Chapter 2 - Preparing for promotion

Question 1

In 1883, Congress enacted ……….. in response to the extensive corruption at Tammany Hall in New York City and the many other publicized abuses of the patronage system

Answer 1

Pendleton civil service reform act

Question 2

New York City created the paid Metropolitan fire department in……….?

Answer 2

1865

Question 3

If the promotional examination is developed within the agency, who writes the questions and establishes it’s content?

Answer 3

The test committee members

Question 4

A narrative that summarizes the scope of the job and provides examples of the typical tasks a person holding that position would be expected to perform.

This also lists the KSAs needed at the time of appointment and any special requirement that apply.

Answer 4

Narrative Job description

Question 5

Knowledge, skills, and abilities that are required for every classified position within the municipality

Answer 5

KSAs

Question 6

This system is a core component of the civil service system and is used to determine the compensation level for a position?

For example, this would show why the base salary for a battalion chief is that 35% higher than that for a lieutenant, based on the KSAs.

Answer 6

Classification system

Question 7

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 7

Class specifications

Question 8

The ………… Examination usually includes many technical questions covering engine, truck, and rescue company operations.

Answer 8

Supervising fire officer examination

Question 9

A …………. examination usually includes fewer technical questions and more administration questions because the captain position involves more management responsibilities.

Answer 9

Managing fire officer

Question 10

The ……….. process was first developed in the officer corps of German army in the 1920s

A series of simulation exercises to identify a candidate competency to perform the job that is offered in the promotional examination

Answer 10

Assessment center

Question 11

Some public safety agencies begin to use assessment centers in promotional examinations in ………

Answer 11

Late 1970s

Question 12

The most common assessment center activity is the………….?

This timed exercise measures the candidates ability to organize prioritize delegate and follow up on administrative tasks.

Answer 12

In-basket exercise

Question 13

A promotional question that asks the candidate to write or describe all of the factors or issues covering a technical issue, such as suppression of a basement fire in a commercial property.

Answer 13

Data dump Question

Question 14

An …….. exercise is designed to test and candidates ability to perform effectively as a supervisor

Answer 14

Interpersonal exercise

Question 15

In some cases, and candidates ability to recognize an error and correct a response could be viewed as equal to having ……….

Answer 15

The right answer to every question

Question 16

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

Ex: Oral communication, written communication, problem analysis, judgment, organizational sensitivity, And planning/organizing

Answer 16

Dimensions

Question 17

The practice of making appointments to public office based on a personal relationship or affiliation rather than because of merit.

Also known as the patronage system

Answer 17

Spoils system

Question 18

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

Answer 18

Reliability

Question 19

The practice of making appointments to public office based on a personal relationship or affiliation rather than because of merit.

Answer 19

Spoils system, patronage system

Question 20

The spoils system scandals of the New York City “Tweed Ring” And the Tammany Hall political machine (1865-1871) resulted in Congress passing this act?

Answer 20

Pendleton civil service reform act of 1883