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Frequently Asked Questions – Fire Captain Examination

During the CIFA meetings the members agreed that candidate questions that could apply to all candidates would be complied into one document in an attempt to provide all candidates equal access to the same information. This document will be updated on an ongoing basis.

Examination Information:

1. Where can the dates for the Fire Captain promotional examinations phasesbe found? (9/18/2020)

- The examination dates for the phases of the Fire Captain promotionalexamination can be found in the Important Dates document. The most recentImportant Dates document can be found on the Commission’s website at;https://www.columbus.gov/civilservice/uniformed-fire-series/Fire-Captain/. Onceon the webpage, select the Fire Lieutenant & Captain Promotional ExamsImportant Dates document. The Important Dates document will be updated if anychanges to the examination dates occur. The CIFA minutes contain draft examdates which include some dates that are no longer accurate, therefore it isimportant to use the Important Date’s document described above.

2. How many applications were received for Fire Captain? (10/2/2020)- The Civil Service Commission received 73 applications for the Fire Captain

promotional examination. The number of individuals invited to Phase I may differonce those individuals who do not meet the minimum requirements are removedfrom the process.

3. Will the results for all scores be posted of the CSC website? (5/5/2021)- Raw scores for each of the phases and ranking for all candidates on the eligible

list will be posted in a password protected document to the CSC website oncescores become final. The password will be included in the final results notice.

4. When I received my tentative results notice, I submitted a public recordsrequest for all scores, why do I have to wait until the eligible list isestablished to receive all candidate scores? (5/11/2021)

‐ Individual scores released to candidates in results notices during the tentative results period are tentative and subject to change. Scores released as part of the tentative results are being verified by multiple parties including the IAFF (seniority points), the IAFF consultant (all scores), and candidates (paper inspection). Due to potential changes of the tentative results, public records requests for scores are not fulfilled until scores are finalized and the eligible list is established. 

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Reading List:

1. When will a tentative/final reading list be available? (4/7/2020) - Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, their currently is no timetable for when the

reading lists for the upcoming fire promotional exams will be released. Once it is determined that the reading lists may be released the Civil Service Commission will work with the Division of Fire and the IAFF, Local 67 to determine how best to inform potential candidates. The approved minutes from the CIFA minutes posted to the Civil Service Commission website does contains draft versions of each ranks reading lists. However these are not finalized reading lists and are subject to change. Furthermore the Civil Service Commission will not post the edited internal source materials until the reading lists have been released.

2. Where are the reading lists located? (4/17/2020) - The reading list for the Fire Captain exam can be found in the following locations:

o The Civil Service Webpage: https://www.columbus.gov/civilservice/uniformed-fire-

series/FireCaptain/ Click on the reading list link.

o Target Solutions: Go to the target solutions home page click File Center (located on

the left), then click CSC Promotional Materials and select the folder for the captain rank.

3. Where are the internal source materials located? (4/17/2020) - The internal source materials are located on Target Solutions. To access them

go to the target solutions home page click File Center (located on the left), then click CSC Promotional Materials and select the folder for the captain rank.

4. Can internal source materials be attained from somewhere other than

Target Solutions? (4/17/2020) - The internal source materials being used to develop the 2021 fire promotional

examinations can only be found on Target Solutions. These sources have been edited for examination purposes. Materials attained from other places may contain information that is not being tested.

5. Are their sections or pages within the internal source materials that are

excluded similar to past examinations? (4/17/2020) - Per the 2021 Fire Captain Promotional Exam Reading list, the sources that

appear with an asterisk have been edited, omitting limited sections. Sources without an asterisk have not been edited. There are no other exclusions to the internal or external sources. It is important to only use the version of the sources provided on Target Solutions in the CSC Promotional Materials folder.

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6. Is everything within the internal sources posted to target solutions testable on the examinations? (4/17/2020)

- Everything within the source materials posted onto Target Solutions may be tested on the phases indicated on the reading list.

7. Is a list of the omitted information of the internal sources for the exam

available? (4/20/2020) - No list of the omitted sections from the source materials is available. All omitted

sections have been removed from the internal exam materials posted to Target Solutions. Everything within the source materials posted onto Target Solutions may be tested on the phases indicated on the reading list.

