Los Angeles County Fire Department Written Exam (HELP)

Fx02

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May 14, 2004
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Does anybody have an idea on what the test encompass? I?m thinking about taking the test, and want to be in good shape (mentally) to pass the exam.
Does anyone recommend any good material that I should cover before taking the exam?
 

Fx02

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May 14, 2004
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Originally posted by: Fx02
Does anybody have an idea on what the test encompass? I?m thinking about taking the test, and want to be in good shape (mentally) to pass the exam.
Does anyone recommend any good material that I should cover before taking the exam?

lmao, besides "putting out a fire"

NICE!!
 

Fx02

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May 14, 2004
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Originally posted by: pulse8
Sorry, for Los Angeles you should know how to put out brush fires. :D

Thanks for the tip, i'm definitely going to pass it now. Seriously, this could be a good career change for me.

 

Mo0o

Lifer
Jul 31, 2001
24,227
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Go ahead and read up on "A brief history in Time". In the test theres a killer section on quatum mechanics and string theory during hour 6.
 

pulse8

Lifer
May 3, 2000
20,860
1
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Seriously, I have no idea what's on it, but don't you have to train in some way that would prepare you before taking it?
 

Fx02

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May 14, 2004
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Originally posted by: Mo0o
Go ahead and read up on "A brief history in Time". In the test theres a killer section on quatum mechanics and string theory during hour 6.

Thanks, I'm sure Stephen Hawkings memoir will cover most of the test.
 

Fx02

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May 14, 2004
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Yossarian

Lifer
Dec 26, 2000
18,010
1
81
"Everything I Need To Know I Learned From Backdraft"

--check door knobs for heat before opening
--you have to know how to run fast with coils of hose over your shoulder
--bonus points for having sex on top of the engine
 

Fx02

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May 14, 2004
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I'm not as so worried about the physical test as I'am to the written test. I'm a type of person that would freak out if a test was given to me.

So If I know the areas to concentrate in, I won't be too worried.
 

HRmmm...well, I do hope they offer training after you get hired if you go in cold. Unless you have at least a FF2 cert, you might have a difficult time on that test.

Something they might ask on a written test:

"You pull up on the scene of a 2 story, 3 bedroom house fire. You see flame coming out the kitchen window and flame extention up to the second story. There is a report of 1 family member not present. *Insert diagram here or picture* At which direction to you attack the fire to minimize the risk of heat and smoke being pushed into the stairwell?"

Note, if you have no idea what I just said, you might want to pick up a book and read about firefighting tactics and fire behovior. If they ask you hose lay questions or anything like that, well...you are kinda screwed.

BTW, brush up on your math. Pumping requires some kind of math skills.

Come to think of it, they also might ask about priorities in a fire..HINT, YOU ARE FIRST, THEN YOUR CREW, THEN EVERYONE ELSE. I'll ask my brother what New York tested on and I'll try to get back to you, their tests are probably very similar.
 

Yossarian

Lifer
Dec 26, 2000
18,010
1
81
Originally posted by: FallenHero


Come to think of it, they also might ask about priorities in a fire..HINT, YOU ARE FIRST, THEN YOUR CREW, THEN EVERYONE ELSE. I'll ask my brother what New York tested on and I'll try to get back to you, their tests are probably very similar.

fvck that, my stuff comes first!!!
 

Fx02

Member
May 14, 2004
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Originally posted by: FallenHero
HRmmm...well, I do hope they offer training after you get hired if you go in cold. Unless you have at least a FF2 cert, you might have a difficult time on that test.

Something they might ask on a written test:

"You pull up on the scene of a 2 story, 3 bedroom house fire. You see flame coming out the kitchen window and flame extention up to the second story. There is a report of 1 family member not present. *Insert diagram here or picture* At which direction to you attack the fire to minimize the risk of heat and smoke being pushed into the stairwell?"

Note, if you have no idea what I just said, you might want to pick up a book and read about firefighting tactics and fire behovior. If they ask you hose lay questions or anything like that, well...you are kinda screwed.

BTW, brush up on your math. Pumping requires some kind of math skills.

Come to think of it, they also might ask about priorities in a fire..HINT, YOU ARE FIRST, THEN YOUR CREW, THEN EVERYONE ELSE. I'll ask my brother what New York tested on and I'll try to get back to you, their tests are probably very similar.

I really do appreciate you taking the time to respond to my questions. If you do get a chance, talk to your brother and ask him about the exam. Like you said, the exam are pretty much simiar. About the math... what areas shoud I concentrate in? Algebra, Geometry, Calculus??
 

BHeemsoth

Platinum Member
Jul 30, 2002
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I am taking the municipal fire entrance exam next month for the county I llive in.

They sent me a book to review with, so LA may do the same.

Looks like it focues on basic tactics, medical assistance, physics of fire, and basic extingushing techniques.

-Brian
 

911paramedic

Diamond Member
Jan 7, 2002
9,448
1
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There isn't anything about firefighting procedures on the entrance test.

You will have a section on reading comprehension, one with math problems, judgement questions (again, not on putting out fires), basic pressure type questions (ex: the psi at the bottom of a closed hose hose is 50psi, what is it at the top of the 100ft building?), and lots of "what is this tool?" questions. There are also lots of SAT type questions, "what does this make when you fold it up?", "dumbass is to dunce cap as baseball player is to ??", and that sort of thing.

I suggest you pick up one of those books with the practice tests so you can get a feel for them. (almost any bookstore)

Good luck.
 

Fx02

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May 14, 2004
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I suggest you pick up one of those books with the practice tests so you can get a feel for them. (almost any bookstore)

Good luck.[/quote]

I apologize for being ignorant, but what book should I be picking up? Are there specific books in mind that cover the material on the exam?

Thanks for tips!
 

My brother is working and I really don't like to bother him. I'll see what I can find out tomorrow. Also, mostly algebra. they MIGHT have you do it...how soon do you have before you take it? I would maybe suggest going to the local FD and asking them, they might be able to tell you exact questions.

If you don't pass this time (or at least get accepted) don't worry. I would suggest taking a firefighter 2 course and probably get an EMT license while you are at it so you are more prepared next time around. It might take a couple months to get on, or many years. Don't give up and just keep trying places out.

But yea, I'll get back to you when I know.
 

HappyPuppy

Lifer
Apr 5, 2001
16,997
2
71
You should be worrying more about the physical test than the written test. It is far more grueling than you seem to think. Many, many try, but few succeed.
 

lavagirl669

Diamond Member
Apr 21, 2004
3,325
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My Sister took the Hawaii County Firefighter test....she passed all tests so far.

I can ask her if you want, although I would think different states would be
different.

I remeber she had a study guide, and I know you can get those at Borders.
 

lavagirl669

Diamond Member
Apr 21, 2004
3,325
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Originally posted by: Fx02
I'm not as so worried about the physical test as I'am to the written test. I'm a type of person that would freak out if a test was given to me.

So If I know the areas to concentrate in, I won't be too worried.

I would be worried about the physical test if I were you.

We watched my Sis take it, and she beat out a bunch of guys
and a LOT of guys didn't pass....esp the dragging the dummy test (140lbs)
in under 16 seconds.

Guys were puking afterward.

You may think.....a girl could do it? No problem....uh uh...my Sister is in fantastic
shape, and trained really really hard prior to the test.