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State of New Jersey, Civil Service Commission
Governor Chris Christie • Lt.Governor Kim Guadagno
 
 
  1. How often does CSC hold tests for entry-level Firefighters?
  2. When will the new test be held?
  3. Where can I find announcement and application for entry level Firefighter exam?
  4. What does it cost to apply for entry-level Firefighter exams?
  5. Why does it cost $35 to apply for entry-level Firefighter exams?
  6. What happens to the lists of eligible candidates from previous entry-level Firefighter test when the new lists from current exam are released?
  7. Will candidates who passed previous entry-level Firefighter exam be able to carry over their scores to the current exam?
  8. What is my Applicant ID number?
  9. How can I get veterans preference?
  10. Once I take it, may I review the test?
  11. If I pass the test, will you tell me my rank on the list?
  12. What is a certification?
  13. Who does the actual hiring?
  14. Does being certified mean I’ll be interviewed or appointed?
  15. What about tie scores?
  16. Do veterans get preference?
  17. Do volunteer Firefighters receive extra points?

  1. How often does CSC hold tests for entry-level Firefighters?
    Applications are no longer being accepted.

    The latest Fire Fighter examination cycle was announced in January 2010. Please watch the CSC web site beginning in 2012 for updates as to when the next announcement will be made.

    Firefighter lists that were issued in November 2007 will expire when the list from the January 2010 announcement becomes active.

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  2. When will the new test be held?
    The firefighter announcement was released January 1, 2010.  The written exam (Cognitive and Teamwork video) was administered in October 2010.  The Physical Performance Test (PPT) is tentatively scheduled to run from April through June 2011.  Candidates will begin to receive their pass / fail notices between March and May 2011 depending on when each candidate is scheduled to take the PPT.  Candidates should now begin preparing themselves to take the PPT.

    Please note: 

    Non-consent decree candidates should NOT wait until they find out their pass / fail status to begin preparing because you will not receive your pass / fail notice until approximately three weeks prior to your test date.

    Consent decree candidates will be contacted by their respective fire departments regarding the PPT.

    All candidates that pass the written exam will be scheduled to take the PPT and must have a medical clearance form completed by their doctor prior to their test date.  Medical clearance forms will be mailed written exam passers with your pass / fail notice.  Failure to have your doctor complete a medical clearance will result in disqualification from the exam.  Your medical clearance form MUST be signed by your doctor within 60 days of your PPT test date.  Medical clearance forms that are signed by your doctor more than 60 days before your scheduled PPT date will not be accepted.

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  3. Where can I find announcement and application for entry level Firefighter exam?
    CSC is no longer accepting applications for the current Firefighter examination cycle. Please watch the CSC website beginning in 2012 for updates as to when the next announcement will be made.

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  4. What does it cost to apply for entry-level Firefighter exams?
    The application fee for the Firefighter examination is $35. For more information about fees and exemptions visit our     9 Steps to a New Career.

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  5. Why does it cost $35 to apply for entry-level Firefighter exams?
    The application fee offsets the cost of the Firefighter testing. Each candidate takes a written and video based exam and those who pass are invited to take the individual physical performance portion of the test. The expenses associated with multi-part testing also include rental of dozens of facilities throughout the state on multiple dates and hundreds of staff are scheduled to administer the exam. Also, portions of the test are purchased and a private vendor is paid to process the applications and score the exam.

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  6. What happens to the lists of eligible candidates from previous entry-level Firefighter test when the new lists from current exam are released?
    When the new lists are released, the old ones expire and will not be used any further.

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  7. Will candidates who passed previous entry-level Firefighter exam be able to carry over their scores to the current exam?
    No. If you want to be on the new list(s), you have to apply for the new exam before the closing date and take the test when it is scheduled.

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  8. What is my Applicant ID number?
    In accordance with NJSA 11A:4-1, all job applicants are requested to provide their Social Security Number (SSN) on applications to establish a unique means of identifying all of their records throughout the selection and appointment processes. Providing the SSN is voluntary. If you do not provide your SSN, another unique identification number will be assigned to you, and that number will appear on all subsequent records related to this test.

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  9. How can I get veterans preference?
    You will need to meet the veterans' preference     requirements of the NJ Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs (NJDMVA) in order to claim veterans' preference for any examination. If you do meet those requirements, you'll want to claim veterans' preference on the application form and submit the required proof to be awarded the preference for the Firefighter examination and all future CSC exams. If you do not submit the required documentation, you will not be able to claim veterans' status for this announcement.
    If you believe you meet the requirements but have not established veterans' preference since April 1, 1980, you should do so now. Completed claim forms, along with the required documentation, must be submitted directly to the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. You may visit NJDMVA's web site or contact them at 1-888-865-8387 to obtain a Civil Service Veterans Preference Claim Form or for more information.
    You don't have to wait for an exam to be announced to file for veteran's preference - in fact we encourage you to do it as soon as possible to ensure that your paperwork is processed on time for this exam. Preference must be established no later than 8 days prior to list issuance.

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  10. Once I take it, may I review the test?
    To protect the security of this examination, there will be no review of any test material.

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  11. If I pass the test, will you tell me my rank on the list?
    The eligibility notice will include your final average, veteran status and rank on the list for each jurisdiction that you are eligible.

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  12. What is a certification?
    It is a list of names that we provide to an Appointing Authority (AA) for a specific jurisdiction to use for their hiring process.

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  13. Who does the actual hiring?
    Each jurisdiction has its own Appointing Authority (AA) for the selection process. The CSC reviews the AA's documentation for each certification to ensure compliance with related rules and regulations. The CSC is not the Appointing Authority for entry-level Firefighter positions.

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  14. Does being certified mean I’ll be interviewed or appointed?
    No. It means you MAY be interviewed and/or considered for appointment if you are reachable on the certification list.

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  15. What about tie scores?
    We don't break ties. Candidates who have the same final average and veteran's status have equal ranking on a certification. For example, if there are 20 people on the certification with the same final average and they're all non-veterans, they will be listed in alphabetical order by their last names, but they all have the same rank on that certification. If one of them is reachable for an appointment, all are reachable and the Appointing Authority may hire any one of them.

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  16. Do veterans get preference?
    Yes, eligible candidates awarded disabled veteran status or veteran status under New Jersey law are grouped at the top of the employment list by their veteran status and then by their final averages. Disabled veterans are placed above veterans who, in turn, are placed ahead of non-veterans.

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  17. Do volunteer Firefighters receive extra points?
    Yes, Volunteer Firefighters receive extra points. The Appellate Division of New Jersey Superior Court made a determination on December 19, 2002, that interprets the preference provided by State Law N.J.S.A. 40A:14-45 to volunteer Firefighters in civil service jurisdictions. The law provides that volunteers with at least two years of volunteer service are eligible for 3 to 10 points of service credits (points) to be added to their passing score on the exam.
    New Jersey Civil Service rule N.J.A.C. 4A:4-2.15 (g) provides that the highest score for examination performance shall be 90 percent, to which the service credit points shall be added. The service credit points shall be calculated by adding one point to the years of service. For example, three points are added for two years of service, four points are added for three years of service and so on up to 10 points maximum. Any service time in excess of nine years shall be awarded the 10 point maximum. The service credit is calculated as of the Closing Date for filing applications for the examination announcement. Because there is no absolute volunteer Firefighter preference, there will no longer be a separate volunteer eligible list and a municipal eligible list. There will be one list for each jurisdiction which will include both volunteers and non-volunteers.

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