8. Are the sections of the EMS protocol found at the end of the SOP

document on Target Solutions part of the exam materials? (4/23/2020) - The portions of the EMS protocol found at the end of the SOP document on

Target Solutions are part of the exam materials and may be tested on all phases of the exam identified for the SOPs.

9. Within the index of the SOP manual on Target Solutions some of the

sections are shaded in grey or have an asterisk after them. What do they mean? Is the tested topic only what is printed or are we responsible for the revision also? (8/6/2020)

- The grey shading and asterisks are Division of Fire (CFD) notations and were not made by the CSC. Their meaning has nothing to do with the tests, therefore, these areas are subject to testing. The internal source materials for the test are located on Target Solutions through the “CSC Promotional Materials 2021-2022” link. Any CFD revisions made to sources that are not already included through this link will not be subject to testing. Here’s what the Target Solutions link to the promotional materials look like:

10. If internal sources contradict one another, how should these materials be studied? (10/13/2020)

‐ Everything within the source materials posted to Target Solutions may be tested on the phases indicated on the reading lists. If contradictions do exist, study the most up-to-date material. Look at the revision dates to determine the most up-to-date materials.

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Exam Qualifications:

1. What are the minimum Qualifications for taking the exam? (4/23/2020)

- The minimum qualifications for taking the exam are one (1) year of continuous accredited service as a permanent appointee in the class of Fire Lieutenant by the expiration of the current Fire Captain eligible list. The current Fire Captain eligible list is currently set to expire on May 15, 2021 at 11:59 pm. Possession of a valid State of Ohio motor vehicle operator's license is also required.

2. Are applicants permitted to test if a supplemental question is answered “no”? (9/18/2020)

- When answering the supplemental questions and completing the application, an applicant is attesting to the fact that they are answering the questions truthfully. The CSC plans to review the minimum qualifications for Fire Lieutenant and Fire Captain on September 28, 2020. When conducting this review, the first action the reviewer checks for is responses of “no” to any of the supplemental questions. These applicants will be rejected. The CSC will send such applicants, if any, a rejection notice that will read, in part, “In accordance with Civil Service Rule XIII (G), you may request a review of this decision to the Commission within ten (10) days from the date of this letter. Along with your request, please provide proper documentation supporting your request.” As such, if the applicant mistakenly answered “no” when responding to the questions, the applicant has recourse to correct the error.

Exam Accommodations:

1. When should an accommodation be requested? (4/23/2020) - Once the exam dates for the 2021 Fire promotional exams are finalized, a

request for accommodation should be submitted as soon as you are aware it is necessary, so that efforts can be made to accommodate your request. The official forms are located on the Commission’s website. For promotional exams, the most typical form needed is Testing Accommodation – Not ADA, it can be accessed by clicking on the following link: Testing Accommodation - Not ADA. A Revised 6/05/2020 request for accommodation form should be completed and returned to the Commission along with supporting documentation.

2. Will there be provisions for candidates who are quarantined due to exposure to covid-19 patients at work? (8/27/2020)

- The Test Plans have not been submitted to the IAFF, yet. The Test Plans will state the following:

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- For CSC testing which occurs during the COVID-19 pandemic, the CSC will be following the City of Columbus COVID-19 precautions and guidelines. The CSC’s stance on test-day no-shows remains unchanged, that is, the CSC gives only proctored exams on the same test date as other candidates for all fire promotional exams. No accommodations are given to candidates who are ill or injured. With military test accommodations, the CSC allowed them when they can be proctored at a remote location on the same test date. For fire promotional tests, CSC does not give make-up exams after test day. Once an exam is given, the exam content is exposed and cheating can occur. As such, no accommodations can be made for COVID-19 related illness or quarantines. Due to the highly contagious nature of COVID-19, remote proctored exam administrations on the same test day to quarantined candidates is not an option.

Information Sessions:

1. When will the dates for the information sessions and testing be finalized? (6/5/2020)

- The Information Sessions and Examination dates will be finalized when the Test Plan, which documents plans for testing, has been finalized. The finalization of the test plan includes review by the IAFF’s testing expert as documented in the IAFF contract. At this time we do not have an exact date when this will occur, however, tentative dates for the information sessions and testing process have been provided as part of the CIFA minutes on the Commission’s website.

Multiple Choice Exam:

1. Can I leave the building after I finish the multiple-Choice exam? (1/19/2021) - Yes, Candidates will be asked to leave the testing room after the MC exam and

should leave the building. Captain candidates will not be permitted back into the testing room once they have left.

