The Montana Firefighter Testing Consortium is in its second day at the Montana ExpoPark.
Jeff Brandt, Montana Firefighter Testing Consortium co-chairman, said most people at the Consortium who are interested in being a firefighter are from the Northwest.
“We administer a written test and a physical test. Once those candidates are successful at passing that, then they have the ability to apply to the eleven cities and districts that participate in the consortium,” Brandt said.
The participating cities and districts include: Billings Fire Department, Bozeman Fire Department, Havre Fire Department, Butte Fire Department, Great Falls Fire Rescue, Helena Fire Department, Central Valley Fire District, Miles City Fire Department, Missoula Fire Department, Missoula Rural Fire District, and Big Sky Fire Department.
This year, 190 people participated in Monday’s written portion of the testing while 167 candidates completed the physical portion, which started on Tuesday. The physical test is developed around what men and women will do on the job.
Brandt added the best part about the consortium is meeting and talking with the candidates.
“What we really enjoy is having the candidates come and go through this process,” he said.
The testing is held once a year, and those who pass are eligible for hire until the next year’s testing.
