3rd Edition Chapter 2 Preparing for Promotion

Question 1

Also known as the patronage system. The practice of making appointments to public office based on a personal relationship or affiliation rather than because of merit?

Answer 1

Spoils System

Question 2

What Act was enacted by congress in 1883 in response to the extensive corruption at Tammany Hall in New York City and the many other publicized abuses of the patronage system?

Answer 2

Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act

Question 3

Attributes or qualities that can be described and measured during a promotional examination?

Answer 3

Dimensions

Question 4

What are the six most common dimensions of a promotional examination?

Answer 4

1. Oral Communication
2. Written Communication
3. Problem Analysis
4. Judgement
5. Organizational Sensitivity
6. Planning/Organizing

Question 5

Promotional candidates are placed according to the order they scored?

Answer 5

Rank-Ordered List

Question 6

Promotional candidates are placed into groups?

Answer 6

Banded List

Question 7

The municipality’s personnel or human resources department uses two documents to define the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are required for every classified position within the municipality?

Answer 7

1. Narrative Job Description

2. Technical Class Specification

Question 8

The traits required for every classified position within the municipality. Defined by a narrative job description and a technical class specification?

Answer 8

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

Question 9

Summarizes the scope of the job and provides examples of the typical tasks a person holding that position would be expected to perform?

Answer 9

Narrative Job Description

Question 10

A technical worksheet that quantifies the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) by frequency and importance for every classified job within the local civil service agency?

Answer 10

Technical Class Specification

Question 11

What are some components frequently utilized for a promotional exam?

Answer 11

1. Multiple-Choice Written Examination
2. Assessment Centers
3. Emergency Incident Simulations
4. Interpersonal Interaction
5. Writing or Speaking Exercise
6. Technical Skills Demonstration

Question 12

What are three options for constructing a multiple-choice written examination test?

Answer 12

1. Local exam committee develops the test and the committee members write the questions.
2. Private companies may develop generic exams that are used by many fire departments
3. The department hires a consultant to write a more specific examination that is directed toward local priorities

Question 13

The committee has certified that the knowledge being measured by the question is required on the job and referenced to known standards?

Answer 13

Job-Content/Criterion-Referenced Validity

Question 14

The characteristic where a test measures what it is intended to measure on a consistent basis?

Answer 14

Reliability

Question 15

A series of simulation exercises that are used to evaluate a candidate’s competence in performing the actual tasks associated with a job?

Answer 15

Assessment Centers

Question 16

A promotional examination component in which the candidate deals with correspondence and related items accumulated in a fire officer’s desk?

Answer 16

In-Basket Exercise

Question 17

A suggested method for handling promotional in-baskets exam?

Answer 17

1. Review
2. Prioritize
3. Identify Resources/Options/Alternatives
4. Follow-up
5. Make Notifications

Question 18

Often included in a promotional examination to test the candidate’s ability to perform in the role of officer at a fire or some other type of situation?

Answer 18

Emergency Incident Simulation

Question 19

Emergency incident simulations fall into four formats?

Answer 19

1. Data Dump Questions
2. Mock Emergency Incident
3. Interactive Emergency Scene Simulation
4. Full-Scale Incident Simulation

Question 20

The candidate is provided with information concerning an emergency situation, usually in a written format that includes pictures or pre incident plan information. The candidate has to explain which actions would be taken in the situation described and which factors would be considered in the making of those decisions. It provides an opportunity for the candidate to demonstrate a depth of knowledge about a particular subject?

Answer 20

Data Dump Question

Question 21

The candidate is provided with a set of basic information concerning an emergency incident to begin the exercise. As the simulation progresses, the candidate is provided with additional updates of the situation?

Answer 21

Mock Emergency Incident

Question 22

The candidate participates in an interactive simulation in a classroom or incident simulation trainer?

Answer 22

Interactive Emergency Scene Simulation

Question 23

The candidate actually dons protective clothing, climb into the officer’s seat on an apparatus, and responds to a realistic scenario with a crew of firefighters?

Answer 23

Full-Scale Incident Simulation

Question 24

Designed to test a candidate’s ability to perform effectively as a supervisor. The candidate has to deal with a role player who has a problem, complaint, or dilemma?

Answer 24

Interpersonal Interaction

Question 25

What are the key points to an interpersonal interactive assessment exam?

Answer 25

1. Maintain control of the interview
2. Tell the employee the exact behavior you expect
3. Give the employee a deadline to demonstrate a consistent behavioral change
4. Specifically arrange for follow-up meetings
5. Attempt to get the employee to buy into or take personal responsibility for the improvement plan
6. Be an empathetic listener, but remain focused on the reason for the interview
7. Clearly explain the consequences if the employee’s behavior does not change or improve
8. Try to finish the session on a positive note

Question 26

A successful approach for an interpersonal interaction exercise is for the candidate to demonstrate the qualities of what?

Answer 26

Extreme Supervisor

Question 27

A fire officer candidate should expect to deliver a short oral presentation or write a memo or report as part of the assessment center process?

Answer 27

Writing or Speaking Exercise

Question 28

For some supervising fire officer examinations, the candidate might also be required to demonstrate very specific technical skills?

Answer 28

Technical Skills Demonstration

Question 29

What are two study techniques for a promotional examination?

Answer 29

1. Build a Personal Study Journal

2. Participate in role-playing activities

Question 30

A personal notebook to aid in scheduling and tracking a candidate’s promotional preparation progress?

Answer 30

Personal Study Journal

Question 31

What’s needs to be done to be effective in role-playing exercises?

Answer 31

Act naturally during the examination, while making supervisory decisions that are strictly based on policies and regulations

Question 32

What is one of the best ways to prepare for role-playing exercises?

Answer 32

Experience working in one of the busier or larger fire stations within your department