Massachusetts Fire Promotional Exams (and study advice)

Massachusetts Civil Service has released the released the promotional reading lists for both municipal fire departments statewide and for Boston. The list are:

Massachusetts Statewide Lieutenant:
Company Officer, 4th ed.
Inspection & Code Enforcement, 7th ed.
First Responder 8th ed., Brady
HazMat for 1st Responders 3rd ed.
NIMS FEMA 501, 2008 ed.
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 2nd ed
Building Construction Related to the Fire Service, 3rd ed.
Engine Company Fireground. Operations, 3rd ed.
LadderCompany Fireground. Operations, 3rd ed.

Massachusetts Statewide Captain:
Company Officer, 4th ed.
Inspection & Code Enforcement, 7th ed.
First Responder 8th ed., Brady
HazMat for 1st Responders 3rd ed.
NIMS FEMA 501, 2008 ed.
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 2nd ed
Collapse Of Burning Buildings
Strategic and Tactical Considerations on the Fireground, 2nd ed.
Supervision Today, 6th ed.

The Boston reading lists are the same, just without Pumping Apparatus and NIMS FEMA 501. Discounted packages for all four reading list are available from us at www.Fire-Police-EMS.com or by calling 800.522.8528.

They say nothing is free these days, especially when it comes to promotional exams, but here is some free advice we've learned throughout the years.

1. Should I use study guides? Some people swear by them, other people can't stand them. I usually recommend them. When being promoted can come down to a point or two, any edge you can get could prove to be the difference. Between software and print study guides there is something for almost every book!

2. Do I need to buy the texts or should I only use the study guides? If nothing else, buy the texts! The questions come from the texts. If you choose to only use the study guides, you could miss something. Again, only a few points can make a big difference. Even if you decide to only buy and tackle one text at a time, if you're taking the exam seriously you need the textbooks.

3. Whats the best way to study? If you have friends or associates (or people you barely know) on other departments who are also taking the test, for a study group. Discussing the books, answering each others questions, and debating points can bring to light information you may have missed. A dedicated study group can be a huge benefit for all involved. Everyone has to be dedicated though and make each meeting. No excuses!

4. What if I don't have time? Easy answer. Find the time. I know its not easy, but it can be done.Waiting around at the DMV? Bring a book. Visiting the in-laws? Bring a book. Going fishing? Bring a book. Or bring the whole study group! (Just leaves the beers in the cooler until after the books have been discussed). Use a text for bathroom reading. Read the children bedtime stories out of the texts (many people have said they're great for insomnia). Be willing to read and highlight any time you have some free time. Which leads to...

5. Notes and highlighting. Even if its just jotting down key ideas on a piece of paper, taking notes helps a lot of people. Make sure you understand it first, but going back and highlighting or taking notes gives you key ideas to look over on that big final review before test time. Plus, a study group can share notes to see what everyone found important.

Do you have nay other study tips? Let us know what has worked for you in the comments section.

Massachusetts Fire Chief Promo List posted and some friendly advice

Just a quick note to announce that Civil Service has released the Massachusetts Municipal District, Deputy and Fire Chief promotional reading list. The reading list is almost the same as last year, with the new 2008 edition of NIMS FEMA 501 replacing the 2004 edition. The list is:

Brannigan's Building Construction 4th ed.
Vincent Dunn's Safety & Survival On The Fireground
ICMA's Managing Fire & Rescue Services
IFSTA's Fire Detection & Suppression Systems 3rd ed.
IFSTA's HazMat For First Responders 3rd ed.
IFSTA's Introduction to Fire Origin & Cause 3rd ed.
NIMS FEMA 501
Strategic & Tactical Considerations on the Fireground 2nd ed.
The Human Challenge 7th ed.

the Boston list is the same as the statewide one, but without the NIMS book. A complete listing of all books and study guides can be found on our website at www.fire-police-ems.com.

We've covered our advice for studying in previous blog posts, but some to save you looking back we'll give you another quick rundown here.

Study guides are encouraged, but only if you are going to use them. I'd say the majority of people get them, but if you're usure its best to wait. The study guides will always be available and can be purchased later. And don't think you can pass by only reading the study guides. I'm yet to hear of any cases where this strategy worked.

If you're unsure you may not want to buy all the books at once. You save money on shipping that way, but you don't want to psych yourself out before you even get going. Many times we've had books returned to us because "it just looks like too much".

Its a lot of reading with only 6 onths to do it, but you need to dedicate yourself to studying. If you have some free time try to resist watching Sportscenter and pick up one of your books. The more time you put in, the better your chances of gettting the high score.

Study groups are also a great way to help each other learn the books, but everyone must be fully gung ho. No skipping meetings or cancelling because you got Sox tickets. Offer the Sox tickets to your friendly FSP sales associates, and head off to your study group.

If you have other study tips we'd love to hear them. Post them in the comments and we'll stick them in a follow up blog later. Rememember for last products and reading list announcements follow us on twitter http://twitter.com/FSPbooks and Facebook. Questions or comments? Email support@fire-police-ems.com.

New 2009 Fire Department Promotional Reading List

Much like we did with the police list, we just wanted to make a quick mention that the 2009 Massachusetts Statewide Fire Lieutenant and Captain Promotional Reading List has been released.

Books on the Massachusetts Fire Lieutenant Exam are:
Company Officer 4th ed. (IFSTA)
Inspection & Code Enforcement 7th ed. (IFSTA)
First Responder 8th ed. (Brady)
HazMat for 1st Responders 3rd ed. (IFSTA)
National Incident Management System (FEMA 501)
Pumping Apparatus Driver / Operator Handbook 2nd ed. (IFSTA)
Building Construction Related to the Fire Service 2nd ed. (IFSTA)
Engine Company Fireground Operations 3rd ed. (NFPA / Jones & Bartlett)
Ladder Company Fireground Operations 3rd ed. (NFPA / Jones & Bartlett)

A full listing of the books and all available study resources can be found here.

Books on the Massachusetts Fire Captain Exam are:
Company Officer 4th ed. (IFSTA)
Inspection & Code Enforcement 7th ed. (IFSTA)
First Responder 8th ed. (Brady)
HazMat for 1st Responders 3rd ed. (IFSTA)
National Incident Management System (FEMA 501)
Pumping Apparatus Driver / Operator Handbook 2nd ed. (IFSTA)
Collapse of Burning Buildings (Fire Engineering)
Strategic & Tactical Considerations on the Fireground 2nd ed. (Brady)
Supervision Today 6th ed. (Prentice Hall)

A full listing of all the captain's books plus study resources can be found here.

The Boston Fire Dept. has pulled their reading list. There will be no test in 2009. Instead they expect to have a promotional test in 2010.

Discounted prices are available if the books are purchased as a set. Also, until the end of May we are offering free shipping on all orders over $50.

If you are planning on having a promotional exam and want to register your reading list with us for special discounts please email support@fire-police-ems.com. Also if you are planning a promotional exam but have questions about book availability or recommended reading, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're always here to help you out. Visit us online at www.fire-police-ems.com.