FO Ch02

Question 0

A promotional examination component in which the candidate deals with correspondence and related items that have accumulated in a fire officer’s in-basket.

Answer 0

In-basket exercise

Question 1

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

Answer 1

Reliability

Question 2

Attributes or qualities that can be described and measured during a promotional examination; on average, 5 to 15 are measured. The six most commonly addressed are oral communication, written communication, problem analysis, judgment, organizational sensitivity, and planning/organizing.

Answer 2

Dimensions

Question 3

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 3

Class specification

Question 4

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. Such scandals of the New York City “Tweed Ring” and the Tammany Hall political machine (1865–1871) resulted in Congress passing the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883.

Answer 4

Spoils system

Question 5

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

Answer 5

Assessment centers

Question 6

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

Answer 6

Personal study journal

Question 7

A type of validity obtained through the use of a technical committee of job incumbents who certify that the knowledge being measured is required on the job and referenced to known standards.

Answer 7

Job-content/criterion-referenced validity

Question 8

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 8

Data dump questions

Question 9

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

Answer 9

Knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs)

Question 10

A narrative summary of the scope of a job. It provides examples of the typical tasks.

Answer 10

Job description