2. How any candidates took the Multiple-Choice examination? (1/27/2021) - 47 candidates took the Multiple-Choice examination.

3. Is the average score based on the score of all candidates or only the

scores of those who are moving on to the next phase? (2/19/2021) - The average score that was given to candidates during the paper inspection

reflects the average for all candidates that took the multiple-choice exam. 4. How many Fire Captain candidates are moving on to Phase II of the exam?

(2/17/2021) - Of the 47 candidates who took the Fire Captain Multiple-Choice Exam, 35 will be

moving on to the next phase.

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Tactical Exam:

1. Will the preparation period be a consistent and standard time for all recorded scenarios? If so, how long is that time period? (2/4/2021)

- Any preparation periods for the 2021 Fire Captain Tactical Exam are embedded

into the exam video. The exam material is currently under review and subject to change, thus we cannot release this specific information.

2. If the preparation time periods differ in length, when and how will the candidate be notified of the preparation start and stop times? (2/4/2021)

- The video narrator will announce the length of time for any preparation period. The video narrator will also announce when any preparation period begins and ends. A countdown timer will also be embedded in the exam video.

3. If a candidate experiences technical difficulties, Civil Service has instructed candidates to notify a “monitor” stationed outside the exam room. Will the scenario be re-started once the issue is fixed? Will the candidate lose the time spent fixing the issue? (2/4/2021)

- The resolution for any technical difficulties will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The circumstances of the technical difficulty will need to be considered. To help alleviate any technical difficulties in a timely manner, notify a CSC monitor as soon as possible.

4. In preparation for the Fire Captain Tactical Exam, I was watching the "2019 Fire Captain Training Video" that is listed on the CSC webpage for candidates. In that video, it references some paperwork that we would have in front of us. I haven’t been able to find that document on the CSC webpage. Would you be able to tell me where it is? (2/16/2021)

- The CSC will post the sample written test materials referenced in the 2019 Fire Captain Training Video on the same date the admission notices are sent, February 22, 2021. CSC plans for these materials to go live on the CSC website by 6 p.m.

5. Will timing devices be permitted in the tactical portion of the 2021 Fire

Captain Exam? (2/16/2021) - The 2021 Fire Captain Tactical Exam will have a countdown timer embedded in

the exam video for each preparation period and scenario response time. The countdown timers embedded in the exam video will be the official timers for the exam. Thus, timers will not be permitted for this phase of the exam.

6. Will the Fire Captain Tactical exam be administered in the oral board

rooms? (2/16/2021) - CSC plans to administer the 2021 Fire Captain Tactical in the Oral Board rooms

on the 2nd floor at 1111 East Broad Street.

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7. The practice video on the CSC website shows two different lengths for response times. One is two minutes and the other is four minutes. Are these the times I will be given on test day? (2/16/2021)

- The 2021 Captain Tactical Exam is still under review. Therefore, the response times are subject to change. The response times may vary for each question depending on what is asked and allowing adequate time for a response. It is expected that the response times will be similar to those in the practice video on the CSC website.

8. Will the Fire Captain Oral Board admission notices, scheduled to be delivered on March 9, have the final Tactical scores (since it is after the Tactical appeals)? (2/23/2021)

- The Captain Tactical exam is scored by external assessors the week of the oral board exam which is planned for the week of April 12, 2021. Since the scoring of this exam occurs after the Oral Board admission notices are sent, the admission notices will not include the Captain Tactical scores. Candidates will receive their tactical scores in their tentative results notice, which is scheduled to be sent on May 3, 2021.

9. Can I have a copy of the audio portion of my 2021 Fire Captain Phase II (Tactical Exercise) Exam? (3/19/2021) - The requested information is test material and cannot be released due to its

confidential nature. The release of these records is protected by Ohio Revised Code Section 124.09, Columbus Civil Service Commission (CSC) Rule XIX, and the City’s collective bargaining agreement with the Columbus Fire Fighters Union Local 67 Article 23.1, which provides the promotional process is subject to CSC Rules.

- These Rules provide: 1. all examinations, examination materials, and papers shall be kept confidential

to the maximum extent permitted by law; 2. that necessary precautions be taken to protect confidential materials … and

to ensure fairness, and 3. that examinees will not be permitted to inspect examination materials except

immediately following testing for purposes of filing appeals. - As such, the disclosure of the audio portion of the 2021 Fire Captain Tactical

Exercise would violate these provisions and therefore, cannot be provided.

