Selection Process
Stage 1 – Online Registration
During the online registration process, you will be asked to provide some personal details and complete a Realistic Job Preview. This interactive exercise is designed to help you gain a better understanding of the role of a Firefighter and assess whether it is the right career for you.
The results of the Realistic Job Preview are private and are provided solely for your own reflection and consideration. They will not form part of the assessment process or influence your application.
If you decide to continue with your application, you will then be asked to complete a series of questions to determine your eligibility to apply.
To be eligible to apply, you must be able to demonstrate that you:
Are 18 years of age or over on the 1st of March 2027 (there is no upper age limit).
Have the right to work in the UK.
Are physically, mentally and medically fit to undertake the role and meet the requirements of the National Firefighter Selection Tests and medical assessment.
Hold a full, valid UK driving licence.
Are able to satisfy the requirements of a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. You will be required to declare any convictions as part of the recruitment process. Further information can be found here
Can demonstrate personal qualities and behaviours that align with our Core Values and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Leadership Framework
Are committed to achieving a minimum Level 2 Welsh speaking standard within the first year of your employment if you do not already speak or understand Welsh to this level. Appropriate support and guidance will be provided to help you achieve this.
Once you have completed the Eligibility Assessment, we will review your responses and contact you to confirm whether you meet the eligibility requirements and advise you of the next stage of the recruitment process.
Please note: CVs, speculative applications, or any other form of application will not be accepted. Applications must be submitted through the online recruitment portal during the advertised recruitment period.
If you are a currently serving competent Firefighter, employed by a Local Authority Fire and Rescue Service, you may be fast tracked through some stages.
Stage 2 – Online Assessment
Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will be invited via e-mail to complete the full online assessment.
The online assessment process involves completing a Behavioural Styles Questionnaire, which explores your preferred behaviours in a working environment - no revision or additional study is required for this element.
You will also complete a Situational Judgement Test which measures your judgement and decision making skills in situations that are typical for the role - no knowledge or experience as a Firefighter is required to complete this test and no prior revision is needed.
Stage 3 – Written Ability Assessment
Should you successfully complete the online assessment, you will be invited to undertake the Working with Information Tests (WWI).
The Working with Information Tests include various elements such as, understanding information, working with numbers, problem solving etc.
You can access information to assist you in your preparation here.
Stage 4 – Physical Ability Assessment
If successful at Stage 3, you will be invited to attend the Physical and Practical Assessment day (PP).
The tests on this day are designed to assess your level of physical fitness in line with requirements of the role.
Stage 5 – Selection Interview
If successful at Stage 4, you will be invited to attend a Selection Interview (SI).
During the interview, you will be asked a series of questions designed to assess your knowledge, skills, behaviours and experience against the published criteria for the role. You should be prepared to provide specific, evidence based examples from your own experience and explain your individual contribution.
You will also be asked questions relating to your knowledge and understanding of the Firefighter role and the Service's Core Values.
The panel may ask follow-up questions where clarification or further evidence is required.
You will be assessed on the evidence you provide during the interview. The panel will assess the quality and relevance of your evidence against the assessment criteria and required behaviours.
You can choose to be interviewed in Welsh, English, or a combination of both, and we will ask you to confirm your preference in advance.
If you are successful in the recruitment process, you may be offered a position within a scheduled intake. If you are not selected for the initial intake but have passed the interview stage, we may retain your details for consideration for future Full-time Firefighter vacancies within a specified period. This does not guarantee an offer of employment, and any future appointment will be subject to available vacancies and the relevant recruitment requirements.
Stage 6 – Medical Assessment and Pre-Employment Checks
If you have been successful at appointment you will be invited to attend a Pre-Employment Medical Assessment with our Occupational Health Service. This assessment includes a Drug and Alcohol Test and forms an important part of the recruitment process.
Before a medical appointment can be arranged, you must provide evidence that you meet the required eyesight standards. You will therefore be asked to have an Eyesight Standards Form completed by a qualified optometrist.
To avoid unnecessary delays, and to minimise the risk of disappointment at a later stage, applicants may be asked to provide evidence of their eyesight standards earlier in the recruitment process.
Eyesight Requirements
The key eyesight requirements include:
A minimum visual acuity of 6/9 in each eye.
Good colour vision. Applicants with a colour vision deficiency may be required to undertake additional colour vision assessments.
Applicants who have undergone laser eye surgery will not normally be considered until 12 months after the date of the procedure.
If you are unsure whether you meet the required eyesight standards, we strongly recommend that you seek advice from a qualified optometrist as early as possible. In addition to any preliminary eyesight checks, further visual assessments may be undertaken during the medical stage of the recruitment process.
If you require glasses and depending on your eyesight, the Service can equip you with prescription safety glasses known as aids to vision.
Medical Standards
Firefighters work in demanding, unpredictable and potentially hazardous environments and may be exposed to significant physical and psychological challenges. As a result, the medical standards for entry into the Fire and Rescue Service are necessarily rigorous.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has a duty to reduce risks to employees and the public so far as is reasonably practicable. This means that any medical condition that presents a foreseeable and unacceptable occupational risk may affect an applicant’s suitability for appointment.
Medical suitability is assessed on an individual basis and cannot normally be determined until the later stages of the recruitment process. Medical conditions and their impact can vary significantly between individuals, so it is not possible to provide definitive guidance on every condition before a formal medical assessment.
We encourage applicants to be open and honest about their health and medical history throughout the recruitment process. Having a medical condition does not necessarily mean that you will be unsuitable for the role. Where appropriate, we will consider your individual circumstances and any relevant medical information, including reports or specialist opinions you wish to provide.
Our aim is to ensure that applicants have the opportunity to discuss their circumstances openly and that decisions are based on an individual assessment of their ability to safely undertake the role. Where relevant, we will also consider whether any reasonable adjustments or appropriate support can be provided.
The final decision regarding medical suitability and occupational risk rests with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, based on the available medical evidence and the requirements of the role.
Pre-Employment Checks
Alongside the medical assessment, successful applicants will be required to satisfactorily complete a range of pre-employment checks, including:
Verification of identity and right to work in the UK
Reference checks
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks
Qualifications and driving licence verification.
Appointment to the role will remain conditional until all required medical and pre-employment checks have been satisfactorily completed.
Stage 7 – Appointment
If you are successful throughout the recruitment process, you may be offered a conditional offer of employment. Any offer will be subject to several conditions, which will be outlined in your offer letter. These conditions will include the successful completion of mandatory training and the satisfactory completion of a probationary period.
We will work closely with successful candidates throughout the process to support them in meeting all required standards and to ensure they understand what is required at each stage. Where a required standard cannot be met, or any pre-employment checks are deemed unsatisfactory, the Service may need to reconsider or withdraw the offer of employment.
Once you have received and accepted a final offer of employment, you will begin your journey as a Full-time Firefighter. This will include undertaking the Level 3 Diploma in Emergency Fire and Rescue Service. Further information can be found here.
Your initial training will consist of a 16 week course primarily based at our Training Centre in Rhyl, where you will develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours required for the role. Following successful completion of this phase, you will be posted to a fire station within North Wales to continue your development and operational experience as part of your apprenticeship programme.