* Please note that testing equipment may vary and the videos are an indication of what candidates can expect but do not mirror exact test conditions.* 

Candidates wear a safety harness and ascend two-thirds of the way up a 13.5-metre ladder and take a leg-lock. They are then asked to lean backwards and outstretch their arms to the sides, and then whilst looking over their shoulder they are to say out loud what symbol is being shown by the assessor at ground level. This will test confidence at heights.  

Candidates put on a facemask with un-obscured vision although this will be in a dark environment.  They will make their way through a crawl and walkway. Once inside the crawl/walkway, they have their vision obscured and return to the start. This will test confidence, agility and stamina. 

Candidates are given a demonstration of the test before having to assemble and disassemble a number of components to make an item of equipment that will test manual dexterity.

Candidates are required to complete a series of tasks that simulate firefighting activities such as carrying equipment, running out hose and casualty evacuation, within a set time. This is a test of physical fitness. 

These programmes will help you train specifically for the drill ground assessment.

• Drill Ground Assessment Training – Session One
• Drill Ground Assessment Training – Session Two
• Drill Ground Assessment Training – Session Three

This video gives you some ideas of how you can train for the drill ground assessment at home or at a gym.

Candidates are required to lift the ladder lift simulator to the required height and lower it safely under control. The cradle is loaded with 15kg but including the weight of the equipment, the total is approximately 25kg.

Where a Ladder lift simulator is not available a 25kg barbell overhead press will be used instead.

Operational personnel are required to undertake role-based gym exercises as part of their routine 6 monthly fitness tests; we are considering aligning the recruitment standards to these tests. To help us make this decision and to help you prepare for operational duties we are including the same exercises at the physical testing stage.

The reason these exercises are important is because in the role you will have to work as part of a team. When an individual has deficit in functional fitness, they put themselves and other member of their team at risk of injury as others will have to lift more than they are expected to be capable of. We will always support individuals to develop fitness and improve to ensure they are fit for role.

You will have to complete the exercises below which are directly related to the tasks firefighters have to carry out.

These exercises will not affect the outcome of the recruitment process; we will only note your performance and will offer you support to improve in readiness for operational duties

Lift	Standard	Firefighting task this relates to:
Shoulder press x 1	35kg	Lifting a 13.5m ladder onto the top of an appliance The 13.5m ladder weighs approximately 100kg and is usually lifted by a crew of 4.  When putting the ladder back on top of the appliance there will come a point that only 2 individuals will be handling the ladder to complete the task. Therefore, a good level of upper body strength is required to complete this safely.
Rope pull x 1	60kg	Extend to lower a 13.5m ladder When the 13.5m ladder is fully extended it needs to be extended slightly further to release the catches before it can be lowered / retracted. This action is the equivalent of 60kg.
Rope pull x 23	28kg	Fully extending a 10.5m ladder When extending a ladder, a repeated pull action is required. This weight reflects the weight of the heaviest ladder a Firefighter would be expected to extend on their own.
Hex bar deadlift x 1	60kg	A deadlift is the basis for good manual handling. You will have to lift equipment from the floor or stowage and lift casualties / drag them with two hands. This exercise ensures you have a good level of strength to complete this safely.
Single arm deadlift x 1 (R and L)	28kg	Sometimes equipment must be carried using one hand for example moving the 13.5m ladder from the appliance to where it is going to be used as part of a crew.

These videos demonstrate what is involved in each of the exercises. You will be given a full briefing and demonstration on the day.

Whilst developing all round fitness should be your goal to help you meet the standard for the recruitment tests, should you wish to use it here is a specific programme to help you improve strength.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to equality of opportunity. If you would like information on the adjustments that can be made at this stage of the application process, please contact recruitment@rbfrs.co.uk.