9. How “fair” is it to use two scenarios from the 2017 Fire Captain Tactical Exercise? Didn’t this provide an unfair advantage for candidates who took that test and reviewed that scoring key? (3/19/2021)

- First, the scenarios used in the 2017 Fire Captain Tactical Exercise were not the same as the 2021 Fire Captain Tactical Exercise. In consultation with new outside subject matter experts, CSC analysts created the 2021 Fire Captain Tactical Exam. CSC developed these exams and scoring keys anew. However,

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similarities to previous exams are not surprising. The knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform Fire Captain core job tasks during an emergency scene response and the type of emergency scenes encountered are similar across the nation. Further, the Standard Operating Procedures used to respond to emergency scenes are similar and often the same from year to year. Since there are a limited number of emergency situations that are well-documented in source materials and that allow CSC to assess the level of complexity at the Fire Captain rank, similar (not exact) exercises will appear in future exams. The likelihood of having similar exercises is precisely why the CSC limits access to exams that have already been administered. Candidates who have taken a previous exam are limited to viewing the exam during the test and the designated appeal periods. During these periods, CSC takes great lengths to ensure the confidentiality of the test and key by:

1. not allowing test materials to leave the test site and review site; 2. not allowing candidates to access to communication devices such that they

can copy or send information to individuals outside the room; 3. not allowing candidates to write in their source materials during the review

periods(s); 4. not allowing candidates to walk in and out of appeal rooms; and 5. allowing candidates only one of the three days to review the test materials

(new confidentiality measure in 2021).

- As a result of these practices, previous test-takers have limited exposure to the tests. Further, since candidates do not have access to the information between test cycles, the time between these exposures is two years, thus limiting any advantages.

11. Since the Fire Captain Tactical Exercise already occurred, why is the audio

portion of my exam considered confidential? (3/19/2021) - The CSC considers the test, test keys, and test responses as confidential. Since

elements of the 2021 Fire Tactical Exams will likely be included in future exams, the CSC limits the exposure of the test and the test key to the greatest extent permitted. The CSC will continue to maintain the confidentiality of these materials to the fullest extent permitted by law. In this Frequently Asked Questions document, questions and answers #9 and #10 (in this Tactical Exam Section) provide additional reasoning in response to this question.

12. Will there be a video review of the Captain Tactical exam? (5/11/2021) - Although there is no video review during the paper inspection, there will be an

audio review for the Captain Tactical exam. It will be held the same time as the Oral Board video review, June 14, 15, and 16, 2021 at 1111 East Broad Street, by appointment only. The exam results notice will provide information on how to schedule an appointment. Candidates are encouraged to bring a mentor to the review in the rank being tested for or above (captain or above). No appeals or petitions will be accepted during the oral board or tactical review. Candidates will

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not be able to review their score sheets during the review. The review is a time to assess your own performance for personal development and improve skills.

13. I don’t agree with my command demeanor score, can I appeal it? (5/11/2021)

- No. When the tactical exams were scored, three assessors scored each scenario to ensure accuracy in scoring. For consistency, each candidate was scored by the same three assessors per scenario. During scoring, exam videos were replayed as many times as needed, so that assessors could accurately determine the candidate’s score. For command demeanor, the scores of the assessors were averaged by each keyed response in the commander demeanor section to obtain an average for each command demeanor behavioral component. The use of multiple assessors in the scoring process provides a stronger scoring process compared to using a single assessor. Command demeanor relied on the assessors’ expert judgment of each candidate’s performance on the exam.

Oral Board Exam:

1. Are highlighters permitted to be brought to the Oral Board Examination? (3/12/2021)

- Yes, candidates are permitted to bring highlighters 2. Are candidates permitted to write on test materials? (3/12/2021) - Candidates are permitted to write on test materials on test day, however may not

write in their sources.

3. What materials are permitted to be used during the preparation period of the oral board examination? (3/12/2021)

- You will be permitted to use the sources listed on the reading list while preparing for the oral board exercises. You will not be permitted to bring any prepared notes or outlines into the preparation room. CSC reserves the right to inspect materials at the test site.

Seniority Points:

1. How are seniority points calculated for promotional examinations? (5/4/2021)

Promotional Examinations.

