit including helmet and boots which is used whilst carrying out training and when attending incidents.
You will work 42 hours per week based on a shift duty system.
30 days paid leave per annum on joining in addition to public holidays, rising to 33 days after 5 years continuous service.
You must be prepared to work anywhere within Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service. The Wholetime Stations are located in Penrith, Carlisle, Barrow, Kendal, Whitehaven, Ulverston and Workington.
There is a pension scheme, details of which are given to successful candidates.