Testing and Assessment Services

Gledhill-Shaw Enterprises has worked with municipalities and Colleges in Southern Ontario since 1997. The firm administers a Functional Characteristics/Readiness Assessment (the OS-Fire Fighting) and, since 2001, the CPS – Entry Fire Fighter test.  These tools support Municipal Fire Department and College Program recruitment and candidate selection decisions.

The OS-Fire Fighting Assessment

The OS-Fire Fighting is a Functional Characteristics/ Readiness Assessment based on functional characteristics that are essential for effective fire fighter performance.  This assessment is based on specific occupational characteristics, identified by fire fighting experts as critical attributes for trainees and incumbents in the maintenance of public safety in fire and emergency situations. 

This assessment includes up to 250 questions that relate to specific emergency scenarios and work-place environments.  The assessment requires  candidates to solve and/or respond to these  circumstances.  Candidates must also solve basic mathematic and logical reasoning problems. Candidates can prepare by practicing solving emergency scenarios from news media and reviewing previous personal work environments.

Candidates are allowed a maximum of 2¼ hours to complete the assessment and are only permitted to bring pencils and erasers into the assessment room.

Text Box: Canadian Alliance “In 2001, Cooperative Personnel Services (CPS) teamed up with Gledhill-Shaw of Ontario Canada, to offer a test for entry-level firefighter and emergency services candidates. Gledhill-Shaw combined the CPS test with its Motivational Readiness Assessment (OS-Fire Fighting) to create an unbeatable combination that helps clients make better recruitment decisions.” CPS Human Resources Services, Annual Report 2002

The CPS - Entry Fire Fighter Test

The CPS is a cognitive test of selected knowledge, skills and aptitudes necessary to succeed as a fire fighter in today ’s environment.  This entry-level test helps identify those candidates who will perform well in training and go on to perform successfully on the job.

The CPS consists of 100 questions, divided into sections to gauge the candidate’s understanding of written and oral information, arithmetic reasoning, maps, diagrams and mechanical drawings and public relations/community living.  Candidates can prepare by studying basic mathematic and mechanical manuals and Fire Fighter preparatory material that is readily available in retail bookstores.

Candidates will be allowed a maximum of 2 hours to complete the test and are only permitted to bring pencils and erasers into the assessment room. 

Gledhill-Shaw is the Ontario distributor for the CPS Entry Fire Fighter test.  All customers must sign a CPS Test Security Agreement.