Except as otherwise provided by the CSC, seniority points shall be added to the passing scores as provided in CSC Rule VII.

In the uniformed ranks, seniority points shall be given for all half years of accredited service which have been accrued as of the test date. Accredited service shall mean

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all time elapsed from the date of appointment to a position in the lowest ranking uniformed classification in the appropriate division as reflected in the Division’s Official Seniority Roster in effect at the close of the filing period.

On promotional examinations for Fire Lieutenant, an applicant may earn up to ten seniority points. Points shall be computed as follows: (1) One point shall be awarded for each of the first four years of accredited service in the division. (2) Six-tenths of a point shall be awarded for each of the next ten years of accredited service in the division.

On promotional examinations for ranks above Fire Lieutenant, the above statement shall apply, and in addition, an applicant shall be awarded one point for each of the first five years of accredited service in the class or classes which makes the applicant eligible for the examination.

Seniority points are calculated by subtracting the first date of testing from the hire date and for the ranks of Fire Captain and above, CSC uses the promotional date. The following are directions for calculating seniority points.

– Enter the Test Date similar to the example below – Year, Month, Day

• For the 2021 administration that would be – 2021-1-26

– Enter the hire or appointment date similar to the example above – Year, Month, Day

– When making the calculation you are subtracting the dates. Normal subtraction principals are used. Note that when borrowing for various columns make sure you borrow the correct number. Below is an example:

• 2021-1-26 ---- First date of testing for the 2021 administration

• 2010-3-30 ---- Hire date

– To subtract 30 days from 26 days you must borrow from the month’s column. You will borrow 30 days. The 26 now becomes 56 and the 1 becomes a 0. This will result in 26 days. To subtract 0 month from 3 months you must borrow from the year’s column. You will borrow 12 months. The 0 becomes 12 and the year 2021 becomes 2020. This results in a total of 10 years, 9 months, and 26 days.

‐ Once you have calculated the dates, use the following Years of Permanent Service Chart to find out the total number of seniority points earned:

Years of Permanent Service Chart

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‐ The above example of 10 years, 9 months, and 26 days would earn 7.9 seniority points.

‐ The seniority is credited for half years of service. ‐ If a candidate has 8 years and 5 months of service they would receive

points for 8 years, or 6.4 points. ‐ If a candidate has 8 years and 10 months of service they would receive

points for 8 1/2 years, or 6.7 points.

‐ For the ranks testing for Fire Captain or above the same principles apply. ‐ When making the calculation you are subtracting the dates. Normal

subtraction principals are used. Note that when borrowing for various columns make sure you borrow the correct number. Below is an example:

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o 2021-1-26 ---- First date of testing for the 2021 administration

o 1995-3-30 ---- Hire date

o 2017-10-10 ---- Promotion date

(2021-1-26 – 1995-3-30) To subtract 30 days from 26 days you must borrow from

the month’s column. You will borrow 30 days. The 26 now becomes 56 and the 1 becomes a 0. This will result in 26 days. To subtract 0 month from 3 months you must borrow from the year’s column. You will borrow 12 months. The 0 becomes 12 and the year 2021 becomes 2020. This results in a total of 25 years, 9 months, and 26 days.

(2021-1-26 – 2017-10-10) First subtract 10 days from 26 days. Next subtract the

months. To subtract 1 month from 10 months you must borrow from the year’s column. You will borrow 12 months. The 1 becomes 13 and the year 2021 becomes 2020. Finally subtract the years. This results in a total of 3 years, 3 months, and 16 days.

‐ Once you have calculated the dates use the Years of Permanent Service Chart (above) to find the number of seniority points earned for time in the Division and the Years in Current Class Chart (below) to find the number of points earned for time in the current promoted rank:

Years in Current Class Chart

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‐ The above example of 25 years, 9 months, and 26 days would earn 10.0 points for time with the Division and 3 years, 3 months, and 16 days would earn 3.0 points for time in the current promoted rank. When added together the total number of seniority points earned would be 13.0.

‐ The seniority is credited for half years of service. ‐ For example, when using the Years in Current Class Chart, if a

candidate has 4 years and 5 months of service they would receive points for 4 years, or 4.0 points.

‐ When using the Years in Current Class Chart, if a candidate has 4 years and 10 months of service they would receive points for 4 1/2 years, or 4.5 points.

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